UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2027 in Japan | Paid Internship in Tokyo

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The UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme Spring 2027 in Japan is now open for applications. This internship opportunity at the United Nations University (UNU) offers graduate students and recent graduates a chance to gain practical experience in a United Nations working environment. It is open to eligible master’s and doctoral students, as well as those who have completed postgraduate studies within the past two years. Selected interns will work at the Office of the Rector in Tokyo, developing their research, writing, communication, and administrative skills while contributing to the work of UNU.

The UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme 2027 provides hands-on training and professional guidance through a one-week orientation and practical assignments. Interns will support research, project planning, event coordination, meeting arrangements, editorial work, and communications. The programme runs for approximately six months, from 1 March to 27 August 2027. For the Spring 2027 term, applicants currently living in Japan and overseas are eligible to apply, provided they meet the programme requirements.

The UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2027 in Japan provides a monthly stipend to eligible interns who do not receive financial support from other sources, excluding scholarships for academic studies. Participants will also have access to UNU headquarters facilities, including the library and gym, and gain opportunities to connect with researchers and professionals working within the United Nations system. Applicants must be 32 years of age or younger, have no more than five years of relevant work experience, and demonstrate strong English language, research, and analytical skills. The application deadline is 1 November 2026. Apply now to gain valuable international experience at the United Nations University in Japan.

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UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2027 Summary

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Purpose of the UNU Internship

• To promote interaction and dialogue between young scholars, early-career professionals, and UNU.
• To familiarize interns with the work of the UNU and the Office of the Rector.
• To give in-depth, practical, hands-on experience in a UN agency / administrative international environment.
• To support the initiatives and work of the Office of the Rector, contributing to events, research, policy, communications, etc.

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Benefits of the UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2027

• A monthly stipend is provided to help partially cover basic living expenses and commuting costs. Interns who receive financial support from other sources, such as universities or other institutions, will not receive the internship stipend. Scholarships for academic studies are not considered financial support for this purpose.
• Access to UNU HQ facilities, including the library and gym, when on-site, with some remote work flexibility.
• Hands-on work experience in meaningful assignments, including research, events, writing, and policy briefs.
• Networking opportunity with UNU staff and exposure to UN values and operations.
• Practical experience through conferences, lectures, academic forums, workshops, and symposiums held online and in person.

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Eligibility Requirements of the UNU Internship Program 2027

Applicants must meet several criteria, including:

• Currently enrolled in or have recently completed postgraduate studies (Master’s or PhD) within two years of application, preferably in a field related to the University’s work.
• Be 32 years of age or younger at the time of application.
• Have no more than 5 years of work experience in their related field.
• Have a native or fluent command of written and spoken English.
• Demonstrate excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrate resourcefulness and creativity in problem-solving.
• Have advanced computer skills, including sound, hands-on knowledge of MS Office applications. Familiarity with ICT tools and a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel are desirable.
• Demonstrate an interest in the work of the United Nations, particularly the United Nations University.

Location eligibility: For the Spring 2027 term, applicants located both in Japan and overseas will be considered, regardless of their current location.

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Required Documents for UNU Internship Program

1. A current and complete CV/resume in English, not exceeding two single-sided pages. Applicants should upload their CV in the section designated for the P11 Form. The P11 Form is not required for this position.
2. A cover letter in English, not exceeding one single-sided page, explaining your motivation for applying, how you can contribute to the Office of the Rector, and how the programme aligns with your future career goals.
3. Two letters of recommendation from referees familiar with your character and abilities. At least one referee is expected to be a professor acquainted with your academic abilities. Referees must submit their letters directly to ro_internship@unu.edu using their official institutional, academic, or corporate email addresses. Letters submitted by applicants themselves will not be considered.
4. Proof of English proficiency, if required. Applicants must provide a valid TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC score report if English is not their native language and they have neither completed an undergraduate programme nor enrolled in a graduate programme where English is the medium of instruction. Original certificates or photocopies are accepted.
5. A completed Application Form, which may be filled in using MS Word or printed and completed by hand, then uploaded through the application link.
6. A completed Funding Form outlining the source, amount, and duration of actual and/or projected funding while in Tokyo.

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How to Apply for the UNU Junior Fellows Internship

• Visit the official UNU Junior Fellows Internship application page and review the requirements for the Spring 2027 term.
• Complete the online application by answering the questions tailored to the position and uploading the required documents, including your CV, cover letter, Application Form, and Funding Form.
• Arrange for two referees to submit their recommendation letters directly to ro_internship@unu.edu using their official email addresses.
• Submit your application before 1 November 2026 at 23:59 Japan Standard Time (JST). Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

Application Process

The selection happens in three stages:

1. Initial Screening: The selection committee reviews submitted applications, including the CV, cover letter, application documents, and eligibility. Evaluation may include a desk review, competency-based interview, and reference checks.
2. Interview Stage: Shortlisted applicants are invited to a telephone or Zoom interview to assess their motivation, expectations, career goals, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and English proficiency.
3. Assignment/Test: Candidates are asked to complete a short, time-restricted assignment similar to the tasks they would perform during the internship. The assignment takes place on the same day as the interview at an agreed time, and candidates should allow up to two hours.

Final Selection and Agreement: Successful applicants must sign and return an Agreement Form, which serves as the working contract for the internship. Once the agreement is completed, selected applicants can begin the process of obtaining a Japanese visa, if necessary.

UNU Intern Responsibilities

As a Junior Fellow, your duties will include:

• Research and writing: drafting executive briefs, background papers, or topical information briefs related to internal policy and institutional development.
• Project planning / administrative support: helping develop project-management tools and systems.
• Event coordination: supporting the organization of lectures, conferences, workshops, and other public events, both in person and online.
• Meeting coordination: providing logistical support and taking meeting minutes.
• Editorial work: proofreading reports and copy-editing documents.
• Communications: preparing newsletters, event summaries, and other communication materials.
• Analytical tasks/data work: using Excel and other analytical tools to conduct internal analyses of university operations.

Competencies Required as UNU Intern

UNU expects interns to demonstrate:

Values

• Inclusion: creating an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of background or identity.
• Integrity: demonstrating ethical conduct and following the standards of the United Nations.
• Humility: showing self-awareness and a willingness to learn from others.
• Humanity: acting according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity, and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviours / Skills

• Connect & Collaborate: building positive relationships and working effectively with diverse teams.
• Analyse & Plan: using information and data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, support decisions, and plan action.
• Deliver Results with Positive Impact: being accountable and producing results that make a positive difference.
• Learn & Develop: pursuing personal learning and development while contributing to the development of others.
• Adapt & Innovate: demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and creative problem-solving.

UNU Internship Program Timeline

Important Note: The internship is intended to complement an intern’s studies and is not designed to lead to further employment with UNU. Interns do not hold international civil servant status and are not considered staff members of the United Nations. UNU does not charge any application or recruitment fees.