The United Nations University Junior Fellows Internship Programme in Tokyo offers postgraduate students and young professionals hands-on UN experience, training, mentoring, a monthly stipend and professional development.
The United Nations University (UNU) Junior Fellows Internship Programme offers graduate-level students and young professionals an opportunity to gain practical experience at the UNU headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
The programme is run by the Office of the Rector and recruits Junior Fellows through a competitive application process twice each year. Participants receive training, guidance and hands-on exposure to the work of UNU and the wider United Nations system.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations University |
| Programme | Junior Fellows Internship Programme |
| Location | Tokyo, Japan |
| Host office | Office of the Rector |
| Study level | Master’s or doctoral studies |
| Experience | Up to 5 years in a related field |
| Age requirement | Under 32 at application |
| Schedule | Full time, Monday–Friday |
| Hours | 9:30–17:30 |
| Stipend | Monthly stipend including transportation allowance |
| Recruitment | Twice per year |
| Application deadline | Varies by recruitment cycle |
What the Junior Fellows Programme Involves
The programme is designed to provide a dynamic and practical working environment for graduate students and young professionals. Participants support the Office of the Rector while developing new skills and applying knowledge gained through postgraduate studies.
A one-week orientation introduces Junior Fellows to UNU, colleagues, facilities and working processes.
Work Assignments
Junior Fellows may contribute to:
- Administrative research and writing, including executive and topical briefs.
- Project planning and development of project management tools.
- Lectures, conferences, workshops and other events.
- Meeting coordination, logistics and minute taking.
- Proofreading reports and copy editing.
- Newsletters, event summaries and other communication materials.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should generally:
- Be currently pursuing or have recently completed a Master’s or doctoral programme, normally within two years of application.
- Be under 32 years old at the time of application.
- Have no more than five years of relevant work experience.
- Have fluent written and spoken English.
- Demonstrate strong 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, particularly Microsoft Office.
- Show an interest in the work of the United Nations and UNU.
Stipend and Working Conditions
Junior Fellows work full time during UNU’s regular hours of 9:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday. Weekends and official UNU holidays are days off, and fellows are entitled to 1.5 days of leave per month.
The programme provides a monthly stipend that includes a transportation allowance for commuting to and from UNU headquarters.
On-site fellows receive office facilities appropriate to their work, while remote fellows are expected to have a suitable computer and internet connection.
Participants can also access the UNU headquarters library and gym, where available.
Application Process
Open Junior Fellows positions and application instructions are published through the UNU Careers website. Applicants should check the careers portal for the current recruitment round.
Visit the official UNU Careers website
The programme is normally recruited twice a year. The fall-term selection takes place around May–June, while the spring-term selection takes place around September–October.
Application Deadline
The supplied UNU programme page does not provide a single current application deadline. Candidates should check the UNU Careers website for the closing date attached to each open Junior Fellows opportunity.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme is particularly relevant to postgraduate students interested in United Nations work, international development, research, policy, administration, communications and programme support. Its combination of hands-on assignments, orientation, professional exposure and a monthly stipend makes it a notable opportunity for eligible graduate-level applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme?
Current postgraduate students and people who recently completed a Master’s or doctoral degree may apply, subject to the programme’s other criteria.
Where is the programme based?
Junior Fellows are recruited to work at UNU headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
How old must applicants be?
Applicants must be under 32 years old at the time of application.
Is the internship paid?
Yes. UNU states that Junior Fellows receive a monthly stipend that includes a transportation allowance.
How often does UNU recruit Junior Fellows?
The programme recruits through a competitive process twice each year.
Can applicants with work experience apply?
Yes, but candidates must not have more than five years of work experience in their related field.
What academic level is required?
The programme is aimed at candidates pursuing or who have recently completed Master’s or doctoral studies.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with the United Nations University and do not recruit applicants on its behalf.
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