About the opportunity
The United Nations University (UNU) Office of the Rector recruits highly qualified applicants to work as Junior Fellows at its headquarters in Tokyo. Running parallel to academic semesters, the programme offers a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding environment for graduate students and young professionals seeking hands-on experience within a UN agency. Junior Fellows contribute directly to the work of the Office of the Rector through administrative research, executive brief preparation, project planning, analytical tasks, and event coordination. The internship opens with a one-week orientation and provides valuable professional mentorship, building capacities acquired through graduate studies while contributing meaningfully to UNU’s global mission.
Salary and benefits
- Receive a monthly stipend to partially subsidize basic living costs and local transport (provided if not receiving financial support from other academic institutions or scholarships)
- Free on-site and online access to the headquarters' library and gym facilities
- Opportunities to learn about, contribute to, and help organize academic forums, symposia, lectures, and conferences
- Comprehensive one-week onboarding orientation and ongoing hands-on mentorship and training
- Entitlement to 1.5 days of leave per month, alongside weekends and official UNU holidays off
- Office space and facilities provided when working on-site in Tokyo
Who can apply?
- Currently pursuing or recently completed (within two years of application) postgraduate studies (master's or doctoral degrees), preferably in a field related to UNU's work
- Must be at or under 32 years of age at the time of application
- Must not have more than 5 years of work experience in a related field
- Native or fluent command of written and spoken English
- Advanced computer skills, including sound hands-on knowledge of MS Office applications and high-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Applicants located both in Japan and overseas will be considered for the Spring 2027 term regardless of current location
Required documents
- Current and complete CV in English (uploaded in the designated P11 form section; maximum two single-sided pages)
- Cover Letter in English (maximum one single-sided page detailing motivations, potential contributions, and career goals)
- Completed Application Form for the Spring 2027 term (completed via MS Word or filled by hand)
- Completed Funding Form outlining the source, amount, and duration of actual or projected funding while in Tokyo
- Two letters of recommendation submitted directly by referees via email to ro_internship@unu.edu using their official institutional, academic, or corporate email addresses
- Language certification (valid TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC score report) if neither native language is English nor undergraduate/graduate instruction was conducted in English
When to apply
- Application deadline is 1st November 2026 at 23:59 Japan Standard Time
- The Spring 2027 term runs from 1st March 2027 to 27th August 2027
How to apply
- Access the vacancy page on the UNU careers portal and complete the online submission form without creating an account
- Answer the mandatory position-tailored questions
- Upload the required documents including your CV, Cover Letter, Application Form, and Funding Form
- Arrange for your two referees to email their recommendation letters directly to ro_internship@unu.edu
- Complete Stage 1 desk review, followed by Stage 2 telephone or Zoom interview for shortlisted candidates, and Stage 3 time-restricted practical assignment
Additional information
- The internship requires full-time commitment during regular working hours from 9:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
- Work is primarily on-site at UNU headquarters in Tokyo with some flexibility for remote work; remote participants must possess a personal computer and stable internet access
- The internship does not lead to further employment with UNU and interns do not hold international civil servant status
- UNU reserves the right to retain applications and consider candidates for upcoming internships within the next 2 years
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Postgraduate students or recent graduates in international relations, public policy, development studies, or related disciplines seeking direct operational experience inside the United Nations system
- Individuals with strong analytical, research, and writing competencies looking to transition academic knowledge into practical institutional development work
- Applicants who thrive in multicultural environments and want to expand their professional networks in global think-tank and academic spheres
What should you think carefully about?
- The monthly stipend is designed to partially subsidize living costs rather than fully cover all expenses in Tokyo, requiring careful personal financial planning
- The position demands a full-time, 40-hour weekly time commitment over a 6-month period, which may overlap with active academic study schedules
- Relocation to Tokyo or arrangements for remote productivity tools and reliable internet connections are mandatory depending on the chosen work mode
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship serves as a strong stepping stone for young scholars aiming for careers in international organizations, global policy research, or academic administration. By combining intensive writing, event coordination, and operational tasks, participants build concrete project management and research skills that enhance future global career prospects.
Our take
Highly recommended for graduate students and young professionals under 32 seeking rigorous, high-level exposure to UN governance and administrative research. Candidates should ensure they have secure secondary funding sources to supplement the partial stipend if relocating to Tokyo.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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