UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2027

The United Nations University (UNU) Junior Fellows Internship Programme 2027 provides postgraduate students and early-career professionals with an opportunity to gain practical experience at UNU headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.

Organised by the Office of the Rector, the internship allows participants to contribute to the administration, coordination and institutional development activities of United Nations University.

The programme is designed to connect academic knowledge with professional practice. Junior Fellows support research, policy-related writing, project coordination, communication and institutional operations.

Successful applicants begin with a one-week orientation introducing UNU's activities, working procedures, colleagues and organisational environment.

Throughout the placement, interns contribute to tasks such as preparing executive briefs, undertaking background research, analysing institutional information, organising meetings and supporting international events.

The Spring 2027 internship is expected to run from 1 March to 27 August 2027. Work is primarily based at UNU headquarters in Tokyo, although the institution indicates some flexibility for remote arrangements.

UNU considers applications from candidates living in Japan and overseas for this intake.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Academic qualification: Be currently pursuing or have completed within the previous two years a master's or doctoral programme.
• Age: Be 32 years old or younger at the time of application.
• Professional experience: Have no more than five years of work experience in a related field.
• English proficiency: Have native-level or fluent written and spoken English.
• Research skills: Demonstrate excellent research, writing and analytical abilities.
• Computer skills: Have advanced computer skills, including practical knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Interpersonal skills: Be able to work effectively with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Problem-solving: Demonstrate resourcefulness and creativity.
• Professional interest: Show genuine interest in the work of the United Nations and United Nations University.

The UNU Junior Fellows Internship offers financial assistance and professional development opportunities.

• Monthly stipend: Eligible interns receive a stipend to partially subsidise basic living expenses.
• Transportation allowance: The monthly stipend incorporates support for commuting to UNU headquarters in Shibuya.
• Professional training: A one-week orientation followed by practical training and guidance.
• United Nations experience: Exposure to the professional environment of United Nations University.
• Research experience: Opportunities to support institutional research, analysis and policy-related documentation.
• International networking: Interaction with UNU staff and professionals working on global challenges.
• Event participation: Opportunities to contribute to conferences, lectures, academic forums and symposiums.
• University facilities: Access to UNU headquarters' library and gym, subject to availability.
• Leave entitlement: 1.5 days of leave per month, alongside weekends and official UNU holidays.

Initial Application

• Curriculum Vitae: An updated CV in English, limited to two single-sided pages.
• Cover Letter: A one-page English cover letter explaining motivation, potential contributions to the Office of the Rector and future career goals.
• UNU Application Form: The completed official Spring 2027 application form.
• UNU Funding Form: A completed declaration of actual or expected funding while in Tokyo.
• Recommendation Letters: Two references from academic or professional referees.
• English-language certification: TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC evidence if the applicant does not qualify for the specified English-language exemption.
• Online application questions: Completed responses to the mandatory questions in the careers portal.

Reference Letter Requirements

Referees must submit their recommendation letters directly from their official institutional or professional email addresses to:

ro_internship@unu.edu

UNU expects at least one referee to be a professor familiar with the applicant's academic abilities. References submitted directly by applicants are not accepted.

Following Selection

Successful applicants must sign and return the official internship agreement and complete Japanese visa arrangements where necessary.

UNU uses a three-stage application and assessment process.

Initial Application Assessment

The recruitment team considers:

• Academic qualifications and relevance to the programme.
• Research, writing and analytical abilities.
• Technical and computer skills.
• Relevant professional experience.
• Motivation and interest in UNU's work.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Supporting documents and recommendation letters.

Interview Assessment

Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed by telephone or Zoom to assess:

• Motivation and expectations.
• Professional and career goals.
• Interpersonal and communication skills.
• English-language proficiency.
• Suitability for the Office of the Rector.

Practical Assignment

Candidates are asked to complete a time-restricted assignment reflecting tasks they may undertake during the internship. Applicants should allow up to two hours for the assignment.

• Gain first-hand experience within a United Nations agency.
• Apply postgraduate knowledge in a professional environment.
• Develop practical research and analytical skills.
• Learn about international institutional administration.
• Support policy-related research and organisational activities.
• Work alongside professionals from different backgrounds.
• Build experience relevant to careers in international development and public policy.
• Develop stronger professional communication and project coordination skills.