UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme Spring 2027 in Japan — Monthly Stipend for Postgraduate Students

About the programme

The United Nations University (UNU) is an academic and research institution within the United Nations system. Its work focuses on major global challenges related to human survival, development and welfare.

Through the Junior Fellows Internship Programme, the Office of the Rector offers postgraduate students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in an international organisation. Junior Fellows support the day-to-day work of the Office of the Rector while learning how research, administration, policy support and international events are managed within the United Nations University.

For the Spring 2027 term, selected interns will work for approximately six months, from 1 March to 27 August 2027. The internship is primarily based at UNU headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo, although the programme allows some flexibility for remote work.

Applicants living in Japan and those living overseas are eligible to be considered, provided they meet the requirements.

Who can apply

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be aged 32 or younger at the time of application.
• Be currently pursuing a Master's or doctoral degree, or have completed postgraduate studies within the previous two years.
• Have no more than five years of professional experience in a related field.
• Demonstrate excellent research, writing and analytical skills.
• Have a native or fluent command of spoken and written English.
• Possess good computer skills and practical knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Have a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and the United Nations University.
• Be able to work effectively with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Demonstrate resourcefulness, creativity and problem-solving ability.

Applicants studying subjects related to the University's work may be particularly well placed, but the official criteria are not limited to a single academic discipline.

The programme particularly encourages applications from developing countries, women and people with disabilities. Candidates of different nationalities and backgrounds are welcome to apply.

What you get

1. Monthly stipend

Eligible interns receive a monthly stipend intended to cover part of their basic living expenses, including transportation to and from UNU headquarters.

The stipend is not automatically available to every selected intern. Applicants already receiving financial support from a university or another institution generally do not qualify, although scholarships specifically awarded for academic studies are exempt from this rule.

The actual amount is determined according to the stipend rates applicable to the duty station. UNU does not publish a fixed monthly figure in the vacancy announcement.

2. International work experience

Interns gain practical experience working with the Office of the Rector and contributing to UNU's activities. They can develop skills in research, analytical writing, project planning, event coordination, communications and administrative support.

3. Training and orientation

The programme begins with an orientation designed to introduce Junior Fellows to UNU, its staff, facilities and working procedures.

4. Access to facilities

When working on-site, interns are provided with appropriate office space and facilities. They also have free access to the UNU headquarters library and gym, subject to availability.

5. Leave entitlement

Junior Fellows receive 1.5 days of leave per month.

Important: The internship does not guarantee employment with UNU after completion. Interns do not become United Nations staff members or international civil servants through participation in this programme.

What will interns do?

Junior Fellows contribute to several areas of the Office of the Rector's work, depending on organisational needs. Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting research and preparing background briefs on institutional and policy issues.
• Drafting executive briefs, reports and other written materials.
• Supporting project planning and the development of project-management tools.
• Analysing university operations using tools such as Microsoft Excel.
• Assisting with the organisation of conferences, lectures, workshops and academic forums.
• Coordinating meetings, providing logistical support and preparing minutes.
• Proofreading reports and editing written materials.
• Preparing newsletters, event summaries and other communication documents.

The internship is suitable for candidates who want to strengthen their writing, analytical, organisational and communication skills in an international working environment.

Working arrangements

The internship is full-time, Monday to Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Japan Standard Time.

The main duty station is UNU headquarters in Tokyo. The vacancy states that applicants living both in Japan and overseas will be considered and that some remote-work flexibility is available.

However, this should not be interpreted as a guaranteed fully remote placement. Applicants should be prepared for the programme's primarily on-site working arrangement and should confirm any individual remote-work arrangements directly with UNU.

Applicants selected for the placement who need a Japanese visa will begin the visa application process after completing the required acceptance documentation. Selection does not itself guarantee visa approval.

How to apply

1. Visit the official vacancy page: https://careers.unu.edu/o/junior-fellows-internship-spring2027
2. Read the eligibility requirements, duties, working conditions and application instructions carefully.
3. Complete the online application. UNU states that applicants do not need to create an account.
4. Upload your current CV in English, limited to two single-sided pages, and your cover letter, which must not exceed one single-sided page.
5. Download and complete the official Junior Fellows Application Form and Funding Form linked on the vacancy page.
6. Arrange for two referees to send their recommendation letters directly to ro_internship@unu.edu from their official institutional, academic or corporate email addresses. At least one referee is expected to be a professor familiar with your academic abilities. Referees must not be family members or friends.
7. Provide an English-language test certificate if you do not meet either of the programme's stated exemptions.
8. Answer the required questions, check that all documents are attached and submit the complete application before the deadline.

Application deadline: 1 November 2026, before 11:59 p.m. Japan Standard Time. Applications cannot be submitted after the stated cutoff.

Documents required

Prepare the following documents and information before applying:

• Current CV: Written in English and no longer than two single-sided pages.
• Cover letter: Written in English and limited to one single-sided page. It should explain your motivation for applying, how you could contribute to the Office of the Rector, and how the internship relates to your future career goals.
• Completed application form: Download the Spring 2027 Junior Fellows Application Form from the official vacancy page and complete it as instructed.
• Completed funding form: Declare the source, amount and duration of any actual or projected financial support during the internship.
• Two recommendation letters: Sent directly by the referees to ro_internship@unu.edu using official email addresses. Applicants must not submit these letters themselves.
• English-language certificate, where required: A valid TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC score report is required for applicants whose native language is not English and whose undergraduate or graduate studies were not conducted in English.

Applications that do not comply with the official instructions may not be considered.

Selection process

The selection process has three stages.

Stage 1 — Application review: UNU evaluates applicants' qualifications, motivation, experience and supporting documents. The assessment may include a desk review, a competency-based interview and reference checks.

Stage 2 — Interview: Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a telephone or Zoom interview. The interview assesses motivation, career goals, communication skills, interpersonal skills and English proficiency.

Stage 3 — Practical assignment: Candidates are asked to complete a short, time-restricted assignment similar to the tasks they would perform during the internship. Applicants should allow up to two hours for this assessment, which is scheduled on the same day as the interview.

Only candidates under serious consideration may be contacted.

Important dates

• 1 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. Japan Standard Time: Application deadline.
• 1 March 2027: Expected internship start date.
• 27 August 2027: Expected internship end date.

Applicants should check the official vacancy page for any updates before submitting their applications.

Official links

Application portal: https://careers.unu.edu/o/junior-fellows-internship-spring2027

Programme information: https://unu.edu/junior-fellows-internship-programme

UNU careers page: https://unu.edu/careers

Recommendation letter email: ro_internship@unu.edu