The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the UN System, engaging in policy-relevant research, capacity development and knowledge dissemination. UNU-IAS, the Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, is based at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo and serves the international community through policy-relevant research and capacity development focused on sustainability in its social, economic and environmental dimensions.
The Global Environment Outreach Centre (GEOC) promotes outreach of the institutes and supports partnership development among diverse stakeholders to address local sustainability challenges by acting as a hub and intermediary. As the project marks GEOC's 30th anniversary in 2026, it will conduct a comparative study of intermediary organizations that facilitate community-led initiatives through multi-stakeholder collaborations. The research will be conducted through online interviews, and key findings will be used to enhance the function and operation of the GEOC.
Responsibilities: Under the general supervision of the Programme Manager and direct supervision of the GEOC Programme Coordinator, the consultant shall arrange and conduct online interviews with approximately 5 selected organizations; develop interview reports in Japanese and English; summarize each organization's operating model, including governance, financial scheme, organization scale, target sectors and key activities in Japanese; analyze key elements contributing to organizational effectiveness; develop progress reports and a final report in Japanese; prepare presentation slides for the Project Advisory Board meetings; attend in-person Project Advisory Board meetings in Tokyo (approximately 3 times during the contract period) and present updates; participate in online coordination meetings with the project team and donors; revise deliverables based on feedback; ensure detailed interview arrangements and project progress through day-to-day email communication with stakeholders; and arrange meetings and coordinate schedules with relevant parties.
Qualifications: Master's degree in social sciences, public policy, international development, sustainable development, environmental studies or related disciplines. At least five years of professional experience in the NGO, civil society, government or related sectors. Experience analyzing organizational governance, operating models, funding mechanisms, multi-stakeholder partnerships and institutional arrangements. Knowledge of NGO structures, intermediary organizations and partnership-building approaches in environmental and social fields. Excellent written and oral communication skills in Japanese and English (fluency in both is required); working knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage. Strong interpersonal skills, ICT literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Duration: 1 October 2026 - 26 March 2027 (expected start October 2026). Remuneration: maximum JPY 1,134,000 total; daily fee JPY 27,000, working on average 7 days per month (maximum 42 days). Attendance at in-person Research Advisory Board meetings in Tokyo is required (travel costs included). The consultant must have the necessary work permits and will not hold international civil servant status.
Closing date: 11 September 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, apply via the apply link on the vacancy page; fill out the UNU P11 Form (https://unu.edu/sites/default/files/2024-02/UNU-P11_Personal-History-Form.docx) — please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations; provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and answer a few questions tailored to the position. Application Deadline: 11 September 2026 (23:59 JST). Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, background checks and references. UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.
https://careers.unu.edu/o/geoc2026-consultant-ctc5