The United Nations University (UNU) has officially opened applications for the prestigious Research Fellow and Academic Associate position under the Innovation and Education Programme and Postgraduate Degree and Training Programme at UNU-IAS in Tokyo, Japan.
This highly competitive international opportunity is ideal for experienced researchers, academics, sustainability experts, education professionals, and policy specialists who are passionate about sustainable development, education innovation, climate change education, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The position combines research, policy engagement, teaching, postgraduate supervision, international collaboration, and global capacity-building activities. Successful applicants will work directly with the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) and contribute to global initiatives focused on education for sustainable development and innovation.
The role comes with an attractive salary package, annual leave benefits, health insurance, and the opportunity to work at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
About the United Nations University (UNU)
The United Nations University is an international academic and research institution of the United Nations system. Established to support the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, UNU conducts policy-oriented research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination to help solve global challenges affecting humanity.
For more than five decades, UNU has been recognized globally for its work in:
- Sustainability
- Human security
- Economic development
- Climate change
- Education
- Global policy research
The institution operates through a network of research institutes located in 12 countries and contributes directly to the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNU collaborates with:
- UN agencies
- Governments
- Academic institutions
- International organizations
- Civil society organizations
- Research networks worldwide
Official Website: United Nations University (UNU)
About UNU-IAS
The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is one of the major research and training institutes within the UNU system and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
UNU-IAS focuses on:
- Sustainability research
- Capacity development
- Policy-oriented education
- Environmental governance
- Social and economic sustainability
- Postgraduate education
The institute offers:
- Master’s degree programmes
- Doctoral degree programmes
- Short-term professional training courses
- International research collaborations
UNU-IAS works extensively with scholars and institutions in Africa and Asia to build future global leaders capable of solving sustainability challenges.
Official Institute Website: UNU-IAS
About the Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme
The Innovation and Education Programme is one of UNU-IAS’s thematic programmes aimed at promoting:
- Innovative education systems
- Inclusive learning
- Lifelong learning
- Sustainable development education
- Climate change education
- Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
The programme supports the implementation of:
- SDG 4 (Quality Education)
- Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 Roadmap
The programme also collaborates with major international educational networks such as:
- Regional Centres of Expertise on ESD (RCEs)
- ProSPER.Net
- UNESCO initiatives
- Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI)
Position Overview
Position Title
Research Fellow and Academic Associate
Organization
United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
Location
Tokyo, Japan
Contract Type
Personnel Service Agreement (PSA)
Contract Duration
Initial 1-year contract with possibility of renewal
Expected Start Date
1 August 2026
Application Deadline
31 May 2026 (23:59 JST)
Salary and Benefits
Successful candidates will receive an attractive UN compensation package.
Monthly Salary
JPY 614,417 – JPY 678,917 per month (net salary)
The salary will depend on:
- Experience
- Academic background
- Professional qualifications
Additional Benefits
The package also includes:
- 30 days annual leave
- Health insurance coverage
- International work environment
- Opportunity to collaborate with UN agencies and global institutions
- Exposure to international policy and sustainability initiatives
Main Responsibilities of the Position
The selected candidate will work across research, teaching, academic coordination, stakeholder engagement, and global sustainability initiatives.
1. Conduct Research Projects for the IVE Programme
Key research responsibilities include:
- Developing research plans related to innovation and education
- Supporting the UNU Strategy 2025–2029
- Contributing to SDG implementation, especially SDG 4
- Producing policy briefs and journal publications
- Conducting mission-driven and policy-oriented research
- Participating in international sustainability debates
The role requires translating academic research into practical policy recommendations that influence sustainable development globally.
2. Implement Capacity Building Initiatives
The successful applicant will:
- Support training and capacity-building programmes
- Work with HESI, RCEs, and ProSPER.Net networks
- Promote action-oriented pedagogies
- Coordinate educational databases and sustainability tools
- Facilitate partnerships among universities and international organizations
3. Support Resource Mobilization and Partnerships
This aspect of the role includes:
- Building partnerships between academia and the UN system
- Coordinating the Greening Community pillar under UNESCO’s Greening Education Partnership
- Preparing grant proposals
- Supporting donor-funded research projects
- Monitoring project implementation and reporting
4. Support Postgraduate Degree and Training Programmes
The academic responsibilities include:
- Teaching postgraduate courses
- Supervising graduate students
- Assisting curriculum development
- Supporting student selection processes
- Serving as Principal Academic Advisor
- Contributing to short training programmes
Applicants with experience in:
- Research methods
- Statistics
- Quantitative data analysis
will have a strong advantage.
Key Performance Indicators
The role includes measurable targets such as:
- Producing at least 2 papers or policy briefs annually
- Delivering lectures and seminars
- Engaging effectively with research institutions and UN agencies
- Developing grant proposals and mobilizing research funding
Required Qualifications and Experience
To qualify, applicants must meet several academic and professional requirements.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must possess a:
- PhD in:
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Development Studies
- Environmental Science
- Policy Studies
- Or related disciplines
Professional Experience Requirements
Candidates should demonstrate:
- At least 3 years of relevant professional experience
- Experience in higher education or international institutions
- Proven publication record
- Teaching and postgraduate supervision experience
- Grant management and fundraising experience
- Research coordination skills
- Strong analytical and organizational abilities
Preferred Skills and Additional Advantages
Preferred candidates may also have:
- Experience in climate change education
- Knowledge of sustainable development frameworks
- Networking experience with policy stakeholders
- Experience in IT or private sector collaboration
- Japanese language skills
- Knowledge of additional UN languages
Competencies and Core Values
UNU seeks professionals who embody UN values including:
- Inclusion
- Integrity
- Humanity
- Humility
Desired behavioral competencies include:
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Strategic thinking
- Evidence-based decision-making
Why This Opportunity is Important
This position provides a rare opportunity to:
- Work within the United Nations system
- Influence global sustainability and education policies
- Teach and supervise postgraduate students
- Collaborate with international experts
- Contribute to SDG implementation
- Engage in high-level international partnerships
The role is particularly valuable for professionals seeking long-term international careers in:
- Education policy
- Sustainable development
- Climate education
- Academic research
- UN programmes
- International development
How to Apply
Applicants must apply online through the official UNU application platform.
Candidates are required to:
- Complete the official application form
- Fill out the UNU P11 Form
- Submit a motivation statement
- Answer position-related application questions
UNU has clearly stated that no application fees are required at any stage of the recruitment process.
Official Application Link
Important Deadline
Applications must be submitted before:
31 May 2026 (23:59 JST)
Special Notes from UNU
UNU strongly encourages applications from:
- Women
- Applicants from developing countries
- Persons living with disabilities
- Diverse national and ethnic backgrounds
The organization maintains:
- Zero tolerance for discrimination
- Zero tolerance for sexual harassment and abuse
- Strong commitments to diversity and inclusion
Applicants should also be aware that:
- UNU does not charge application fees
- Shortlisted candidates may undergo assessments and interviews
- Applications may be retained for future similar vacancies
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Job opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
