The Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development was established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) in order to strengthen civilian capacity for peacebuilding and development. The Primary Course is designed to prepare early career professionals in peacebuilding, international development and related fields to work with a high level of competence, agility and skills.

Hiroshima University will deliver the course in cooperation with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) from January 26 to February 22, 2025, in Hiroshima, Japan (please note that Week 1 from January 26 to February 1 will be held online).

In this regard, nationals from the following countries are invited to participate: Bangladesh, Fiji, El Salvador, Ukraine, Lebanon, Palestine, Mali, South Sudan, Uganda. One representative from the African Union Commission (AUC) will also be invited (please note that for the African Union Commission, the application process is not open to the public and depends on arrangements with AUC).

Interested applicants are encouraged to read the Primary Course Application Guidelines for Non-Japanese Applicants. The Application Guidelines and other application documents can be downloaded from the Hiroshima University Website, given below.

Course Dates

• Week 1 (online): January 26-February 1, 2025
• Week 2 (in-person): February 2-22, 2025

Program Structure

This course has been designed around the “5Ps” of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely People, Peace, Planet, Prosperity and Partnerships. The training will mainly cover three main themes:

• Substantive Knowledge such as the guiding principles of the United Nations; multilateral approaches to preventing and addressing conflicts; economic, social and environmental frameworks such as the SDGs and international conventions; and emerging issues, such as the impact of new technologies and social media on peace and development activities.
• Effective Working Skills such as program planning and project management skills, including theory of change, gender mainstreaming, and monitoring and evaluation; and soft skills such as communication and negotiation.
• Career Development Skills such as UN competencies, values and behaviors; career planning; mental health and well-being; and interview preparation.

Instructors are current or former staff members of international organizations, as well as experts in the fields of peacebuilding and development from Hiroshima University and other institutions.

Venue

Tokyo and Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan (about 4 hours by bullet train from Tokyo). Training will take place on the campus of Hiroshima University. Program associates will stay in this facility: https://miraicrea.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/.

Qualifications

1. A strong will to work in the field of peacebuilding and/or international development in the future
2. At least two years of work experience in peacebuilding and/or development-related fields (e.g., law, public administration, economic development, education, public health, logistics support, IT, human resources, media, environment, etc.)
3. A university degree (Bachelor’s degree) or equivalent
4. Aged 25 or older and under 40 on the date of application
5. English proficiency equivalent to scores of or above 90 on TOEFL iBT, 900 on TOEIC or 6.5 on IELTS
6. Health condition suitable for participation in the program and the ability to attend the entire duration of the Course. Selected applicants may be asked to submit a Certificate of Good Health prior to the training.

Required Documents for Application

1. Application Form with photo (please download the Application Form from the Hiroshima University website, given below)
2. An essay in English about your career plan in the field of peacebuilding and/or development following the completion of this program (maximum 500 words in free format)
3. Certificate of English proficiency. The applicant needs to submit either a certificate or a score sheet of an English proficiency test such as TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS taken in the last five years. A photocopy is acceptable. In cases where the applicant cannot submit such a document, reference to the applicant’s command of English may be made in a Letter of Recommendation instead (please download the Letter of Recommendation template from the Hiroshima University website, given below).

Application Deadline

Thursday, October 24, 2024 (9:00 am Japan Time)

For Further Information

Global Peace and Development Career Network (GPAD)

International Office, Hiroshima University

Kagamiyama 1-3-2, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan 739-8511

Email: gpad-primary@office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp

Website: https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en/international/network/gpad/primary

How to Apply:

The Application Guidelines and other application documents can be downloaded from Hiroshima University’s website. Please send the required documents by email to gpad-primary@office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp . In the subject line, please write “Application for Primary Course.” If you don’t receive a confirmation email from Hiroshima University within a few days after your submission, please contact us again by email.