UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2027: Apply for the United Nations University Internship in Tokyo
Overview
The UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme provides graduate students and young professionals with practical work experience at the United Nations University headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Operating within the Office of the Rector, the Spring 2027 term spans approximately six months, running from 1 March 2027 to 27 August 2027. Participants engage in administrative research, event coordination, and project support, gaining exposure to a United Nations administrative environment and the broader global UN system.
Who can apply
Applicants must be currently pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, or have completed their postgraduate studies within two years of the application date. Candidates must be 32 years of age or younger at the time of application, possess no more than five years of relevant professional experience, and demonstrate a preference for fields related to United Nations University work. Both candidates residing in Japan and those living overseas are eligible to apply.
Requirements
Applicants need fluent written and spoken English, strong analytical, research, and writing abilities, advanced computer skills, and cross-cultural competency. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, is desirable. Non-native English speakers who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate program in English must submit valid TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC test scores. The application package requires an English curriculum vitae of no more than two pages, a one-page English cover letter, completed application and funding forms, and two direct recommendation letters from referees sent from official academic, corporate, or institutional email addresses.
What you get
Interns participate in a one-week orientation at the start of the programme and have access to office facilities for on-site work, along with free library and gym access subject to availability. Eligible interns without alternative financial backing receive a monthly financial stipend based on applicable duty-station rates to help subsidize basic living and transport costs. Fellows working full-time accrue 1.5 days of leave per month, in addition to weekends and official holidays.
How to apply
Candidates submit their materials through the official vacancy link by answering position-specific questions and uploading the required documents. The curriculum vitae must be uploaded into the portal designator for the P11 Form, although the P11 Form itself is not required. Funding forms must detail any projected or actual funding sources, amounts, and durations for the stay in Tokyo.
Key dates
The application deadline is 1 November 2026 at 23:59 Japan Standard Time. The Spring 2027 internship term begins on 1 March 2027 and concludes on 27 August 2027.