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

The underlying principles of the Junior Fellows Internship Programme at the Office of the Rector center 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 program 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 purpose of the Junior Fellows Internship Program at the United Nations University is to:

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

What does the Junior Fellows do at United Nations University?

Participants in the Junior Fellows Internship program have the opportunity to engage in a number of ongoing initiatives that provide a unique window into the working processes of the United Nations University. Junior Fellows support the work of the Office of the Rector in the following areas:

• research and writing for institutional development: preparation of executive briefs on priority issues; background research and drafting of topical information briefs in support of internal policy development (i.e. related to the functioning of the University);
• Junior Fellow with a legal background or similar experience will assist the office with projects in legal affairs;
• planning: supporting the development of project management tools and systems;
• event coordination: supporting the organization of lectures, conferences, workshops, as well as other public events;
• meeting coordination: logistical support and minute taking;
• editorial support: proof-reading reports and copy editing;
• communication: preparation and dissemination of newsletters, event summaries, as well as other communication documents.

Who is eligible for the United Nations University Junior Fellows Internship?

The United Nations University considers candidates qualified for the Junior Fellows Internship if they are:

• currently pursuing or has recently completed postgraduate studies (master’s or doctoral), preferably in a field related to the University’s work;
• Likewise, the applicant is under 32 years of age at the time of application;
• Similarly, the applicant must not have more than 5 years of work experience in their related field;
• has a native or near 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;
• also, has advanced computer skills: sound, hands-on, knowledge of standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, etc.);
• has a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and more specifically, in the work of the United Nations University.

How to apply for the Junior Fellows Internship at UNU?

The application process for the Junior Fellows Internship is in two stages.

The first stage of the application process measures the applicant’s motivation and background as well as assess how the applicant’s qualifications meet the criteria for selection. Stage 1 requires the submission via email of the documents listed below:

1. Application form — Download and complete the application form.
2. Cover letter — Address your letter to the attention of the Office of the Rector Internship Committee.
3. Résumé or c.v. — Provide detailed descriptions of education history, work history, and leadership or extracurricular activities.
4. Two letters of recommendation — Arrange for two letters of recommendation from referees who are familiar with your character.
5. Funding plan — Download and complete the “Funding plan”, outlining the source, amount, and duration of actual and/or projected funding while in Tokyo.
6. Language certification — Applicants must provide certification in English if they do not meet either of the two following criteria:

• • the applicant’s native language is English, or
  • 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 necessary.

The second and final stage consists of a telephone or Skype interview that will be arranged in advance with each applicant. The purpose of the interview is to help the Internship Committee better understand the applicant’s motivations, expectations, as well as goals vis-à-vis participation in the Junior Fellows Internship Programme at the Office of the Rector. The interview will also assess the applicant’s communication skills, interpersonal skills, and proficiency in English.

Deadline

The United Nations University accepts the application for the Junior Fellows Internship until 31 October 2019.