The United Nations University (UNU) is accepting applications for the Innovation and Education Programme Intern position at the Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan.
This full-time internship supports the UN HESI Action Group “Futures of Higher Education and AI.” Interns will work on coordination, event support, knowledge products, reporting, and documentation.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: 7 September 2026 (JST 11.59pm)
Eligible Countries: All countries
Internship Location: On-site — Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (UNU-IAS)
Duration: 15 September 2026 – 15 March 2027 (tentative); full-time, 35 hours per week
Compensation: Interns who are not in receipt of financial support from other sources will receive a stipend from UNU to partially subsidize their basic living costs for the duration of the internship. The monthly amount will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates in effect and paid monthly. Online and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Host Organization: United Nations University (UNU) – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
About the Internship
The internship is based within UNU-IAS and focuses on innovation, education, sustainability, and artificial intelligence in higher education. In particular, the role supports the UN HESI Action Group “Futures of Higher Education and AI.”
In addition, the intern will help connect higher-education networks, support events, and contribute to knowledge products such as podcasts and webinars. This opportunity is suited to applicants who want practical experience in international development, education, AI, and sustainability-related work.
Responsibilities
- Support the inter-network taskforce for HESI, ProSPER.Net, and SDG-UP, including scheduling, attending meetings, recording minutes, and follow-up.
- Assist with organizing webinars, workshops, and conferences.
- Prepare meeting and event materials and coordinate participants.
- Draft activity reports for events and related activities.
- Contribute to knowledge products such as podcasts and webinars.
- Identify and communicate with speakers for project activities.
- Promote, record, edit, and disseminate project outputs.
- Support network participation in the development of project knowledge products.
- Assist with drafting project reports and maintaining project records and documentation.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants should have university studies in AI, information technology, education, sustainable development, international development, or a related field.
- Applicants must be in the final year of undergraduate study, enrolled in a graduate degree programme, or within two years post-graduation from a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programme.
- Applicants must have excellent written and oral English.
- Working knowledge of another UN language, including Japanese, is an advantage.
- UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.
Skills Preferred: Excellent research, writing and analytical skills; organizational and coordination skills for in-person and online events; experience drafting communications (newsletters, event summaries, social media); familiarity with design/content tools (Canva, Adobe Suite)
How to Apply
To apply, complete the UNU P11 Form and include the required motivation statement in the form. You will also need document(s) confirming your education status, such as a transcript or proof of enrollment.
Required documents include:
- Completed UNU P11 Form
- Motivation statement (included in P11 form)
- Document(s) confirming education status (transcript or proof of enrollment)
Before you apply, review the full internship details, eligibility conditions, and application instructions on the official page.
👉 Visit the official internship page for details
