Operations Support Assistant (NIL/NIL Contract)

March 22, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

H (no hardship)

FamilyCONTR Local Entry and Mid-Level Support

2026-04-131. General Background of Project or Assignment, Operational Context:

The UNHCR Representation in Japan carries out protection advocacy, external and donor relations/fundraising, partnerships with the private and public sectors to engage and leverage support for the forcibly displaced globally and domestically, through a whole-of-society approach.

UNHCR Japan requires the support of probono volunteer contractor to reinforce our capacity in protection advocacy, external relations, partnerships, and administration. As we seek to broaden our impact and deepen engagement across society in promoting the wellbeing of forcibly displaced people in Japan and globally, probono support enables us to pursue initiatives and partnerships that strengthen our collective reach. It also helps us deepen cooperation with the Government of Japan, expand public engagement, and develop new partnerships beyond traditional stakeholders while maintaining effective and efficient processes. At the same time, volunteers gain the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of UNHCR Japan’s work, expand their networks, understand how the organization operates, and learn about Japan’s unique challenges and opportunities in refugee protection and global engagement.

To strengthen these functions, UNHCR Japan seeks pro bono Operations Support Assistant (NIL/NIL Contract) who can contribute part time or full time, in one or more functional areas. Each selected candidate will support a specific section (Protection, External Relations/Fundraising/Partnerships, Private Sector Partnerships, or Administration) under the supervision of the relevant manager.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

The Operations Assistant will provide flexible support to UNHCR Japan by contributing to a combination of translation, research, drafting, coordination, and administrative support. The TOR identifies (1) Common responsibilities across all assignments; and (2) Functional-specific responsibilities, depending on the unit where the individual is placed.

Common Responsibilities (Applicable to All Candidates)
Across all functional tracks, Operations Assistants may:
• Translate documents between English and Japanese, and conduct basic interpretation.
• Draft, edit, proofread, and format written materials.
• Conduct research (legal, policy, market, operational, depending on unit).
• Take meeting minutes and prepare summaries.
• Support event and meeting logistics.
• Handle administrative tasks such as filing, organizing documents, and maintaining trackers.
• Support internal coordination among teams as needed.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

(see further below section below on Responsibilities for Functional-Specific Responsibilities)


3. Required qualifications, language(s) and work experience:
Degree:
Required: High school degree


Required/mandatory:
• Good knowledge of MS Office programs and Internet applications
• Interest in refugee issues (and an educational and/or career background in relevant areas an asset);
• Adhere to the UNHCR code of conduct including confidentiality rules regarding all activities and tasks undertaken;
• This is a local opportunity, and candidates must have the necessary legal status in the country to take up this position.

Language: Required: Japanese, English (written/oral)


PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING:
***This is a LOCAL, UNPAID opportunity and candidates must have the necessary legal status in the country to take up this position. As such, we ask applicants who are not Japanese nationals to indicate their the status of residence in Japan.

***Remote work may be considered; however, this will depend on the responsibilities and requirements assigned. Full remote work is not acceptable; to this end, applicants must reside within commuting distance of the office in Tokyo.

Standard Job Description

Required Languages

Japanese

,

English

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Document Organization, Event Logistics, Humanitarian Affairs, Internal Communications, International Exposure, Meeting Notes, Microsoft Office, Office Administration, Office Operations, Organizing, Problem Solving, Proofreading, Researching, Translations

Education

High school diploma (Required)

Certifications

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Remote

No