Name of the Event: United Nations University Junior Fellows Internship 2024
Date: 12 August - 20 December 2024 (4 Months)
Place: Tokyo, Japan
Mode: Offline
Last Date of Application: 10 May 2024
Link to Apply:
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.
Working Conditions
Running parallel to most university semesters, Junior Fellows are selected twice per year, once in May-June for the fall term and once in September-October for the spring term. The fall term begins in mid-August and lasts until mid-December. The spring term runs from mid-February to mid-June. Work is primarily on-site at the UNU headquarters in Tokyo, with some flexibility for remote work. Please note that for the Fall 2024 term, applicants located BOTH in Japan and overseas will be considered regardless of their current location.
Junior Fellows work full time during the regular working hours of the University: 9:30–17:30, Monday to Friday. Weekends and official UNU holidays are days off. In addition, Junior Fellows are entitled to 1.5 days of leave per month. When Junior Fellows work on-site, they are provided office space and facilities, as appropriate for their work. For remote work, Junior Fellows are expected to have access to a personal laptop or desktop with basic functionalities and internet for the duration of their internship. Junior Fellows receive a monthly stipend to help cover a portion of living costs, including transport to and from UNU headquarters located in Shibuya. Junior Fellows enjoy free on-site and online access to the headquarters’ library and gym (as available) and have the unique opportunity to learn about, contribute to and provide assistance in organising conferences, lectures and academic forums and symposiums (offline and online) that take place throughout the year.
Stipend
Interns who are not in receipt of financial support from other sources such as universities or other institutions, will receive a stipend from UNU to partially subsidise their basic living costs for the duration of the internship. The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates in effect. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Qualifications
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.
How to Apply:
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 programme; ii. how you feel you may contribute to the work being done at the Office of the Rector; iii. how this programme relates to your future career goals.
Application form: Fill in the Application Form 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 and upload via the link. The form should outline the source, amount, and duration of actual and/or projected funding while 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 and accompany with a letter of recommendation.
The Recommendation Form and letter of recommendation must be submitted via email 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 programme 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.