Location: Tokyo, Japan (Office of the Rector)
Type: On-site (with limited remote flexibility)
Duration: Approximately 6 months (24 weeks)
Term: Spring 2026 – 2 March 2026 to 28 August 2026
Application Deadline: 31 October 2025, 23:59 Japan Standard Time
About the United Nations University (UNU)
For more than four decades, the United Nations University (UNU) has served as a global think tank and academic institution addressing the world’s most pressing challenges related to human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With over 400 researchers across 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), generating policy-relevant knowledge to inspire and enable positive global change.
UNU partners with more than 200 UN agencies, universities, and research institutions worldwide, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges research and policy.
About the Internship Programme
The Junior Fellows Internship Programme at the Office of the Rector (Tokyo headquarters) offers graduate students and young professionals a unique opportunity to contribute to UNU’s mission while gaining practical experience in the UN system.
Conducted twice annually (Spring and Fall terms), the programme is designed to:
- Promote dialogue and collaboration between emerging scholars, professionals, and UNU experts.
- Familiarise interns with the operations of UNU and the Office of the Rector.
- Provide hands-on experience in research, administration, and project coordination within a UN environment.
- Develop professional competencies relevant to international careers.
For the Spring 2026 term, applicants located both in Japan and overseas are eligible to apply. One candidate fluent in French and English may be selected to work at the UNU Office in Paris.
Responsibilities
Junior Fellows work full-time (Monday to Friday, 9:30–17:30 JST) and actively contribute to the Office of the Rector’s ongoing initiatives. Key responsibilities include:
- Administrative Research and Writing:
- Prepare executive briefs and background papers on institutional development and policy issues.
- Draft topical information briefs to support UNU’s internal processes.
- Planning and Analysis:
- Assist in developing project management systems and analytical tools.
- Use Microsoft Excel and other software to conduct operational analyses.
- Event Coordination:
- Support the organisation of conferences, lectures, workshops, and online events.
- Handle meeting logistics, note-taking, and communication with participants.
- Editorial and Communication Support:
- Proofread and edit internal documents, reports, and newsletters.
- Contribute to event summaries, digital content, and other communications materials.
Through these activities, Junior Fellows gain deep insight into UNU’s operational framework and the broader UN system while developing valuable professional and intercultural skills.
Working Conditions
- Internships are on-site at UNU headquarters in Tokyo, though partial remote work may be arranged.
- Interns are provided with office space, access to facilities, and library and gym privileges (where available).
- Each Junior Fellow receives 1.5 days of leave per month.
- A monthly stipend is provided to help cover living expenses and transportation costs.
- Fellows have opportunities to assist in organising global conferences and contribute to UNU’s academic and policy discussions.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic ability, motivation, and commitment to the principles of the United Nations. Candidates must:
- Be currently enrolled in or have recently completed (within two years) postgraduate studies (Master’s or PhD).
- Be under 32 years of age at the time of application.
- Have no more than five years of professional experience in a related field.
- Possess native or fluent English proficiency (French fluency is an asset).
- Have excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.
- Show strong initiative, creativity, and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Demonstrate a clear interest in the work of the United Nations and UNU.
Core Values and Behaviours
UNU expects all interns to embody UN values:
- Inclusion: Foster respect and dignity for all individuals.
- Integrity: Act ethically and uphold UN standards of conduct.
- Humility: Demonstrate openness and a willingness to learn.
- Humanity: Contribute to peace, dignity, and equality worldwide.
Key behavioural competencies include collaboration, planning, adaptability, learning, and innovation.
Application Process
Applications are assessed through a three-stage selection process:
- Initial Screening:
- Submission of required documents and evaluation of qualifications and motivation.
- May include a desk review and reference check.
- Interview Stage:
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview via Zoom or phone.
- Interviews assess communication skills, motivation, and programme fit.
- Practical Assignment:
- Candidates complete a short, timed assignment to simulate internship tasks.
Required Application Materials:
- Completed Application Form and Funding Form (downloadable from UNU website).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – maximum two pages in English.
- Cover Letter – one page, outlining motivation, contributions, and career goals.
- Two Letters of Recommendation submitted directly by referees via email to: [email protected].
- Language Certification (if English is not the native or instructional language).
Important Notes
- The programme is not intended to lead to employment within UNU.
- Interns do not hold international civil servant status and cannot represent UNU officially.
- UNU does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
- The University promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from developing countries.
Application Deadline
31 October 2025 (23:59 Japan Standard Time)
For further details and to apply, visit the official UNU website.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the internship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official 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
