UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
UNU-IAS is a new UNU institute, created in January 2014 by consolidating the former UNU Institute of Advanced Studies and UNU Institute for Sustainability and Peace (UNU-ISP). It is based at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The mission of UNU-IAS is to serve the international community through policy relevant research and capacity development focused on sustainability, including its social, economic and environmental dimensions. UNU-IAS builds on a strong tradition of UNU research and capacity development in Japan, undertaken in collaboration with a global network of professionals and scholars, particularly in Africa and Asia.
For more information please visit http://ias.unu.edu.
Governance for Sustainable Development (GSD) project
GSD is one of several UNU-IAS projects focusing on sustainable development governance. The project aims to contribute to international discussions towards the establishment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the short term, and to propose policies and frameworks for a long-term transformation in human behaviour towards a sustainable society. The research undertaken aims to examine the major challenges in the field of sustainable development and agreement of the post-2015 development agenda, and fundamental questions on how to achieve sustainability in the twenty-first century. The project also looks to examine and analyse goal-setting and implementation processes (governance questions) of and for the SDGs.
The project is supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, as part of the S-11 project of its Environmental Research and Technology Development Fund.
Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director and direct supervision of the head of UNU-IAS Governance for Sustainable Development (GSD) project, the Research Associate will be responsible for the following duties:
- Conduct research activities of the GSD project, especially on one of the following topics: institutional implications of the SDGs to the UN; governance for the SDGs, including implementation and reporting mechanisms for target and indicators from global to local levels (for sub-global levels comparison of regional and national level implementation); or implementation of the SDGs in areas such as sustainable consumption and production or capacity building and education. The Research Associate should be able to take advantage of a transdisciplinary approach to conducting research.
- The Research Associate will be expected to, among others, work in close collaboration with the Future Earth global hub in Japan and the SDSN Japan chapter to be launched in 2015. As the project is highly policy-oriented, the research associate will also be expected to work on policy-relevant project activities, including organization of events and meetings, and editing and writing of policy outcomes;
- Under the leadership of the project head, manage administrative responsibilities of the project, such as supervising day-to-day management and operation of the project activities, including budgeting, reporting, outreach and day-to-day administrative matters;
- Initiate and assist in fund-raising activities of the project;
- Assist the project in establishing links with other academic institutions and scholars in Japan and abroad;
- Provide lectures in the master’s programme of the Institute upon request; and
- Perform any other duties as required by the head of the project or the Director.
Required qualifications and experience
- A PhD degree (no ABDs) in the area of political science, law, environment, development, social sciences, or a related discipline;
- Experience in management of research programmes;
- Sound record of or potential for publication of the above-mentioned research areas with a focus on policy and practice;
- Teaching experience is desirable;
- Fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge in Japanese and other United Nations official languages is an asset; and
- Good team player with strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Remuneration
Remuneration will commensurate with qualifications and experience, and can range from JPY 350,000 to 450,000 per month. There are no other fringe benefits.
Duration of contract
This is full-time employment on a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) with UNU-IAS. Initial appointment will be for one (1) year, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of appointments shall not exceed six (6) years.
This is a locally recruited post; no relocation expenses or allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should submit their applications by email (to gsdrapsa@unu.edu) and must include the following:
- a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
- a brief resume in Japanese;
- a curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
- full contact information of three (3) referees (UNU-IAS will directly contact the referees in the event that the candidate is shortlisted); and
- an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2015/UNU/IAS/PSA/RA/10).
Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
