Project Manager

About UN University

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on the pressing global problems of human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, 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.

Job description

UNU is recruiting a Project Manager in the organisation’s executive office, the Office of the Rector, in Tokyo, Japan. The Office of the Rector is looking for an outstanding individual with strong commitment and ability to support the project management work of the Office.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Executive Officer and Chief of Staff, the Project Manager:

• manages organisational performance initiatives; this includes assisting the Rector’s Office and institutes in the strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation of their work; maintaining UNU’s project repository and management system; developing guidance materials and training focal points; and managing projects in the Rector’s Office
• supports the Rector’s Office in decision-making by conducting in-depth financial analyses, preparing reports on specific institutes/budget areas, and closely liaising with the UNU Finance Team
• contributes to the preparation of various written outputs such as annual reports, project reports, project proposals, and analytical notes, including by collecting, analysing, and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources for reports to key stakeholders
• manages the orientation programme for new personnel, including developing training materials and new content, and takes responsibility for the on-boarding process
• provides administrative and substantive support to meetings of key stakeholders, including of the UNU Council (governing board) and Conference of Directors; proposes agenda topics; prepares background documents and presentations; and assists with synthesis and note-taking
• supports UNU’s publications repository with project planning, workflows, and maintenance
• provides assistance for ongoing initiatives within the Office of the Rector and performs other duties as required

Required qualifications and experience

Required qualifications and experience include:

• an advanced university degree (master’s degree or bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of experience) in project management, business administration, economics, social sciences, or a related field
• a minimum of at least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in project management, coordination, and/or financial analysis
• excellent problem solving skills, ability to work against tight deadlines, and strong interpersonal skills
• work experience related to strategic planning, monitoring and implementation, or evaluation of programmes/projects is an asset
• working experience in programme/project management in the interface of research, capacity building, and policy engagement is an asset
• prior work experience in a consulting firm or an international entity is an asset
• strong drafting and presentation skills with fluency in both oral and written English; applicants must be able to distil complex situations into concise written products; fluency in French or another UN language is an asset

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 organisation.

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.

Remuneration

This is a mid-level position with scope for growth. Starting remuneration will be between JPY 475,000 – 599,000 per month, commensurate with previous experience and expertise.

This position carries an annual leave entitlement of 2.5 working days per month (a total of 30 days of paid annual leave), and private health insurance coverage.

Duration of contract

This is full-time employment on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with the UN University, with the possibility for renewal subject to satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of appointments shall not exceed six (6) years.

Applications will only be considered from applicants with permission to work in Japan. The successful candidate will be employed by a local UNU contract and will not hold international civil servant status, nor will s/he be considered a “staff member”, as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations. Payment of any taxes is the responsibility of the contract holder.

Starting date

September 2020.

Interested applicants should submit their applications by email and must include the following:

• a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position
• a curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form; please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations
• an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2020/UNU/HQ/RO/PSA/PM/45)

Vacancy Announcement: UNU Centre Project Manager (209.2 KB PDF)

By email: ro.recruitment@unu.edu