The United Nations University (UNU) Junior Fellows Internship Programme 2027 is inviting applications from qualified graduate students and young professionals interested in gaining practical experience within the United Nations system.
Based at the Office of the Rector at UNU headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, the programme offers hands-on experience in research, policy support, communications, event coordination, planning, and institutional development.
The Spring 2027 cohort is expected to run for approximately six months, from 1 March to 27 August 2027. Applicants based in Japan and overseas are eligible to be considered, subject to the programme's selection requirements.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | UNU Junior Fellows Internship |
| Organization | United Nations University |
| Office | Office of the Rector |
| Location | Tokyo, Japan, with some remote-work flexibility |
| Internship Type | Research, Administration and Policy Support |
| Duration | Approximately 6 months |
| Expected Start Date | 1 March 2027 |
| Expected End Date | 27 August 2027 |
| Funding | Monthly stipend for eligible interns |
| Eligible Applicants | Graduate students and recent postgraduate graduates |
| Age Requirement | 32 years or younger at application |
| Work Experience | No more than 5 years in a related field |
| Application Deadline | 1 November 2026, before 23:59 Japan Standard Time |
About the Internship
The United Nations University is a global research institution that works on major challenges related to sustainable development, human welfare, peace, and global cooperation.
The Junior Fellows Internship Programme is designed to give graduate-level students and young professionals practical experience in the work of UNU and the wider United Nations system.
Junior Fellows receive guidance, training, and opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in a professional environment. The programme begins with a one-week orientation and provides exposure to the administrative and operational work of the Office of the Rector.
The internship is particularly relevant for candidates interested in international development, public policy, research, institutional management, and future careers connected to the United Nations.
What Does the Internship Offer?
Successful applicants can benefit from:
- A monthly stipend to help cover part of basic living expenses, subject to eligibility and applicable rates
- Practical experience in a United Nations university environment
- Research, writing, and analytical assignments
- Exposure to institutional planning and policy development
- Experience supporting conferences, workshops, lectures, and academic forums
- Guidance and professional learning opportunities
- Access to UNU headquarters library and gym facilities, subject to availability
- Opportunities to work with colleagues from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds
Important: The stipend is intended to partially subsidize living costs. It is not described as a fully funded scholarship, and the announcement does not specify a fixed stipend amount.
Interns who receive financial support from other sources may not qualify for the stipend. Scholarships for academic studies are excluded from this rule, according to the announcement.
Areas of Work and Responsibilities
Junior Fellows may support the Office of the Rector in several areas.
Research and Writing
- Conduct background research on institutional and policy issues
- Prepare executive briefs
- Draft topical information briefs
- Support internal policy development
Planning and Analysis
- Help develop project management tools and systems
- Use Microsoft Excel and other analytical tools to review university operations
- Support evidence-based planning and decision-making
Event and Meeting Coordination
- Assist with conferences, lectures, workshops, and academic forums
- Provide logistical support for meetings
- Prepare meeting minutes
- Help coordinate online and in-person events
Communications and Editorial Support
- Proofread reports and documents
- Copy-edit written materials
- Prepare newsletters and event summaries
- Support the preparation and distribution of communications
Who Should Apply?
The internship may be suitable for:
- Master's students
- Doctoral students
- Recent master's graduates
- Recent doctoral graduates
- Young professionals interested in international development
- Applicants interested in research, public policy, administration, and institutional development
- Candidates seeking practical experience related to the United Nations system
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be currently pursuing or have completed postgraduate studies at master's or doctoral level within the previous two years
- Be 32 years old or younger at the time of application
- Have no more than five years of work experience in a related field
- Have fluent or native-level written and spoken English
- Demonstrate strong research, writing, and analytical skills
- Have advanced computer skills and practical knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Have an interest in the work of the United Nations University and the wider UN system
- Be able to work effectively with people from different backgrounds
- Demonstrate resourcefulness, creativity, and a willingness to learn
Applicants from developing countries and women are strongly encouraged to apply. UNU also encourages applications from persons living with disabilities.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following materials in English:
- Current CV: No more than two single-sided pages
- Cover letter: No more than one single-sided page
- Application form: Completed and uploaded through the application process
- Funding form: Information about actual or projected funding during the internship
- Two letters of recommendation: Submitted directly by the referees
- English language certification: Required if the applicant does not meet the stated exemption criteria
The cover letter should explain:
- Why you want to join the Junior Fellows Internship Programme.
- How you could contribute to the work of the Office of the Rector.
- How the internship relates to your future career goals.
At least one recommendation letter is expected to come from a professor familiar with the applicant's academic abilities. Professional references may be appropriate where academic references are difficult to obtain.
Referees must send their letters directly to the official internship email address using their institutional, academic, or corporate email account. Letters submitted by the applicant will not be accepted.
English Language Requirements
Applicants may be exempt from submitting an English language test certificate if:
- English is their native language; or
- They completed an undergraduate programme, or are enrolled in a graduate programme, where English is the language of instruction.
Applicants who do not meet either condition must provide a valid TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC score report.
Check the official announcement for the preferred score ranges and any additional language requirements.
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
Open the official UNU Junior Fellows Internship announcement.
Review the eligibility criteria and application instructions carefully.
Prepare your CV in English, keeping it within two pages.
Write a cover letter explaining your motivation, relevant qualifications, potential contribution, and career goals.
Complete the required application form and funding form.
Arrange for two referees to submit their recommendation letters directly to UNU.
Provide English language certification if required.
Submit your application through the official application link before the deadline.
The announcement states that applicants do not need to create a UNU account to apply.
Do not upload a P11 form in place of your CV. The announcement specifically instructs applicants to upload their current CV in the field designated for the P11 form. A P11 form is not required for this position.
Selection Process
The recruitment process has three stages.
Stage 1: Initial Review
UNU reviews applicants' motivation, background, qualifications, and supporting documents. Assessment may include a desk review, competency-based interview, and reference checks.
Stage 2: Interview
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a telephone or Zoom interview. The interview assesses motivation, expectations, career goals, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and English proficiency.
Stage 3: Practical Assignment
Candidates may be 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 exercise.
Only shortlisted candidates may be contacted.
Important Information Before Applying
- The internship is expected to last approximately six months.
- The work is primarily based at UNU headquarters in Tokyo, with some flexibility for remote work.
- Remote interns must have access to a suitable computer and reliable internet.
- Applicants should not assume that the internship covers all travel, accommodation, visa, or living expenses.
- The programme is intended to complement academic studies and does not guarantee future employment with UNU.
- UNU does not charge application, processing, interview, training, or recruitment fees.
Application Deadline
The deadline is 1 November 2026, before 23:59 Japan Standard Time (JST).
Applications will not be accepted after the stated closing time.
Ready to Apply?
If you are a graduate student or recent postgraduate graduate interested in research, policy, international development, communications, or institutional management, the UNU Junior Fellows Internship offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in a United Nations environment.
Review the official requirements and prepare your documents well before the deadline.
