United Nations University Consultant (CTC5) 2026–2027 | Remote with Tokyo-Based Meetings
Professionals with experience in sustainability, international development, civil society, government, or environmental and social fields have an opportunity to apply for a Consultant (CTC5) position with the United Nations University (UNU) Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan.
The consultancy focuses on research, interviews, organizational analysis, stakeholder coordination, and reporting as part of a project examining intermediary organizations that support community-led sustainability initiatives.
About United Nations University
The United Nations University is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. Its work focuses on policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination aimed at addressing major global challenges. UNU’s research covers areas connected to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with researchers working through institutes in countries around the world.
The position is based within UNU-IAS, one of UNU’s research and training institutes. Located at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo, UNU-IAS focuses on policy-relevant research and capacity development related to the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability.
About the Consultant Position
The consultant will support the Global Environment Outreach Centre (GEOC), which promotes outreach and partnership development among different stakeholders working to address local sustainability challenges.
The project will conduct a comparative study of intermediary organizations that facilitate community-led initiatives through multi-stakeholder collaboration. The research will involve online interviews, with findings intended to strengthen the functions and operations of GEOC.
Key Responsibilities
The successful consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme Manager and Programme Coordinator and will have several important responsibilities.
These include arranging and conducting online interviews with approximately five selected organizations and preparing interview reports in Japanese and English. The consultant will also analyze organizational operating models, including governance structures, financial arrangements, organizational scale, target sectors, and key activities.
The role also involves contributing to project reporting. This includes preparing progress and final reports in Japanese, developing presentation slides for Project Advisory Board meetings, attending approximately three in-person meetings in Tokyo during the contract period, participating in online coordination meetings, and revising deliverables based on feedback.
Additional duties include coordinating interviews and schedules, communicating with stakeholders by email, arranging meetings, monitoring project progress, and undertaking other tasks requested by the supervisor.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants are required to have a Master’s degree in social sciences, public policy, international development, sustainable development, environmental studies, or another related discipline.
Candidates must also have at least five years of professional experience in the NGO, civil society, government, or related sectors. Experience analyzing organizational governance, operating models, funding mechanisms, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and institutional arrangements is required.
Knowledge of NGO structures, intermediary organizations, and partnership-building approaches in environmental and social fields is also expected. Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, Microsoft Office proficiency, and excellent written and oral communication abilities are important for the role.
A particularly important requirement is language ability: fluency in both Japanese and English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage.
Contract Duration and Salary
The consultancy is scheduled to run from 1 October 2026 to 26 March 2027, with an expected start date in October 2026.
The maximum total remuneration is JPY 1,134,000, with a daily fee of JPY 27,000. The consultant is expected to work an average of seven days per month, up to a maximum of 42 days during the contract period. Payments are based on the daily rate and the number of days worked.
Applicants should note that consultants are responsible for any applicable taxes and must have the necessary work permits. UNU specifically states that it does not sponsor a working visa for this position.
How to Apply
Candidates do not need to create a UNU account to apply. Applicants should use the application link, complete the UNU P11 Personal History Form, provide a motivation statement within the P11 form, and answer position-specific questions.
The application deadline is 11 September 2026 at 23:59 JST. The selection process may include a desk review, competency-based interview, background checks, and reference checks.
Important Notice for Applicants
Although the position is described as remote, successful candidates must attend the required in-person Project Advisory Board meetings in Tokyo. Availability for meetings during weekday office hours is also required. Travel costs for the required Tokyo meetings are included in the contract.
UNU also emphasizes diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from candidates regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, including persons with disabilities. Applications from developing countries and women are particularly encouraged.
Applicants should also be alert to recruitment scams. UNU states that it never charges application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or recruitment fees.
Key Vacancy Details
- Position: Consultant (CTC5)
- Organization: United Nations University (UNU-IAS)
- Location: Tokyo, Japan / Remote
- Contract: 1 October 2026 – 26 March 2027
- Maximum remuneration: JPY 1,134,000
- Daily fee: JPY 27,000
- Education: Master’s degree
- Experience: At least 5 years
- Languages: English and Japanese
- Deadline: 11 September 2026, 23:59 JST
- Visa sponsorship: Not provided
This consultancy is particularly suited to experienced professionals who combine sustainability or development expertise with organizational research, stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and strong Japanese-English communication skills.
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