Individual Contractor - Programme Support
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (Unitar)
hiroshima, japan
Posted on Mar 3, 2026
Duration of the contract
10 Months
Deadline for submission of applications
25 March 2026
Organizational Unit
Hiroshima Project Office
Number of job positions
1
Area of Specialization
International relations, project management, instructional design, and partnership development
Overview
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a leading provider of high-quality learning solutions and other knowledge products and services, intended to develop the capacities of Member States, as well as of individuals, organizations and institutions to take the lead in or meaningfully contribute to the transformational change envisioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its supporting documents. Guided by the contemporary plans of action and platforms agreed upon by the United Nations and its Member States, the work of UNITAR in the area of designing and delivering people-centred and results-driven products and services is structured along the four key dimensions of Peace, People, Planet and Prosperity with additional units ensuring organization-wide cross-fertilization of knowledge. Such compositions make UNITAR exceptionally fit for the purpose of supporting the indivisible and integrated nature of the 2030 Agenda.
The UNITAR Division for Prosperity encompasses the Technology, Finance and Trade Programme (TFTP) and the Hiroshima Project Office (HO) and covers the following six key pillars: 1) Empower Entrepreneurship, SMEs and Private Sector Competitiveness; 2) Expand Financial Inclusions & Innovative Finance and Uphold Financial Integrity; 3) Ignite Structural Economic Transformation and Economic/Livelihood Resilience; 4) Advance Decent Work and Labour Inclusion; 5) Promote Energy Transition for Growth; 6) Accelerate Technology and Innovation for Transformation. These activities contribute to a number of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Growth), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, Industry), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). UNITAR Division for Prosperity offers evidence-based learning services using latest adult-learning methodologies and technologies including micro learning platforms.
The Division focuses on offering innovative capacity-building and knowledge-management solutions for personnel from a variety of sectors including national and local governments, parliaments, the private sector, civil society, academia and media. The Division will make continuous efforts to target at those who have been left behind including women, LGBTQ, youth, refugees/IDPs, people with disabilities, and indigenous peoples.
General Objectives of the Contract
The incumbent will support the smooth conduct of the HO’s programmes.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and develop training materials, including online content
- Provide support in monitoring and maintaining the relevant learning platforms
- Coordinate with partners, resource persons, participants, vendors, coaches, and other stakeholders
- Provide administrative and operational support for the assigned programme
- Provide support to ensure the smooth conduct of workshops, online asynchronous learning, and webinars for the assigned programme
- Conduct training evaluations
- Support needs assessment activities
- Prepare reporting materials
- Support outreach activities for the assigned programme, including planning and running online/social-media/print communication initiatives, in close coordination with the communications team
- Develop partnerships and pursue relevant resource mobilization opportunities
Measurable Outputs/Deliverables/Schedule of Deliverables
- Online and in-person learning sessions for the assigned programme prepared and smoothly run
- Online and in-person sessions facilitated as required
- Platform and channels for participants’ engagement maintained
- Training evaluation data compiled and data analysis reports prepared
- Project completion reports for the assigned programme prepared
- Proposals developed
- Effective and timely communications within the programme team and with HO’s colleagues
- Timely logistical support to the programme team provided
Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Results
- Timely delivery and quality deliverables
- Positive feedback from key stakeholders including partners, resource persons and participants
- Good communication and teamwork with colleagues in the HO and the headquarters, as well as stakeholders
Reporting Structure
The incumbent will report to the Head, Hiroshima Office, Division for Prosperity.
Competencies
- Professionalism – Demonstrated knowledge of communications and ability to guide colleagues. Proactive attitude towards troubleshooting. Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence, reliability, and efficiency in meeting deadlines and delivering quality results. Remains calm and solution-oriented under pressure. Takes responsibility for integrating gender perspectives, accessibility considerations, and inclusive learning approaches in all work.
- Planning and Organizing – Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks effectively to meet agreed timelines and deliverables under minimal supervision.
- Communications – Strong written and oral communication skills in English and in Japanese, with the ability to draft, edit, and present clear content of the operational process, technical guidance, and internal documentation. Listens to others, communicates proactively, shares information openly, and contributes constructively to team collaboration and shared accountability.
- Technology Awareness – Proficiency in standard functions of computer applications and a strong willingness to explore the IT skills for efficient work.
- Teamwork – Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural, multi-ethnic, and remote team environment. Demonstrates respect for diversity, collaborates effectively with colleagues and subject matter experts, and contributes positively to team objectives.
Minimum requirements
Education: A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
Experience: At least 2 years of relevant experience.
Language: Fluency in English is required. Working-level knowledge of Japanese is desirable. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
REMARKS
General conditions of contracts for the service of individual contractors apply. Incumbents are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local laws. UNITAR does not reimburse for any taxes, duty, or other contribution payable by the Contractors on payments made under the contract.
The Institute does not provide or arrange life or health insurance coverage for Contractors, and Contractors are not eligible to participate in the life and health insurance schemes provided by the UN for its staff members.
This is a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor is he/she a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).
NO FEE
UNITAR DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). UNITAR DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
How to apply
Please submit your application along with a motive letter as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
Due to the high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.