In view of the situation in which the role of civilian personnel has been increasing with regard to efforts toward building international peace centering on the United Nations, the system of international peace cooperation program advisors was established as a Cabinet Office project in April 2005. This was also in response to recommendations by the Advisory Group on International Cooperation for Peace ( chaired by Yasushi Akashi, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations ).

Studying with experts


Serving as an election observer
( Nepal:2008 )

This system has two objectives: (1) fostering human resources in the field of international peace cooperation and (2) strengthening the functions of the Secretariat of the International Peace Cooperation Headquarters. In addition to conducting research activities, international peace cooperation program advisors are actively engaged in missions such as election observation operations carried out by the government.

International peace cooperation program advisors are working on tasks related to international peace cooperation for a maximum term of two years as national government employees.

Former international peace cooperation program advisors continue to work extensively in the field of international peace cooperation, such as at the United Nations and international agencies.

Career path examples

• UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (Political Affairs Officer)
• UN Mission in Sudan (Civil Affairs Officer, Electoral Officer)
• UN World Food Programme, Timor Leste
• UN Political Office for Somalia (DDR Officer)

Applicants for the international peace cooperation program advisor system must have work experience in the field of international peace cooperation and have the desire to work overseas in this field also in the future. Recruitment is normally conducted once or twice a year. ( Recruitment information will be posted on the website of the Secretariat of the International Peace Cooperation Headquarters. )