The United Nations University (UNU) Junior Fellows Internship Programme offers graduate-level students and young professionals the opportunity to gain practical experience at the UNU headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
The programme is designed to provide hands-on exposure to the work of the United Nations University, the Office of the Rector and the wider UN system.
About the Junior Fellows Internship
Junior Fellows are recruited through a competitive process twice each year. The programme places strong emphasis on training, guidance and practical experience.
The internship begins with a one-week orientation, introducing successful candidates to UNU, their colleagues, facilities and working procedures within the Office of the Rector.
What You Will Do
Junior Fellows may contribute to several areas, including:
- Research and writing — preparing executive briefs, conducting background research and drafting topical information briefs.
- Project planning — supporting the development of project management tools and systems.
- Event coordination — helping organize lectures, conferences, workshops and other events.
- Meeting coordination — providing logistical assistance and taking minutes.
- Editorial work — proofreading reports and copy-editing materials.
- Communications — preparing newsletters, event summaries and other communication documents.
Internship Schedule
The programme runs alongside university semesters, with two recruitment periods each year.
Fall term
- Recruitment: May–June
- Internship: Mid-August to mid-December
Spring term
- Recruitment: September–October
- Internship: February to May
Junior Fellows normally work full-time, Monday to Friday, from 9:30 to 17:30.
Weekends and official UNU holidays are days off, and fellows are entitled to 1.5 days of leave per month.
Financial Support
Junior Fellows receive a monthly stipend, which includes a transportation allowance for commuting to and from the UNU headquarters.
The information provided does not specify the exact stipend amount.
For remote work, fellows are expected to have access to a personal laptop or desktop with basic functionality and an internet connection.
Additional Benefits
Junior Fellows can also receive:
- Office facilities when working on-site
- Free access to the UNU headquarters library
- Free access to the gym, where available
- Practical exposure to conferences, lectures, academic forums and symposiums
- Training and guidance from UNU professionals
- Experience working within a UN agency
- Opportunities to develop professional and research skills
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates should generally:
- Be currently pursuing or have recently completed postgraduate studies within the previous two years
- Hold or be pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree
- Preferably have a field related to UNU’s work
- Be under 32 years old at the time of application
- Have no more than five years of work experience in their related field
- Have native or fluent written and spoken English
- Demonstrate excellent research, writing and analytical skills
- Be able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
- Demonstrate resourcefulness and creativity in problem-solving
- Have advanced computer skills
- Have sound practical knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Ideally have strong Microsoft Excel skills
- Demonstrate an interest in the United Nations and specifically UNU
Location
United Nations University Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan
The programme can also involve remote work, according to the working arrangements for the particular internship.
How to Apply
Details about available positions and application procedures are provided through the UNU Careers website.
Applicants should check the careers portal for the specific Junior Fellows vacancy and follow the application instructions provided for that recruitment round.
Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme |
| Organisation | United Nations University |
| Location | Tokyo, Japan |
| Level | Graduate students and young professionals |
| Study level | Master’s or doctoral |
| Age | Under 32 |
| Work experience | Maximum 5 years in related field |
| Recruitment | Twice per year |
| Fall term | Mid-August to mid-December |
| Spring term | February to May |
| Working hours | 9:30–17:30, Monday–Friday |
| Leave | 1.5 days per month |
| Stipend | Monthly stipend provided |
| Transportation | Allowance included in stipend |
| Application | Through UNU Careers |
| Exact stipend amount | Not specified in the supplied information |
Important: The source you provided describes the ongoing Junior Fellows Internship Programme but does not give a specific 2027 application deadline or confirm that a particular 2027 vacancy is currently open. Those details should be checked on the UNU Careers portal before publishing them as confirmed 2027 application information.
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