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.
Responsibilities:
The Communications Associate will promote UNU-IAS and its activities to raise visibility and impact, with a particular focus on target audiences in Japan. She/he will play a key role in implementing the communications strategy of UNU-IAS, with the overall goal of shaping, packaging, and delivering the institute’s products and expertise to maximize impact, effect positive change, and drive further demand for UNU-IAS work.
Under the general supervision of the UNU-IAS Director, and the direct supervision of the Manager of UNU-IAS Communications, the Communications Associate will perform the following tasks:
Manage Japanese-language content across the institute’s digital channels and printed products, ensuring coherence, quality, and consistent branding:
Write, translate, review, edit, and format Japanese-language content for both print and online communications.
Manage Japanese-language in social media channels and content.
Source content and liaise with content authors.
Produce promotional materials such as brochures, newsletters, annual reports, and event flyers.
Support the implementation and further development of the institute’s communications strategy, targeting audiences in Japan:
Proactively plan and implement communications campaigns to promote key UNU-IAS activities and outputs.
Use monitoring tools to measure and report on the efficacy of UNU-IAS communications activities, informing future strategy.
Formulate and improve tactics for engaging existing audiences and reaching new ones.
Generate positive media coverage of UNU-IAS and its activities:
Support engagement with Japanese-language media by securing and facilitating interviews.
Proactively build relationships with journalists in print, broadcast, and online media outlets.
Conduct surveillance of relevant news cycles and social media topics to identify opportunities that align with UNU-IAS strategic priorities, and work with colleagues to capitalise on those opportunities in a timely manner.
Facilitate internal communications and collaboration:
Collaborate with colleagues across UNU-IAS, UNU, and the broader UN system on joint initiatives.
Develop and manage communications policies, workflows, resources, and guidelines.
Provide UNU-IAS colleagues with advice, support, and training related to communications initiatives and outputs.
Other:
Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications:
Education and certification:
Master’s degree with 2 years of relevant working experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant working experience, preferably in an international setting
Experience:
Strong knowledge of communications theory and practice, including up-to-date knowledge of best practices in social media.
Experience producing public information materials in Japanese (e.g., articles, press releases, website content, etc.) is required.
Familiarity with the UN system and current issues related to sustainability.
Good understanding of the Japanese media and political landscape.
Experience in media relations is a strong advantage, including established relationships with influential reporters in relevant fields at leading media outlets.
Skills in photography, photo editing, video production, and graphic design skills are an asset.
Excellent computer skills and web literacy are essential. Experience using WordPress, Drupal, other free and open-source software, and/or the Adobe suite of creative products is an asset.
Good team player with strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Language Requirements:
Excellent writing, editing, and communications skills in both Japanese and English. This position requires native-level Japanese and at least business-level English.
