UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2027 in Tokyo: Apply by 1 November

United Nations University is recruiting Junior Fellows for its Office of the Rector. The approximately six-month internship runs from 1 March to 27 August 2027.

Deadline: 1 November 2026, 23:59 Japan Standard Time
Location: Tokyo, Japan

Who can apply?

Applicants must be 32 or younger, studying for a postgraduate degree or have completed one within the past two years, and have no more than five years of related experience. Fluent English, research skills, and strong computer skills are expected.

What the opportunity offers

Interns contribute to research, coordination, analysis, and communications. Eligible interns without other financial support receive a stipend that partly offsets living expenses. This is an educational internship and does not guarantee later employment.

Programme schedule and working arrangements

• Spring placement: 1 March–27 August 2027, approximately twenty-four weeks. Applicants in Japan and overseas can apply.
• Work is primarily at UNU headquarters in Tokyo, with some remote flexibility. Standard hours are 09:30–17:30, Monday to Friday.
• Weekends and official holidays are free; leave accrues at 1.5 days monthly. On-site facilities include workspace and library access, with gym access where available.
• Remote work requires your own suitable computer and internet connection.

Responsibilities

• Research and draft executive briefs, institutional-development material and internal-policy background notes.
• Support project-management systems and use analytical tools, including Excel, to examine university operations.
• Help organize in-person and online lectures, conferences, workshops and public events.
• Coordinate meetings, logistics and minutes; proofread reports and edit copy.
• Prepare newsletters, event summaries and other communications.

Stipend

UNU provides a monthly allowance towards basic living costs for interns without internship-related support from another institution. Academic scholarships do not count as that external support. The amount follows duty-station rates; part-time arrangements are prorated.

Required application documents

• A current English CV of no more than two single-sided pages, uploaded in the field labelled P11 Form; a P11 form is not required.
• An English cover letter of at most one single-sided page explaining your motivation, possible contribution to the Rector’s Office and connection to future career plans.
• The completed application form and funding form, stating the source, amount and duration of actual or expected support in Tokyo.
• Two recommendation letters sent directly by referees from institutional or professional email accounts to ro_internship@unu.edu. At least one should normally be from a professor familiar with your academic work; friends and family cannot act as referees.
• English certification if English is neither your native language nor the language of your undergraduate or current graduate programme; the vacancy accepts TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC evidence.

Selection stages

The committee reviews documents, then invites shortlisted candidates to a telephone or Zoom interview assessing motivation, communication and English. A timed practical assignment, allowing up to two hours, takes place on the interview day. Selected applicants sign the internship agreement and arrange a Japanese visa where required.

Deadline and submission

Submit through the official vacancy by 1 November 2026 at 23:59 Japan Standard Time. No applicant account is required; complete the position-specific questions and attach the documents.

How to apply

Follow the official vacancy instructions for the CV, cover letter, application and funding forms, references, and any required English certification. The vacancy specifically explains the CV upload requirement; follow those instructions carefully.