The Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) of the Japan Environmental Sanitation Center is accepting applications for the following position: Staff Member for Promoting International Collaborative Projects (Research on Air Pollution, Climate Change, etc.). We welcome applications from qualified candidates.
1. Job Description and Responsibilities
Programme Officer – International Collaborative Projects (Air Pollution and Climate Change)
Programme Officer
2. Department
Planning and Training Department, Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP)
3. Number of Openings
1 position
4. Duties and Responsibilities
The Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) of the Japan Environmental Sanitation Center is a research institute established in 1998 as the network center for the “Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET)”—an international network comprising 13 East Asian countries—and as the national center for Japan. Currently, ACAP plays a central role in monitoring and researching acid rain and air pollution in the East Asian region. In collaboration with relevant international organizations, national governments, local governments, and research institutions, ACAP undertakes domestic and international initiatives, including research and surveys, hosting international conferences, providing information to stakeholders, and conducting training programs. In addition to the EANET activities, ACAP promotes the planning, development, and implementation of domestic and international collaborative projects on air pollution and climate change in cooperation with relevant domestic and international organizations, including the Ministry of the Environment, JICA, and UNEP.
With a view to expanding ACAP’s future activities, the successful candidate will be expected to undertake the following responsibilities:
・Planning, proposing, developing, and promoting international collaborative projects related to research on air pollution, climate change, and other related topics
・Planning, implementation, and management of joint projects and research initiatives in collaboration with JICA, the Ministry of the Environment, UNEP, the EANET participating countries, and others
・Preparing proposals and developing projects to secure international funds, competitive grants, and commissioned projects
・Conducting research, organizing international conferences, and developing strategic plans to develop new ACAP initiatives and international collaborative projects
5. Eligibility Requirements
(1) Required Educational Background and Degrees
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Specialization in related fields such as environmental science, international cooperation, or international development is preferred.
(2) Work Experience
Applicants must have experience in at least one of the following areas:
・Practical experience in the planning, formulation, operation, or management of domestic or international projects
・Experience in environmental research or supporting environmental policy development
・Experience with collaborative projects involving JICA, international organizations, government agencies, research institutions, private companies, etc.
・Experience in preparing project proposals, securing funding, and project development
Candidates with the following experience are particularly welcome:
・Experience collaborating with organizations such as UNEP, JICA, ADB, and the World Bank
・Experience managing international joint research or international projects
(3) Language Skills, etc.
・Ability to draft documents in English and to engage in discussions and negotiations at international conferences
・Ability to conduct everyday conversations in Japanese is desirable
(4) Other
Candidates with the teamwork and communication skills necessary to perform the duties of the position
6. How to Apply
(1) Application Materials
1) Resume (with photo attached) and Curriculum Vitae (CV): Any format (one copy of each)
2) Statement of Work Experience or List of Achievements (one copy)
・Statement of Work Experience: A description of your work experience to date (any format)
・List of Achievements (optional): Original research papers, books, commentaries/review articles, invited lectures, oral presentations, competitive research grants, academic and social activities, and projects in which you have participated
3) Statement of Motivation and Aspirations for the Position (approximately 1–2 A4 pages, 1 copy)
(2) How to Submit Application Materials
Please send your application via email to morizumi (@acap.asia) with the subject line “Application for International Collaborative Project Promotion Staff.” We will send you a confirmation of receipt after reviewing your email. If you do not hear from us within a few days, please contact us.
7. Application Deadline: Friday, January 15, 2027
(If a suitable candidate is found earlier, the application period may close at that time.)
8. Selection Process
The selection process consists of a document screening and an interview. Candidates selected to proceed to the interview stage will be notified of the interview date and time following the document screening. Interviews may be conducted online. The interview process consists of two rounds: a first-round interview (conducted by ACAP) and a second-round interview (conducted by the Japan Environmental Sanitation Center) for candidates who pass the first round.
9. Expected Start Date: As soon as possible on or after February 1, 2027
10. Employment Type and Term
Fixed-term employee on an annual salary basis (renewed annually; conversion to an indefinite-term employment contract in accordance with applicable Japanese law/ 6-month probationary period
11. Work Location
The Asia Center for Air Pollution Research
(1182 Sowa, Nishi-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture)
(Note) There is a possibility of extended business assignment to the Japan Environmental Sanitation Center (General Incorporated Foundation; 10-6 Yotsuya-kamicho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
(subject to consultation).
12. Working Hours and Days Off
9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. (scheduled working hours: 7 hours and 15 minutes excluding a one-hour break), Two days off per week, with Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays observed
13. Compensation and Benefits
Salary and other benefits will be provided in accordance with the Foundation’s regulations, based on experience, performance, and other factors.
(1) Various Benefits
Commuting Allowance: Commuting by private car is permitted.
Condolence and Celebration Allowances
(2) Insurance Coverage
Health Insurance, Employees’ Pension Insurance, Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Unemployment Insurance
14. Contact Information
(1) Inquiries Regarding the Selection Process and Job Description
Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP)
Director of Planning and Training, Zhu Meihua
Tel: 025-263-0556
E-mail: meihua_zhu (@jesc.or.jp)
(2) Inquiries Regarding Compensation and Other Conditions
The Asia Air Pollution Research Center
Akihito Morizumi, Section Chief, General Affairs Department
Tel: 025-263-0550
E-mail: morizumi (@acap.asia)