Communications Associate, Innovation and Education (PSA)

About UN University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community
of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination
of knowledge furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the
United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and
capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are
the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For
the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research
on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare.
With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU's work spans the 17
Sustainable Development Goals' full breadth, generating policy-relevant
knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200
collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research
institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

About Institute (UNU-IAS)

United Nations University, Institute for the Advanced
Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is one of 14 research and training Institutes
that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IAS is a UNU institute
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.  Through its postgraduate
education programmes UNU-IAS develops future international leaders with
interdisciplinary understanding and skills needed to advance creative solutions
to problems of sustainability.  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. 

The Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme is a thematic area of UNU-IAS, aiming to promote research and practices on innovative and inclusive education and lifelong learning for sustainable development at all ages. It reinforces evidence-based policy advice to translate global goals into local actions with a close alignment with the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 Roadmap. One of the main activities is to strengthen the capacity of UNU-IAS global and regional networks, namely the Regional Centres of Expertise on ESD (RCEs: https://www.rcenetwork.org/portal/) and ProSPER.Net (https://prospernet.ias.unu.edu/), and collaborate with the networks to facilitate multi-stakeholder partnerships.  

Responsibilities 

The Communications Associate will promote UNU-IAS and its activities to raise visibility. The associate will play a key role in implementing the communications strategy of UNU-IAS through promoting activities and outputs under the Innovation and Education (IVE) programme and enhancing synergy between the programme and the UNU-IAS Communications unit.

Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director and the direct supervision of the Head of UNU-IAS Communications and the Head of the IVE programme, the Communications Associate shall perform the following tasks:

1. Design and implement the communications plan for the IVE programme

• align the communications plan with the overall plan of the IVE programme, applying expertise on innovation and education for sustainable development in close collaboration with the IVE research team
• serve as a liaison between UNU-IAS Communications and the IVE programme, as the communications focal point for IVE
• assist in organizing international events and research of the IVE programme
• conduct regular monitoring of implementation to identify areas of improvement

2. Support the development and dissemination of communications and knowledge products:

• assist in the planning, development, and production of IVE publications, including arranging and overseeing design and editing work by external vendors

• promote IVE’s key activities and outputs through media outreach, social media, and communication campaigns
• produce promotional digital materials such as e-newsletters, brochures, infographics, annual reports, and event posters

3. Manage IVE website content, including RCE and ProSPER.Net portals :

• support the migration of website content to the new UNU website platform from the current RCE and ProSPER.Net portals and coordinate technical work by the external developers of the portals, as necessary
• manage and maintain website content for the IVE programme, including current RCE and ProSPER.Net portals and the UNU-IAS website, ensuring coherence, quality, and consistent branding
• source content and edit articles for regular e-bulletins

4. Create and maintain strategic partnerships and networks for outreach

• initiate, develop, and maintain professional relationships and networks to enhance outreach
• communicate regularly with relevant partner UN agencies (e.g., UNESCO, UNDESA, UNEP, etc.) to align communication campaigns with the global UN agenda
• seek and participate in professional development (e.g., communication training by UN) and apply the learning in communication work

5. Perform any other duties as may be assigned or required

conduct other relevant tasks based on specific requests by the Head of UNU-IAS Communications and the Head of the IVE programme

Key performance indicators

• Timely and quality development and implementation of the communication strategy.
• Timely and quality delivery and promotion of communication materials, including publications and digital content.
• Quality and level of engagement through social media channels and other outreach activities.
• Quality and level of engagement with communication partners.
• The visibility and impact of UNU-IAS among target audiences is increased.

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
• Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Education and certification:

A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a field related to communications, sustainable development, education, environment science, social sciences, or a related field.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years or master’s degree with 2 years of relevant working experience is required. Working experience in international setting is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of communications theory and practice, website and social media platforms and best practices.
• Strong ability to think strategically to increase the visibility and outreach of the IVE programme.
• Familiarity with the UN system and current issues related to sustainability.
• Experience in creating video products and other visual materials would be an asset.
• Excellent computer skills and web literacy are essential. Experience using Canva, Facebook and Facebook Insights, Mailchiimp, Google Analytics, Drupal, and the Adobe suite of creative products would be a strong advantage.
• A good team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to manage a variable workload, and work in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Language Requirements:

Exemplary writing, editing, and communications skills in English with experience tailoring content for different audiences. Ability in other official UN languages and/or Japanese is an advantage.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including a monthly net salary of the range of JPY 413,167 - 456,417 commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

PSA holders are required to enroll in Japan’s national social health care and pension insurance systems.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.
Duration of contract

The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Expected startdate: 
As soon as possible

How to Apply:

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;
• fill out the UNU P11 form(please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline:

21 October 2023 (UTC)

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Special notice

National PSA only: UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

PSA holders do no hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organization. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.

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