The United Nations University invites postgraduate students and recent graduates to apply for its six-month Junior Fellows Internship Programme for Spring 2027.
About United Nations University
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global research institution that conducts policy-relevant research on issues related to human survival, conflict prevention, development and welfare. With researchers across 13 countries and collaborations with UN agencies, universities and research institutions, UNU contributes knowledge to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The Office of the Rector, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, runs the Junior Fellows Internship Programme to provide graduate students and young professionals with practical experience in institutional research, policy support, administration and the work of the United Nations system.
About the Opportunity
The Junior Fellows Internship Programme offers selected candidates the opportunity to support the work of the Office of the Rector and contribute to ongoing institutional initiatives. Interns receive guidance, training and hands-on experience in research, analysis, project planning, event coordination, editing and communications.
Applications are open for the Spring 2027 term. Candidates based in Japan and overseas are eligible to apply, irrespective of their current location.
Internship Details
Organisation: United Nations University
Office: Office of the Rector
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Mode: Primarily on-site, with some flexibility for remote work
Duration: Approximately six months (24 weeks)
Start Date: March 1, 2027
End Date: August 27, 2027
Working Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday
Openings: Not specified
Application Deadline: November 1, 2026, before 11:59 PM Japan Standard Time
Stipend and Benefits
Eligible interns receive a monthly stipend to partially subsidise basic living costs, including transportation to and from the UNU headquarters. The amount depends on the applicable stipend rate for the duty station.
The stipend is intended for interns who are not receiving financial support from other sources, although scholarships for academic studies are not treated as such financial support for this purpose. Part-time arrangements, where applicable, are prorated.
Other benefits and facilities include:
- One week of orientation at the beginning of the programme.
- 1.5 days of leave per month.
- Free on-site and online access to the headquarters’ library and gym, subject to availability.
- Opportunities to assist with conferences, lectures, workshops, academic forums and symposiums.
Roles & Responsibilities
Selected Junior Fellows will support the Office of the Rector in the following areas:
Research and Institutional Development
- Conduct background research on priority issues relating to the functioning and development of the University.
- Prepare executive briefs, topical information briefs and research-based documents.
- Assist with internal policy development and institutional initiatives.
Planning and Analysis
- Support the development of project management tools and systems.
- Use analytical tools, including Microsoft Excel, to examine university operations.
- Organise information and prepare analysis to support internal decision-making.
Event and Meeting Coordination
- Assist with the planning and coordination of lectures, conferences, workshops and other public events.
- Provide logistical support for meetings and institutional activities.
- Prepare meeting minutes and support follow-up tasks.
Editorial and Communications Support
- Proofread reports and edit written materials.
- Prepare newsletters, event summaries and other communication documents.
- Assist with the preparation and dissemination of institutional communications.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Be currently pursuing postgraduate studies at the master’s or doctoral level, or have completed postgraduate studies within two years of applying. A field related to UNU’s work is preferred.
- Be 32 years of age or younger at the time of application.
- Have no more than five years of work experience in their related field.
- Have native or fluent proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Demonstrate excellent research, writing and analytical skills.
- Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrate resourcefulness and creativity in problem-solving.
- Have advanced computer skills and practical knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Have an interest in the work of the United Nations, particularly the United Nations University.
Familiarity with information and communication technology tools and a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel are desirable.
Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate the values and behaviours expected within the United Nations system, including:
- Inclusion and integrity: Respect people from diverse backgrounds and uphold ethical standards.
- Humility and humanity: Show a willingness to learn and act consistently with the principles of the United Nations.
- Collaboration: Build constructive working relationships and coordinate effectively with colleagues.
- Analysis and planning: Use information and data to understand problems and support evidence-based decisions.
- Results and impact: Take responsibility for delivering useful and timely work.
- Learning and innovation: Remain adaptable, develop new skills and approach challenges creatively.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates must apply through the official application link provided in the vacancy announcement.
Applicants are required to complete the application process and submit the following documents and information:
- CV: Submit a current CV in English, limited to two single-sided pages. Upload it in the field designated for the P11 Form; the P11 Form itself is not required.
- Cover Letter: Submit a cover letter in English, limited to one single-sided page. Explain the motivation for applying, how the applicant could contribute to the Office of the Rector, and how the programme relates to their future career goals.
- Application Form: Complete and upload the required form. It may be completed electronically using Microsoft Word or printed and filled in by hand.
- Funding Form: Provide details of actual or projected funding during the stay in Tokyo, including its source, amount and duration.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Arrange for two referees familiar with the applicant’s character and abilities to submit recommendations. At least one referee is expected to be a professor familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities. Referees must submit their letters directly to ro_internship@unu.edu using official institutional, academic or corporate email addresses. Letters submitted by applicants themselves will not be considered.
- English Language Certification, where required: Applicants whose native language is not English and who have neither completed an undergraduate programme nor enrolled in a graduate programme where English is the medium of instruction must provide a valid TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC score report.
Applications must be submitted by November 1, 2026, before 11:59 PM Japan Standard Time. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Application Review
Applications and supporting documents will be assessed against the programme’s selection criteria. Evaluation may include a document review, a competency-based interview and reference checks.
Stage 2: Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a telephone or Zoom interview to discuss their motivation, expectations, career goals, communication skills and English proficiency.
Stage 3: Timed Assignment
Candidates will complete a short, time-restricted assignment similar to the tasks performed during the internship. Applicants should allow up to two hours for this exercise, which will be scheduled on the same day as the interview.
Only shortlisted candidates may be contacted.
Important Information
The Junior Fellows Internship Programme is intended to complement participants’ studies and professional development. It does not lead to an expectation of employment with UNU after the internship.
Junior Fellows do not hold international civil servant status and are not considered staff members under the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. They may not represent UNU in an official capacity.
Selected candidates must sign and return the internship agreement. They may then begin the process of obtaining a Japanese visa, if required.
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or recruitment fees.
Contact
Email for Letters of Recommendation: ro_internship@unu.edu
Application Link
Candidates can review the complete vacancy announcement and submit their applications through the official UNU recruitment portal.
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