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 SDGs, 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.
United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
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. 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 Asia and Africa. For more information please visit http://ias.unu.edu.
SMART-WaterDomain Project
SMART-WaterDomain is an international research project aimed to develop innovative operational frameworks to promote the practice of wastewater re-use. It is implemented jointly with research institutions in five countries in Europe. The project will develop a comprehensive framework that will serve as an assessment mechanism for companies to promote the re-use of waste water into their value chain. As part of this research, UNU-IAS will conduct literature reviews, a case study in Japan, and outreach activities to disseminate the project findings.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of Academic Programme Officer, and in cooperation with UNU-IAS Water for Sustainable Development (*) research project, the Consultant will:
- ensure the implementation of SMART-WaterDomain Project, in cooperation with Academic Programme Officer and an administrative staff
- design and conduct literature review and case study in Japan
- organise or participate in project meetings with international partners
- in cooperation with research counterparts, plan outreach activities agreed in the project work plan;
- take charge of donor reporting
- perform other duties assigned by WSD or by UNU-IAS Director
(*) https://ias.unu.edu/en/research/water-for-sustainable-development.html#outline
Required qualifications and experience
Required qualifications and experience include:
- a doctor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental/sustainability science, or a related field
- a strong research interest and background in emerging water problems, such as water scarcity, water quality degradation, waste water treatment, waste water re-use, and ecological safety
- organisational skills to ensure timeliness and quality without losing overall objective
- analytical and data management skills to synthesise data and identify its essence
- excellent presentation skills in English, both oral and written
- interpersonal skills to understand and utilise team dynamics in achieving a common objective
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 and deliverables
This is a part-time position. For the first year of contract (April 2020-March 2021), a total fee of JPY 2,000,000 will be paid to the Consultant, based on the following payment schedule and deliverables:
- JPY 500,000 upon the preparation, participation, and report of an inception workshop planned in April-Jun 2020
- JPY 500,000 upon the collection of relevant literature for case study, by early October 2020
- JPY 500,000 upon the completion in designing the case study in Japan, in late 2020
- JPY 500,000 upon the preparation of donor reports, by March 2021
Depending on the progress of activities, the payment schedule may be slightly modified and in discussion with the Consultant.
The Consultant will ensure that the name and branding of the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability are credited when making reference to this research in all related documents and in any resulting publication.
Duration of contract
The successful candidate shall work under a Consultant Contract (CTC) with UNU-IAS for the project mentioned above. The initial appointment will be until 31 March 2021. No consultant shall provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) month period.
This is a locally recruited post; no relocation expenses or allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.
Starting date
1 April 2020 (negotiable).
