Japan Communications Specialist at United Nations University

About United Nations University

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in 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.

Working under the supervision of the Head of Communications, the Japan Communications Specialist will oversee the work of the Japan Communications Associate and collaborate in close cooperation with other Office of Communications staff.

Responsibilities

1. Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive media and stakeholder outreach strategy to raise the overall profile of UNU in Japan.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive UNU Japanese stakeholder network to enhance communication efforts. Help identify and engage with influential Japanese agencies/personalities who can amplify UNU’s work among their networks in Japan.
• Lead reporting on UNU activities to government stakeholders.
• Act as liaison with other UN organizations in Japan. Maintain and develop relationships with other UN staff in Japan and identify areas to increase inter-agency collaboration.

2. Provide regular insight and advice to the Head of Communications and the Office of the Rector on media and stakeholder relations opportunities in Japan.

• Liaise between the Office of Communications and the Office of the Rector to identify opportunities, and propose strategies, for the UNU to get more involved in events, activities, and initiatives taking place in Japan.
• Pitch UNU’s research, activities, and experts to Japanese journalists and media agencies (through press releases, media advisories, interviews, press conferences, feature stories, social media, etc.) to increase the positive coverage of UNU in Japanese media. Respond to media inquiries from Japanese outlets.
• Collaborate with other institutes, especially UNU-IAS, to identify media opportunities in the Japanese market that align with UNU research areas and expertise.
• Seek out and facilitate media interviews with UNU personnel, and provide pre-interview assistance (coaching, preparation of key messages/background materials, etc.)
• Develop, maintain, and track relationships with media representatives in Japan. Build and develop media contacts for effective news dissemination.

3. Supervise the Japan Communications Associate in his/her role to support domestic outreach activities and others led by the Office of Communications.

• Provide guidance to the Japan Communications Associate in managing UNU’s Japanese social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook. Propose additional platforms of potential use to UNU outreach efforts in Japan.
• Support the Japan Outreach Coordinator in proposing, developing, and coordinating UNU outreach events and activities in Japan.

4. Manage UNU’s website presence and printed marketing materials in Japanese.

• UNU’s website presence in Japanese on https://jp.unu.edu and https://ourworld.unu.edu/jp/. Ensure Japanese content is refreshed and up to date.
• Translate, where appropriate, English material into Japanese and coordinate English/Japanese translations. Edit and proofread Japanese content, including material drafted by the Japan Outreach Coordinator.
• Lead in the development of original content on UNU websites in Japanese, and support content creation in English.
• Propose and facilitate the creation of UNU Japanese-language marketing materials as needed, with the support of Japan Outreach Coordinator.
• Assist in the development of UNU’s web platform from a Japanese language perspective.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and quality development and implementation of a comprehensive media and stakeholder outreach strategy
• Timely and quality delivery of website content
• High level of engagement with stakeholders and media organizations
• Successful mentorship and guidance of Japan Outreach Coordinator

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

Qualifications

• Secondary Education OR Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, international relations, marketing, or a related field
• Secondary education with five years of relevant experience OR Bachelor’s degree with three years of experience in journalism, communications, or other relevant fields, some of which preferably in an international setting;
• Knowledge of social media platforms;
• Experience in drafting press releases, articles and communications material is required;
• Excellent computer skills and web literacy
• Fluency in English is required
• Fluency in Japanese is required
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a local PSA contract and no relocation allowances apply. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary in the range of JPN 6,470,000 – 6,922,000, 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 start date: As soon as possible