The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is inviting applications for a Consultant (CTC5) to support the Global Environment Outreach Centre (GEOC) on a six-month consultancy focused on sustainability, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and community-led environmental initiatives.
The consultancy runs from 1 October 2026 to 26 March 2027 and offers a maximum remuneration of JPY 1,134,000. While the role is primarily remote, the consultant must attend approximately three in-person Project Advisory Board meetings in Tokyo, Japan, with travel costs covered under the contract.
Applications close on 11 September 2026 (23:59 JST).
About the United Nations University
The United Nations University (UNU) is the academic and research arm of the United Nations, serving as a global think tank and postgraduate teaching institution. For more than 50 years, UNU has produced policy-relevant research, strengthened institutional capacity, and generated knowledge that supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With research institutes across 12 countries, UNU works closely with governments, UN agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to address global challenges related to sustainability, human security, and economic development.
About UNU-IAS and the GEOC Project
The consultancy is hosted by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), headquartered in Tokyo. UNU-IAS conducts interdisciplinary research and capacity development on environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
The consultant will work with the Global Environment Outreach Centre (GEOC), which promotes partnerships among governments, civil society, businesses, and communities to address local sustainability challenges. As GEOC celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, the project will undertake a comparative study of intermediary organizations that facilitate community-led initiatives through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
The findings will help strengthen GEOC’s future operational model and partnership strategy.
Consultancy Responsibilities
Reporting to the Programme Coordinator under the supervision of the Programme Manager, the consultant will lead research, stakeholder coordination, and reporting activities.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Conducting online interviews with approximately five selected organizations
- Producing bilingual interview reports in Japanese and English
- Analyzing governance structures, funding mechanisms, organizational models, and partnership approaches
- Identifying factors contributing to organizational effectiveness
- Preparing progress reports and the final project report in Japanese
- Developing presentation materials for Project Advisory Board meetings
- Presenting project updates during in-person advisory meetings in Tokyo
- Coordinating interviews, meetings, and schedules with project stakeholders
- Supporting day-to-day communication with partners and donors
- Revising deliverables based on technical feedback
The consultant will also participate in regular online coordination meetings throughout the contract period.
Expected Deliverables
The successful consultant will be responsible for producing high-quality research outputs and ensuring effective project coordination. Expected deliverables include:
- Completion of interviews with five organizations
- Comprehensive interview reports
- Comparative analysis of organizational operating models
- Progress reports and a final report
- Presentation slides and meeting memoranda
- Timely coordination of stakeholder meetings and communications
Performance will be assessed against the quality and timely completion of these deliverables.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should possess strong research, analytical, and stakeholder engagement experience in sustainability or public policy.
Candidates must have:
- A Master’s degree in social sciences, public policy, international development, sustainable development, environmental studies, or a related discipline
- At least five years of professional experience in NGOs, civil society, government, or related sectors
- Experience analyzing governance systems, institutional arrangements, funding models, and multi-stakeholder partnerships
- Knowledge of intermediary organizations and partnership-building approaches in environmental and social fields
- Strong ICT skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office
Language Requirements
Fluency in both Japanese and English is mandatory for this consultancy, as the role requires bilingual interviews, reporting, presentations, and stakeholder communication.
Knowledge of additional UN official languages is considered an advantage.
Contract Duration and Remuneration
The consultancy will run from 1 October 2026 to 26 March 2027.
Key financial details include:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract period | 1 Oct 2026 – 26 Mar 2027 |
| Maximum remuneration | JPY 1,134,000 |
| Daily fee | JPY 27,000 |
| Average workload | 7 days per month |
| Maximum working days | 42 days |
| Location | Remote with meetings in Tokyo |
Payments will be made monthly based on the approved timesheet and activity report. Consultants are responsible for their own tax obligations and must possess the necessary work authorization.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application through the UNU online recruitment portal. The application requires:
- A completed UNU P11 Personal History Form
- A motivation statement included within the P11 form
- Responses to position-specific application questions
UNU advises applicants to use only the official UNU P11 Form, as forms from other United Nations agencies are not accepted.
Important Information
UNU does not sponsor work visas for this consultancy. The selected consultant will not hold international civil servant status or be considered a staff member under the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.
The organization strongly encourages applications from women, candidates from developing countries, and persons living with disabilities, reflecting its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
Application deadline: 11 September 2026 (23:59 JST)
