UNU Junior Fellows Internship Spring 2027 Opens Applications

Applications are now open for the UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme for Spring 2027. The United Nations University (UNU) offers a six-month paid opportunity in Tokyo, Japan, running from 1 March to 27 August 2027, with some remote-work flexibility for global applicants.

Eligibility and candidate requirements

Applicants must be 32 years old or younger at the time of application. They must be currently pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, or have completed postgraduate studies within the previous two years. No more than five years of work experience in a related field is permitted.

Candidates must demonstrate fluent written and spoken English. Excellent research, writing, analytical, and computer skills are required, with practical knowledge of Microsoft Office essential and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel considered desirable. Applicants must show resourcefulness, creativity, and problem-solving ability, alongside the capacity to work effectively with people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. A genuine interest in the United Nations and UNU’s work is expected. The university particularly encourages applications from developing countries, women, people with disabilities, and candidates from diverse national, cultural and social backgrounds.

Stipend, support and facilities

Eligible interns receive a variable monthly stipend intended to partially subsidise basic living expenses, including transportation to and from the UNU headquarters in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. The exact amount depends on the applicable rate for the duty station and is not a fixed figure. Interns who receive financial support from other sources, such as universities or institutions, will generally not qualify for this stipend, though scholarships specifically for academic studies are exempt from this rule.

Interns are provided with office space for on-site work and have free access to the UNU headquarters library and gym, subject to availability. Leave entitlement is set at 1.5 days per month.

Application process and timeline

The application deadline is 1 November 2026, before 23:59 Japan Standard Time. Late submissions will not be accepted. Candidates must apply online via the official UNU careers portal.

The required documents are a current CV in English limited to two single-sided pages, a cover letter of maximum one page in English, a completed application form, a funding form outlining any actual or projected financial support, and letters of recommendation with a recommendation form.

The selection process involves three stages. The first assesses backgrounds, qualifications, motivation, and documents. Shortlisted candidates may then be invited to a telephone or Zoom interview. The final stage is a short, time-restricted practical assignment, similar to internship tasks, for which candidates should allow up to two hours. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and incomplete or non-compliant applications may not be considered.

Internship activities and work schedule

Successful candidates will work Monday to Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., for approximately six months. Activities may include research and policy analysis, project coordination, and communications and outreach support. Interns will collaborate with international teams and may help organise conferences, lectures, workshops, academic forums, and other events.

Eligible applicants should prepare their CV, cover letter, and all supporting documents for submission before the 1 November 2026 deadline via the official UNU careers portal.