UNU Junior Fellows Internship Program

Deadline: May 29, 2022

The United Nations University Office of the Rector recruits highly qualified applicants to work as Junior Fellows at the UNU headquarters in Tokyo. Junior Fellows are recruited through a competitive application process twice per year. Graduate students interested in the work of the United Nations — and in particular, UNU — are encouraged to apply.

The underlying principles of the Junior Fellows Internship Programme at the Office of the Rector are centred on creating a dynamic, challenging and rewarding experience for graduate level students and young professionals. Successful candidates will contribute to the work of the Office of the Rector, the United Nations University, and the UN system as a whole. The programme provides opportunities for the development of new skills and knowledge and is a unique and constructive setting for the practical application of capacities acquired through graduate studies.

The program places a strong emphasis on the training, guidance, and hands-on experience that form the foundation of a successful and beneficial internship. The program opens with a one-week orientation designed to familiarize junior fellows with UNU, their co-workers, facilities and the working processes within the Office of the Rector. The knowledge and practical experience gained will also be beneficial to those candidates seeking a career in the United Nations. Junior fellows at the Office of the Rector can expect to gain valuable work experience while contributing in meaningful ways to UNU’s mission.

Purpose

The purpose of the Junior Fellows Internship Programme at the Office of the Rector is:

• to promote interaction and dialogue between young scholars, professionals and UNU;
• to familiarize junior fellows with the activities of the Office of the Rector and the work of UNU;
• to provide opportunities for young professionals to gain in-depth, hands-on experience in a UN agency;
• to expose young professionals to an administrative working environment, and;
• to provide support to activities within the Office of the Rector.

Eligibility Criteria

The qualifications that are considered in each application process include, but are not limited to, the following. The candidate:

• is currently pursuing or has recently completed (within two years of application) postgraduate studies (master’s or doctoral), preferably in a field related to the University’s work;
• is under 32 years of age at the time of application;
• must not have more than 5 years of work experience in their related field;
• has a native or fluent command of written and spoken English;
• has excellent research, writing and analytical skills;
• can establish and maintain effective working relations with people from diverse backgrounds;
• demonstrates resourcefulness and creativity in problem-solving;
• has advanced computer skills: sound, hands-on, knowledge of MS Office applications (familiarity with ICT tools and high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel are desirable);
• has a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and more specifically, in the work of the United Nations University.

Application Procedure

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Application: Apply via the apply link.
• Answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
• CV: Attach a current and complete CV in English (in the place where it says to upload the P11 Form). Your résumé or c.v. may not exceed two single-sided pages.
• Cover Letter: Insert your Cover Letter (in English) as required, stating interest in and qualifications for the post. Your cover letter should not be longer than one single-sided page and should include the following: i. your motivations for applying to the program; ii. how you feel you may contribute to the work being done at the Office of the Rector; iii. how this program relates to your future career goals.
• Application form: Fill in the Application Form Junior Fellow Internship Programme.docx  and upload via the link. The form may be completed using MS Word or printed and filled in by hand.
• Funding form: Fill in the Funding Form Junior Fellow Internship Programme.doc and upload via the link. The form should outline the source, amount, and duration of actual and/or projected funding while in Tokyo. Visit the FAQ page for information on financial assistance and average monthly expenses for living in Tokyo.
• Letters of Recommendation and Recommendation form:
  • Arrange for two letters of recommendation from referees who are familiar with your character and who have agreed to write a recommendation on your behalf. UNU reserves the right to contact your referees. Certain candidates may have difficulty obtaining academic references and it may be more appropriate to get references from professionals or supervisors. Of the two referees issuing letters of recommendation, it is expected that at least one is a professor acquainted with your academic abilities. Referees should not be family members or friends. The two referees will need to each complete a Recommendation Form Junior Fellow Internship Programme.docx and accompany with a letter of recommendation.
  • The Recommendation Form and letter of recommendation must be submitted via email or post in accordance with instructions in the Form.
• Language Certification: Applicants must provide certification in English if they do not meet either of the two following criteria:
  i. the applicant’s native language is English, or
  ii. the applicant completed an undergraduate program or is enrolled in a graduate program with English as the medium of instruction.
  In the case that the applicant does not meet either of the above criteria, a valid TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC score report is required. The original certificate or photocopy is accepted.

Application Registration Deadline: 29th May, 2022

To Apply: Click here

Official Website: Click here