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UNITAR is recruiting for an Individual Contractor/Consultant – Communications Focal Point: Apply Now

Ednah Carrick February 12, 2026

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Closing Date: 15 February 2026

UNITAR is recruiting for an Individual Contractor/Consultant – Communications Focal Point: Apply Now

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.

General objectives

The Individual Contractor/Consultant will raise the visibility of the UNITAR in Japan through enhanced communications.

Responsibilities

The Individual Contractor/Consultant will undertake the following tasks, in close coordination with the communications focal point attached to the Office of the Director of the Division for Prosperity:

Implement the UNITAR Division for Prosperity communications strategy. This includes ensuring that multilingual, multimedia communications materials are developed and disseminated through the UNITAR website, social media and quarterly newsletters (for the HO and Division for Prosperity) in a timely manner.
Lead the implementation of strategies specialized in Japanese.
Develop communication strategies to raise awareness of the UNITAR brand and the HO, especially for the communities in Japan.
Organize and conduct media events and interviews in Japan to raise the visibility and brand of the UNITAR and the HO. The events include those jointly organized with the UNITAR Association.
Organize media briefing sessions periodically to notify media of upcoming events and news. Engage and build media relations to ensure coverage of events and activities for UNITAR, including day-to-day communications with local and/or global journalists.
Support the management of our social media, including enhancing followers/likes and opportunities to be shared by other entities.
Develop content and design templates using multimedia tools for digital and print use.
Support partnership building and resource mobilization. This includes providing support in planning and running awareness campaigns for the Division’s projects.
Lead updating the UNITAR HO website in English and Japanese.
Support operational work related to the Division for Prosperity’s communication team, including financial and administrative management.

Measurable Outputs

Submission of input/proposals to enhance awareness of UNITAR, especially in Japan
Communication strategy implemented and adjusted as needed
Communications materials (website, social media, print, newsletters, press releases and in-person initiatives), including storytelling materials that describe our training impact, developed and disseminated
Effective and timely communications within the communications team and with project teams, media, vendors, as well as UN Online Volunteers
Logistical support provided to the communications team and project teams in a timely manner
Improved media relations and enhanced global outreach, including coordination for global press release distribution.

Performance Indicators

Timely delivery and high-quality deliverables
Smooth communication within the Division and relevant teams at the headquarters
Knowledge and expertise in public relations
Positive feedback from key stakeholders, including donors and participants

Reporting Structure

The incumbent will report to Head, Hiroshima Office, Division for Prosperity.

Minimum requirements

Education: A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
Experience: At least 2 years of relevant experience.
Language: Fluency in oral and written English and Japanese (mother tongue or JLPT N1) is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.