Sales Assistant United Nations University (UNU) Tokyo, Japan

REFERENCE NO. : 2012/UNU/HQ/PRESS/PSA/SA/34

LOCATION : Tokyo

CLOSING DATE : 2012-10-29

Organizational Unit : United Nations University Press

United Nations University objectives

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

United Nations University Press

United Nations University Press (UNU Press) is the scholarly publishing arm of the United Nations University. UNU Press publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed academic books, as well as reports and policy and research briefs. Much of the output of UNU Press emanates from UNU institutes. UNU Press also publishes manuscripts originating from outside of the UNU system.

Intended recipients of UNU Press publications include scholars, policymakers, government and UN officials, economic and social leaders, non-governmental organizations, international agencies and organizations, and local communities and groups. In addition to print publications, UNU Press publishes electronic content including e-books. UNU Press disseminates published material worldwide through commercial channels, including major retail outlets, as well as throughout the UN system . More information about UNU Press and its activities can be found at http://unu.edu/publications/unu-press.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Head of UNU Press, the sales assistant will undertake and be responsible for the following duties:

• fulfill book and souvenir orders, including generating and dispatching invoices and order items using an in-house order fulfillment system, processing credit card payments, handling cash receipts and updating financial management systems accordingly;
• monitor payments against invoiced sales and follow up on debtors;
• process royalty payments;
• produce accurate monthly/quarterly/annual sales, royalty and inventory reports and regularly monitor stock levels, including in-house stock and inventory held with main distributor, to avoid overstocking;
• respond as appropriate to sales inquiries and requests for complimentary copies;
• oversee the day-to-day operation of the UNU Bookstore, including taking care of walk-in customers and monitoring bookstore inventory levels;
• liaise directly regarding the sales of publications with local Japanese distributors, bookstores, university libraries and end-users;
• assist in the preparation of local promotional events, including seminars and book launches;
• handle the dispatch of books and promotional materials on a complimentary basis
• assist with the local delivery of bulk shipments including corresponding with Japan-based freight forwarders and handling relevant documentation (bills of lading, customs clearance forms, etc.);
• track book reviews and citations and maintain records of published reviews;
• assist in the sales and marketing of e-books;
• perform any other tasks as and when required by the supervisor.

Qualifications and experience

• A university degree, preferably in accounting, marketing, business administration or a related field;
• a minimum of five years experience in a sales, marketing or accounting capacity preferably in a book retail or publishing operation;
• fluency in Japanese and a good command of English;
• a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (in particular, Excel and Word);
• a self-starter with an eye for detail ability to meet regular deadlines;
• a good team player;
• proven interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Remuneration

Monthly remuneration within the range of JPY 250,000 – JPY300, 000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Duration of contract

This is a full-time position on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with the possibility of renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance.

This is a locally recruited PSA position and no relocation allowance applies. Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.

Starting date

It is expected that the successful candidate will take up the position in the first week of January 2013.

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit their applications, preferably by email (to unup-recruit@unu.edu), and must include the following:

• a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
• a comprehensive personal history (curriculum vitae) and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
• full contact information of three (3) referees (UNU Press will directly contact the referees in the event that the candidate is shortlisted);
• an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2012/UNU/HQ/PRESS/PSA/SA/34).

Contacts:

By e-mail (preferred): unup-recruit@unu.edu

By Mail:

Recruitment
United Nations University Press
53-70 Jingumae 5-chome
Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150-8925
Japan