Programme Head, Biodiversity and Society Programme and UNU-IAS Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa

The Programme Head will lead, manage, and supervise the Biodiversity and Society (BDS) Programme and UNU-IAS Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa (OUIK) in line with the UNU-IAS Strategic Plan. The role involves establishing academic programmes, leading research and policy activities related to biodiversity and sustainability, managing partnerships and fundraising, and supporting institutional development.

Responsibilities

• Establish, develop, and lead academic programme and associated projects of the BDS and OUIK projects, focusing on the delivery of policy-relevant research.
• Contribute to the biodiversity-related international discussion and frameworks such as Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
• Lead activities of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) as the IPSI director, based on the IPSI Plan of Action 2023-2030 and the Actionable Implementation Plan.
• Promote research activities on SEPLS sustainable management, including the Satoyama Initiative Thematic Review (SITR).
• Enhance policy advice by building a model for localization of the SDGs and develop a platform to promote multi-stakeholder partnerships within the Hokuriku region, as well as among international networks.
• Promote field-based research for biodiversity conservation and biocultural diversity, and demonstrate a local-to-local peer learning model in Ishikawa and Kanazawa.
• Lead and execute knowledge sharing and outreach activities within the framework of the overall strategic direction of UNU-IAS.
• Oversee the development and management of collaboration with strategic partners and collaborators such as UNEP, CBD, FAO, UNCCD, and other UN(U) partners, as well as local, national, and international partner organisations and institutions.
• Manage the public outreach projects and disseminate complex information in a manner that ensures the understanding of relevant audiences, using conferences, workshops, seminars, and courses, in the field of BDS and OUIK activities and work.
• Raise visibility of BDS and OUIK research and project activities through enhancing synergy between BDS/OUIK and UNU-IAS Communications and throughout the institute.
• Oversee the outreach and presentation of research outcomes through publication in peer-reviewed journal articles, books, reports, and policy briefs.
• Lead the fundraising activities of the Institute through project acquisition and research funding.
• Lead efforts in identifying funding opportunities and developing project proposals for BDS and OUIK projects, ensuring coherent policy and research integration.
• Supervise the fundraising activities of project team members.
• Manage donor relations and resource mobilisation activities for the Institute's research and capacity building programmes, including but not limited to the Ministry of the Environment of Japan (MOE-J), Ishikawa Prefecture and Kanazawa City, and other local stakeholders.
• Implement grant initiatives by ensuring grant requirements are developed, managed and fulfilled, and quality reports are submitted on time.
• Professionally execute grant and project funds with full compliance to donor agreements.
• Support the Director of UNU-IAS in institutional development.
• Support the Director with the shaping and implementation of the Institute’s strategic and implementation plans.
• Scrutinise and critique research, proposals, and grant applications.
• Advise the Director and the management team on Institute-wide strategic programming.
• Support the advancement of the Institute’s educational programmes and teaching activities.
• Actively contribute to an inclusive and diverse international work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a field related to environmental science, nature conservation, landscape management, biodiversity, community development, or sustainable development. A bachelor's degree, combined with additional extensive work experience, may be considered.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible experience, with at least five years in a managerial role, with demonstrable leadership and management.
• Demonstrated track record in the research and policy arena in areas related to the programme of BDS and OUIK.
• Extensive experience in international conventions and treaties, frameworks, and regional and international cooperation in the fields of biodiversity and nature conservation.
• Extensive knowledge of and networks in the international organisations and diplomatic relations, covering the main areas of work by UNU-IAS described above.
• Established networks within Japan, connecting the local community and its initiatives.
• Excellent writing ability and experience drafting/editing research and policy reports.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in fundraising activities and resource mobilization.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to interact with colleagues of diverse backgrounds, with political representatives, and with communities in both industrialized and developing countries.
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• A proven commitment to human development and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is desirable.
• Proven sensitivity to gender issues.
• Fluency in English and Japanese is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Skills

• Environmental Sciences
• Nature Conservation
• Landscape Management
• Biodiversity
• Community Development
• Sustainable Development
• Research and Policy Analysis
• International Conventions and Treaties
• Regional and International Cooperation
• Diplomatic Relations
• Network Building
• Research Report Writing
• Policy Report Writing
• Fundraising
• Resource Mobilization
• Leadership
• Programme Management
• Partnership Management
• Institutional Development

Languages

English, Japanese