United Nations University (UNU) Junior Fellows Internship 2027

Overview

The United Nations University Office of the Rector recruits graduate students and young professionals to serve as Junior Fellows at the UNU headquarters in Tokyo. The internship programme is designed to foster dialogue between young scholars and the university, provide hands-on experience within a UN agency, and support the administrative and operational activities of the Office of the Rector. Participants gain practical skills and apply knowledge acquired through their graduate studies in a dynamic international environment.

Who can apply

Applicants must be currently pursuing or have recently completed postgraduate studies at the master's or doctoral level within two years of applying, preferably in a field related to the university's work. Candidates must be 32 years of age or younger at the time of application and have no more than five years of work experience in a related field. Requirements also include native or fluent command of spoken and written English, advanced computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, and a demonstrated interest in the United Nations and the United Nations University. Applicants who are not native English speakers and have not completed an undergraduate or graduate program with English as the medium of instruction must provide a valid TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC score report.

What you get

Successful candidates receive practical work experience in a United Nations agency and opportunities to develop new skills. Interns who do not receive financial support from other institutions are provided a partial stipend by UNU to help subsidize basic living costs during the internship duration. The monthly stipend amount is determined based on established duty station rates and is paid monthly, with part-time arrangements prorated accordingly.

Requirements

Candidates must submit a current and complete CV in English that does not exceed two single-sided pages, replacing the P11 Form. A cover letter of no more than one single-sided page is required, outlining the applicant's motivations for applying, potential contributions to the Office of the Rector, and alignment with future career goals. Applicants must also fill out and upload the Application Form and the Funding Form detailing any projected or actual funding while in Tokyo. Additionally, candidates must arrange for two letters of recommendation from professional or academic supervisors who are not family members or friends. At least one referee should be a professor familiar with the applicant's academic abilities, and referees must submit their letters directly from an official institutional, academic, or corporate email address to the designated UNU email address.

How to apply

Applications are completed through the online process without needing to create an account. Candidates must answer the tailored position questions, upload the CV and the completed Application and Funding forms, and ensure their cover letter is properly inserted. Referees must independently email their recommendation letters to ro_internship@unu.edu. Language certifications, if applicable, must also be submitted as part of the application package.

Key dates

Applications are accepted through November 1, 2026.