Call for Applications: for Junior Fellows Internship at United Nations University, Application Deadline: 8th May 2026
About Junior Fellows Internship Programme in the Office of the Rector
The United Nations University Office of the Rector recruits highly qualified applicants to work as Junior Fellows at the UNU headquarters in Tokyo. Junior Fellows are recruited through a competitive application process twice per year. Graduate students interested in the work of the United Nations — and in particular, UNU — are encouraged to apply.
The underlying principles of the Junior Fellows Internship Programme at the Office of the Rector are centred on creating a dynamic, challenging and rewarding experience for graduate level students and young professionals. Successful candidates will contribute to the work of the Office of the Rector, the United Nations University, and the UN system as a whole. The programme provides opportunities for the development of new skills and knowledge and is a unique and constructive setting for the practical application of capacities acquired through graduate studies.
Purpose
The purpose of the Junior Fellows Internship Programme at the Office of the Rector is:
- to promote interaction and dialogue between young scholars, professionals and UNU;
- to familiarise junior fellows with the activities of the Office of the Rector and the work of UNU;
- to provide opportunities for young professionals to gain in-depth, hands-on experience in a UN agency;
- to expose young professionals to an administrative working environment, and;
- to provide support to activities within the Office of the Rector.
Working Conditions
Running parallel to most university semesters, Junior Fellows are selected twice per year, once in May-June for the fall term and once in September-October for the spring term. The spring term runs from late February to late August, and the fall term runs from late August to late February. Work is primarily on-site at the UNU headquarters in Tokyo, with some flexibility for remote work.
Please note that for the Fall 2026 term, applicants located BOTH in Japan and overseas will be considered regardless of their current location.
Stipend
Interns who are not in receipt of financial support from other sources such as universities or other institutions, will receive a stipend from UNU to partially subsidise their basic living costs for the duration of the internship (note: scholarships for academic studies will not be considered a source of financial support for the purposes of the internship stipend). The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates in effect. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Responsibilities
Participants in this programme have the opportunity to engage in a number of ongoing initiatives that provide a unique window into the working processes of the University. Junior Fellows support the work of the Office of the Rector in the following areas:
- administrative research and writing for institutional development: preparation of executive briefs on priority issues; background research and drafting of topical information briefs in support of internal policy development (i.e. related to the functioning of the University);
- planning: supporting the development of project management tools and systems;
- analysis: Use of analytical tools (including Microsoft Excel) to conduct internal analyses on university operations;
- in person and online event coordination: supporting the organisation of lectures, conferences, workshops, and other public events;
- meeting coordination: logistical support and minute taking;
- editorial support: proof-reading reports and copy editing;
- communication: preparation and dissemination of newsletters, event summaries, and other communication documents.
Competencies
Values:
- Inclusion – Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
- Integrity – Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.
- Humility – Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
- Humanity – Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.
Qualifications
The qualifications that are considered in each application process include, but are not limited to, the following. The candidate:
- is currently pursuing or has recently completed (within two years of application) postgraduate studies (master’s or doctoral), preferably in a field related to the University’s work;
- is at or under 32 years of age at the time of application;
- must not have more than 5 years of work experience in their related field;
- has a native or fluent command of written and spoken English;
- has excellent research, writing and analytical skills;
- can establish and maintain effective working relations with people from diverse backgrounds;
- demonstrates resourcefulness and creativity in problem-solving;
- has advanced computer skills: sound, hands-on, knowledge of MS Office applications (familiarity with ICT tools and high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel are desirable);
- has a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and more specifically, in the work of the United Nations University.
Duration of contract: The duration of the internship is approximately 6 months (24 weeks).
Expected start date: 1st September 2026
Expected end date: 26th February 2027
How to Apply:
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
- Application: Apply via the apply link.
- Answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
- CV: Attach a current and complete CV in English (in the place where it says to upload the P11 Form). Your résumé or c.v. may not exceed two single-sided pages. The P11 Form is not necessary for this position, please upload your current CV.
- Cover Letter: Insert your Cover Letter (in English) as required, stating interest in and qualifications for the post. Your cover letter should not be longer than one single-sided page and should include the following: i. your motivations for applying to the programme; ii. how you feel you may contribute to the work being done at the Office of the Rector; iii. how this programme relates to your future career goals.
- Application form: Fill in the Application Form and upload via the link. The form may be completed using MS Word or printed and filled in by hand.
- Funding form: Fill in the Funding Form and upload via the link. The form should outline the source, amount, and duration of actual and/or projected funding while in Tokyo.
- Letters of Recommendation:
- Arrange for two letters of recommendation from referees who are familiar with your character and who have agreed to write a recommendation on your behalf. UNU reserves the right to contact your referees. Certain candidates may have difficulty obtaining academic references and it may be more appropriate to get references from professionals or supervisors. Of the two referees issuing letters of recommendation, it is expected that at least one is a professor acquainted with your academic abilities. Referees should not be family members or friends. The two referees will need to each complete a letter of recommendation.
- The letter of recommendation must be submitted by the referee via email to the following address: ro_internship@unu.edu. Recommendation letters submitted by the applicant themselves will not be considered. Referees must use their official (institutional/academic/corporate) email address to submit the letter.
Application Deadline: 8th May 2026 (NOTE: applications will NOT be possible after 23:59 Japan Standard Time)
For more details, refer here
