UNU INNOVATION & EDUCATION INTERNSHIP 2026 | Powerful AI, Sustainability & Higher Education Internship in Tokyo – Apply Now!

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The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is offering a full-time Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme Intern opportunity in Tokyo, Japan.

This internship provides an opportunity for students and recent graduates to contribute to a United Nations project exploring the role of AI in higher education and its potential to accelerate sustainable development.

🌍 About United Nations University

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the UN System. It conducts policy-relevant research, develops capacity and shares knowledge on major global challenges.

The position is based at the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo. UNU-IAS focuses on sustainability research, capacity development and postgraduate education.

The intern will support the Innovation and Education Programme, which promotes innovative and inclusive education and lifelong learning for sustainable development.

💼 Position Details

Position: Innovation and Education Programme – Intern
Organization: United Nations University (UNU)
Institute: UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
Programme: Innovation and Education (IVE)
📍 Location: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵
Work Arrangement: Full-time, primarily on-site
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Duration: 15 September 2026 – 15 March 2027
Expected Start: September 2026
Application Deadline: 7 September 2026, 11:59 PM JST
Stipend: Provided to eligible interns who are not receiving financial support from another source

🤖 About the Project

The internship supports the newly established UN HESI Action Group, “Futures of Higher Education and AI.”

The initiative brings together AI experts from higher education institutions across different regions to build knowledge around how artificial intelligence can contribute to sustainable development.

The project focuses on four major areas:

AI in research and development
AI in teaching and learning
AI in university management and administration
AI ethics, safety and inclusivity

The project also works with higher education networks including HESI, ProSPER.Net and SDG-UP.

Knowledge products developed through the initiative may include podcasts, webinars, publications, capacity-building activities and dialogues at major United Nations events.

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✨ Key Responsibilities

The successful intern will provide coordination, communication, research, knowledge-product development and reporting support.

1. Higher Education Network Coordination

The intern will help coordinate activities involving three major higher education networks.

Responsibilities may include:

Scheduling meetings
Attending regular meetings
Preparing meeting minutes
Following up on action points
Supporting internal communication
Coordinating participants
Assisting with webinars, workshops and conferences
Preparing event materials and activity reports

2. Knowledge Product Development

The intern will support the development of content related to AI, sustainability and higher education.

This can include:

Supporting podcast production
Assisting with webinars
Identifying and communicating with speakers
Supporting promotion and dissemination
Recording and editing content
Contributing to publications and other knowledge products

3. Research, Reporting & Documentation

The role also involves supporting project reporting and information management.

Tasks may include:

Drafting project reports
Documenting activities and achievements
Maintaining project records
Organizing project files
Supporting knowledge management

The intern may also perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.

🎓 Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is particularly suitable for students and recent graduates interested in AI, technology, education, sustainability and international development.

Applicants should be studying or have studied a relevant discipline such as:

Artificial Intelligence
Information Technology
Education
Sustainable Development
International Development
Or another related field

Candidates must either be:

In their final year of undergraduate study;
Enrolled in a graduate degree programme; or
Within two years of completing a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree.

🧠 Desired Skills & Experience

UNU is looking for candidates with strong research, writing, analytical and organizational abilities.

Useful skills include:

✅ Excellent research and analytical skills
✅ Strong written and verbal communication
✅ Ability to synthesize information clearly
✅ Meeting and event coordination
✅ Stakeholder engagement
✅ Communication and outreach
✅ Newsletter and event-summary writing
✅ Social media content development
✅ Knowledge of digital content-creation tools
✅ Familiarity with Canva or Adobe Suite is an advantage

Experience supporting online or in-person events and working in an international environment can also be valuable.

🌐 Language Requirements

English: Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.

Knowledge of another UN language, including Japanese, is considered an advantage.

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💰 UNU Internship Stipend

Interns who are not receiving financial support from another source, such as a university or other institution, may receive a monthly stipend from UNU to partially support basic living costs.

The amount depends on the applicable stipend rate for the duty station.

The stipend is paid monthly, with arrangements for online or part-time internships prorated where applicable.

⚠️ Important Information

Applicants should note that UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

The internship is primarily based on-site in Tokyo, so candidates should carefully consider their ability to meet the location and immigration requirements before applying.

UNU also states that it does not charge any application, recruitment, processing, training, interview or testing fees.

Be cautious of anyone requesting payment in exchange for an internship or claiming to represent UNU.

📝 How to Apply

To apply, candidates do not need to create a UNU account.

Applicants should:

Use the official application link.
Complete the UNU P11 Form.
Include a motivation statement in the P11 form.
Answer the position-specific questions.
Submit the application before the deadline.

Candidates invited to an interview may be required to provide documents confirming their education status, such as an academic transcript or proof of enrolment.

📅 Application Deadline

7 September 2026 at 11:59 PM Japan Standard Time (JST).

Interested candidates should submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required information is complete.

🌟 Why Consider This UNU Internship?

This internship offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in a United Nations environment while working on emerging issues involving AI, higher education and sustainable development.

It could be particularly valuable for students and recent graduates hoping to build careers in:

Artificial Intelligence
Education
Sustainable Development
International Development
Technology Policy
Research
Higher Education
Global Policy
Digital Innovation
United Nations careers

The opportunity also provides exposure to international networks, knowledge production, technical events and policy discussions surrounding the future of AI and education.

📌 Final Thoughts

The UNU Innovation and Education Programme Internship 2026 is an exciting opportunity for students and recent graduates who want to explore how technology and education can contribute to a more sustainable future.

If you meet the education requirements, have strong research and communication skills, and are interested in AI, sustainability and higher education, consider preparing your application before the 7 September 2026 deadline.

Apply through the official UNU recruitment platform and carefully review all requirements before submitting your application.