PAID United Nations University (UNU) Junior Fellows Internship Programme in Tokyo, Japan- Fall 2025
Location: Tokyo, Japan (On-site)
Office: Office of the Rector, United Nations University (UNU)
About United Nations University (UNU)
For over 40 years, UNU has served as a leading think tank dedicated to impartial research addressing global challenges related to human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With over 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work supports the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by generating policy-relevant knowledge.
It collaborates with more than 200 UN agencies, universities, and research institutions worldwide. More information is available at unu.edu.
Programme Overview
The Junior Fellows Internship Programme at the Office of the Rector offers graduate students and young professionals an opportunity to gain hands-on experience within UNU’s headquarters in Tokyo. Selected twice yearly through a competitive process, the internship provides exposure to the United Nations system and UNU’s work.
The programme emphasizes skill development through training, mentorship, and practical assignments related to UNU’s institutional priorities.
Purpose and Objectives
- Facilitate interaction between young scholars, professionals, and UNU
- Familiarize interns with UNU activities and the Office of the Rector
- Provide in-depth, practical experience in a UN agency administrative environment
- Support ongoing projects and operations within the Office of the Rector
Internship Details
Duration: Approximately 6 months (24 weeks)
Terms:
- Spring Term: Late February to Late August
- Fall Term: Late August to Late February (Fall 2025 term applications open)
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (local time)
Work Location: Primarily on-site in Tokyo, with some remote work flexibility
Stipend: Monthly financial support to partially cover living costs (not guaranteed if already financially supported)
Benefits: Access to office facilities, UNU library, gym, and participation in conferences and academic events
Eligibility Criteria
- Graduate students currently enrolled or recently graduated (within 2 years) from a relevant master’s or doctoral programme
- Under 32 years of age at application time
- Less than 5 years of professional experience in the field
- Fluent in English (written and spoken)
- Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
- Proficient in MS Office (Excel skills desirable)
- Demonstrated interest in the United Nations and UNU’s mission
- Ability to work effectively in diverse, multicultural environments
Key Responsibilities
Interns will support the Office of the Rector through:
- Administrative research and drafting of policy briefs
- Project management support and development of management tools
- Data analysis using Excel and other tools
- Event coordination (lectures, workshops, conferences)
- Meeting logistics and minute-taking
- Editorial assistance (proofreading and copy-editing)
- Communication tasks, including newsletters and summaries
Application Process
Deadline: 31 May 2025, 23:59 JST (No late applications accepted)
Application Requirements:
- Online application form
- Current CV (max 2 pages)
- Cover letter (max 1 page) detailing motivation, qualifications, and career goals
- Funding form outlining financial support (if applicable)
- Two letters of recommendation (one preferably academic), sent directly by referees to [email protected]
- English language certification if English is not native or the language of instruction
Selection Stages:
- Document review and assessment of qualifications
- Interview via Zoom or phone (for shortlisted candidates)
- Time-restricted written assignment similar to internship tasks
Additional Information
- One French-English bilingual candidate may be selected for UNU Paris Office
- The internship is primarily educational; no expectation of employment after completion
- Interns do not have UN staff status and cannot represent UNU officially
- UNU values diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from women, developing countries, and persons with disabilities
- UNU has zero tolerance for misconduct including harassment and discrimination
Contact and Application Link
For further details and to apply, please visit the official application portal and carefully follow the instructions provided. For questions, email: [email protected]
For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
