The United Nations University (UNU) has opened applications for its Junior Fellows Internship Programme 2026, offering graduate students and young professionals the opportunity to gain practical experience at the United Nations University Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
Hosted by the Office of the Rector, the programme provides participants with hands-on exposure to the work of the United Nations system while developing professional skills in research, policy, administration, communications, and project coordination.
About the UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme
The Junior Fellows Internship Programme is designed to create a dynamic and rewarding learning experience for graduate-level students and recent graduates interested in international development, global policy, and the work of the United Nations.
Successful applicants work closely with the Office of the Rector, contributing to institutional initiatives while gaining valuable experience within a UN agency.
Programme Location
- United Nations University Headquarters
- Tokyo, Japan
Programme Duration
Junior Fellows are recruited twice each year:
- Fall Term: Mid-August to Mid-December
- Spring Term: February to May
The internship runs alongside most university academic semesters.
Working Schedule
Junior Fellows work full-time during standard university working hours:
- Monday to Friday
- 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Participants are entitled to:
- Official UNU holidays
- 1.5 days of leave per month
Depending on operational needs, fellows may work on-site or remotely.
Financial Support
Junior Fellows receive:
- A monthly stipend
- Transportation allowance for commuting to UNU Headquarters
When working on-site, fellows are also provided with office space and appropriate facilities.
Learning Opportunities
Participants benefit from:
- A one-week orientation programme
- Practical experience within the United Nations system
- Professional mentoring and guidance
- Access to the UNU Headquarters library
- Access to on-site gym facilities (where available)
- Opportunities to assist with conferences, lectures, workshops, and academic events
- Exposure to international policy and university administration
Internship Responsibilities
Junior Fellows support the Office of the Rector through activities such as:
- Administrative research
- Policy research and background papers
- Executive brief preparation
- Institutional development support
- Project planning
- Event coordination
- Conference organization
- Workshop support
- Meeting coordination
- Minute taking
- Editorial assistance
- Proofreading and copy editing
- Newsletter preparation
- Communication materials
- Internal and external communications
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be currently enrolled in, or have completed within the last two years, a master’s or doctoral programme.
- Be under 32 years of age at the time of application.
- Have no more than five years of relevant professional work experience.
- Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English.
- Possess strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Be able to work effectively in multicultural environments.
- Demonstrate creativity and problem-solving abilities.
- Have strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications (advanced Microsoft Excel skills are considered an advantage).
- Show a genuine interest in the work of the United Nations and the United Nations University.
Why Apply?
The programme offers participants the opportunity to:
- Gain practical experience within a United Nations organization.
- Develop research and policy analysis skills.
- Strengthen project management and communication abilities.
- Build international professional networks.
- Learn about global governance and sustainable development.
- Enhance future career prospects within international organizations.
Application Process
Applications for the Junior Fellows Internship Programme are managed through the UNU Careers portal.
Open internship vacancies, application instructions, deadlines, and required documents are published during each recruitment cycle.
Interested candidates should regularly monitor the careers portal and submit a complete application before the relevant closing date.
Launch Your Career with the United Nations University
The UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme provides an excellent opportunity for graduate students and young professionals to gain first-hand experience in a United Nations institution while contributing to international research, policy development, and university operations.
Whether your interests lie in international affairs, sustainable development, public policy, research, communications, or global administration, the programme offers valuable professional experience in one of the UN system’s leading academic institutions.
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