Want to start a career with the United Nations? The United Nations University (UNU) is now recruiting Junior Fellows to work in the Office of the Rector at its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. This six-month internship comes with a monthly stipend, and applicants from anywhere in the world can apply. Applications close on November 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Japan time.
About the UNU Junior Fellows Internship
UNU is the UN’s own think tank and university. It has more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, and its work covers all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The Office of the Rector, at UNU headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo, runs the university’s central operations.
The Junior Fellows programme recruits graduate students and young professionals twice a year. This call is for the Spring 2027 term, from March 1 to August 27, 2027. It starts with a one-week orientation, followed by hands-on work across the Office of the Rector.
What Junior Fellows Do
- Research and write executive briefs and background notes on priority issues
- Support planning and project management tools
- Use Microsoft Excel and other tools to analyse university operations
- Help organise lectures, conferences, workshops and public events
- Take minutes and coordinate meetings
- Proofread and edit reports
- Prepare newsletters, event summaries and other communications
Benefits of the UNU Junior Fellows Internship
- Monthly stipend to help cover living and transport costs (if you have no other funding)
- Real work experience inside a UN agency
- A one-week orientation and close guidance
- Office space at UNU headquarters, with some flexibility for remote work
- Free access to the UNU library and gym (where available)
- 1.5 days of leave per month
- A chance to help run conferences and academic events
Please note: UNU does not publish the stipend amount, and it only partly covers basic living costs in Tokyo. If you have funding from a university or other institution, you will not receive the stipend; academic scholarships do not count as such funding. UNU also does not cover costs from accidents or illness. You will need to arrange your own Japanese visa if required, and the internship does not lead to a UNU job.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
- Currently studying for, or completed within the last two years, a master’s or doctoral degree, preferably in a field related to UNU’s work
- Aged 32 or under at the time of application
- No more than 5 years of work experience in your field
- Native or fluent English, written and spoken
- Excellent research, writing and analytical skills
- Strong computer skills, especially MS Office (advanced Excel is a plus)
- A real interest in the UN and the work of UNU
For Spring 2027, applicants based both in Japan and overseas will be considered. UNU strongly encourages applications from developing countries and from women, which makes this a great fit for Nigerian and African graduates.
Documents You Need
- CV in English, maximum two pages (upload it where the system asks for a P11 form)
- Cover letter in English, maximum one page, covering your motivation, how you can contribute and how this fits your career goals
- The completed UNU Application Form
- The completed UNU Funding Form, showing any funding you will have while in Tokyo
- Two recommendation letters, at least one from a professor. Referees must send them directly to [email protected] from an official email address.
- An English test score (TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC), only if English is not your native language and your degree was not taught in English
Good news for Nigerian applicants: if your degree was taught in English, you do not need an English test.
Selection Process
- Stage 1: Review of your documents and references
- Stage 2: A phone or Zoom interview for shortlisted candidates
- Stage 3: A short written assignment (up to 2 hours) on the same day as the interview
How to Apply for the UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2027
- Go to the official UNU Junior Fellows Internship page and click Apply. You do not need an account.
- Answer the screening questions.
- Upload your CV, cover letter, Application Form and Funding Form.
- Ask your two referees to email their letters to [email protected] before the deadline.
- Submit by November 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Japan Standard Time.
Scam warning: UNU never charges any application, processing or interview fee. Ignore anyone who asks you to pay.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Contact your referees today. Their letters must arrive by the deadline, and you cannot send them yourself.
- Show your Excel and writing skills with clear examples in your CV.
- In your cover letter, link your studies to UNU’s research on the SDGs.
- Plan your budget early. Tokyo is expensive, and the stipend only covers part of your costs.
Key Details at a Glance
- Organiser: United Nations University, Office of the Rector
- Location: Tokyo, Japan (some remote flexibility)
- Term: March 1 – August 27, 2027
- Who: Master’s/PhD students or recent graduates, aged 32 or under
- Stipend: Monthly, partial (amount not published)
- Deadline: November 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. JST
