Scheduled to take place from January 7 to January 13, 2027, in Hiroshima and Tokyo, Japan, this prestigious international training program is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and implemented by Hiroshima University in cooperation with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Designed specifically for experienced mid-career professionals, the course focuses on leadership development, career advancement, resilience, and international networking while providing participants with the opportunity to learn from globally recognized experts and visit the historic city of Hiroshima to understand its remarkable journey of peace, recovery, and transformation.

Whether you are currently working with international organizations, governments, NGOs, humanitarian agencies, or the private sector, this program provides an exceptional platform to sharpen your leadership abilities and prepare for senior roles in peacebuilding and sustainable development.

About the Mid-Career Course FY2026

The Mid-Career Course is one of the flagship initiatives under the Global Peace and Development Career Network (GPAD).

The course aims to empower experienced professionals by helping them:

• Develop stronger leadership capabilities.
• Reflect on their professional journey.
• Build confidence in managing teams.
• Improve career planning.
• Strengthen professional identity.
• Expand international professional networks.
• Learn practical leadership approaches from experienced practitioners.
• Gain inspiration from Hiroshima’s transformation into a global symbol of peace.

Participants, referred to as Program Associates (PAs), will participate in intensive workshops, collaborative discussions, leadership exercises, networking events, and field learning experiences.

The program combines classroom learning, self-reflection, peer learning, coaching, and experiential learning.

Program Objectives

By the end of the training, participants will have developed practical leadership and management competencies that can immediately be applied in their workplaces.

Participants will be able to:

• Assess their own leadership strengths and weaknesses.
• Identify their preferred leadership style.
• Understand how leadership approaches influence team performance.
• Develop strategies for becoming more effective managers.
• Strengthen decision-making skills.
• Improve communication and team-building capabilities.
• Reflect on their career achievements and future aspirations.
• Build a compelling professional narrative.
• Understand resilience through Hiroshima’s history and reconstruction.
• Expand international professional relationships.

What Participants Will Learn

The course offers comprehensive professional development in several key areas.

1. Leadership Development

Participants will explore:

• Leadership styles
• Adaptive leadership
• Team management
• Organizational leadership
• Decision-making
• Conflict management
• Communication strategies
• Leadership values
• Ethical leadership

2. Career Development

The course helps professionals:

• Reflect on their career journey.
• Clarify long-term career goals.
• Develop stronger professional branding.
• Improve career storytelling.
• Identify future opportunities.
• Understand career progression within international organizations.

3. Managerial Competencies

Participants will examine important management skills including:

• Strategic thinking
• Problem-solving
• Team supervision
• Organizational effectiveness
• Staff development
• Professional accountability
• Performance management

4. Peacebuilding and Development Perspectives

The program strengthens participants’ understanding of:

• International development
• Peacebuilding
• Humanitarian coordination
• Sustainable development
• International cooperation
• UN systems
• Global governance

5. Hiroshima Learning Experience

One of the most unique features of the course is learning directly from Hiroshima.

Participants will:

• Visit important historical sites.
• Learn about post-war recovery.
• Study peacebuilding from a historical perspective.
• Understand resilience and transformation.
• Reflect on leadership during times of crisis.

Networking Opportunities

Beyond classroom learning, the program places significant emphasis on professional networking.

Participants will have opportunities to:

• Meet professionals from numerous countries.
• Connect with experts from Hiroshima University.
• Network with UNITAR facilitators.
• Engage with Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials.
• Exchange experiences with fellow peacebuilding professionals.
• Join a long-term international alumni network.

Course Facilitators

Training sessions will be facilitated by highly experienced professionals specializing in:

• Leadership development
• Career coaching
• International development
• Peacebuilding
• Human resources
• Organizational leadership

Participants will benefit from practical insights drawn from years of experience working within international organizations and development institutions.

Course Schedule

The program consists of:

Online Orientation

• Early December 2026
• Introduction to participants
• Explanation of pre-course assignments

In-Person Training

January 7 – January 13, 2027

Locations include:

• Hiroshima University Mirai Crea
• UNITAR Hiroshima
• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima
• Yoyogi Olympic Center, Tokyo
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
• United Nations University (UNU)

Participants will also travel from Hiroshima to Tokyo as part of the official program.

Language of Instruction

The entire training will be conducted in English.

Applicants are therefore expected to possess strong spoken and written English communication skills.

Who Can Apply?

The program welcomes professionals from diverse professional backgrounds and nationalities.

Applicants may come from:

• International organizations
• Government ministries
• Public institutions
• NGOs
• NPOs
• Civil society organizations
• Private companies
• Humanitarian organizations

Eligible Professional Fields

Professionals working in any of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Administration
• Communications
• Economics
• Engineering
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Humanitarian Assistance
• Information Technology
• Law
• Political Affairs
• Procurement
• Public Health
• Security
• Supply Chain Management
• Environmental Management
• International Development
• Peacebuilding
• Related professional disciplines

Experience Requirements

Applicants should possess at least seven years of relevant professional experience.

The program particularly welcomes professionals at:

• P3 level
• P4 level
• P5 level

Equivalent experience from outside the UN system is also accepted.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Be fluent in English.
• Demonstrate strong interest in peacebuilding and development careers.
• Show commitment to working with international organizations.
• Be available to attend the entire course.

Although previous experience within the United Nations is not mandatory, familiarity with UN systems and international development frameworks is considered an advantage.

Number of Participants

Approximately 20 participants will be selected.

The cohort will include:

• Japanese professionals
• International participants

The small class size ensures interactive discussions and personalized learning.

Financial Support

For International Participants

The program offers substantial financial support.

Covered

International participants will receive:

• Free participation
• Free accommodation throughout the training period
• Transportation between designated Japanese airports and Hiroshima
• Transportation from Hiroshima to Tokyo

Not Covered

Participants must cover:

• International airfare to Japan
• Return airfare from Japan
• Meals
• Personal expenses
• Any transportation beyond the officially covered routes

For Japanese Participants

Japanese participants receive:

• Free participation

However, they are responsible for:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Domestic transportation

Estimated personal expenses are approximately 120,000 Japanese Yen.

Certificate of Completion

Upon successfully completing the program, participants will receive an Official Certificate of Completion from Hiroshima University.

Graduates will also become members of the Global Peace and Development Career Network (GPAD), giving them continued access to:

• Alumni networking
• Professional collaborations
• Future learning opportunities
• International exchanges

Participant Responsibilities

Selected participants are expected to:

• Attend every training session.
• Participate actively throughout the program.
• Submit daily evaluations.
• Complete the final evaluation.
• Respond to future alumni and career follow-up surveys from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed based on the submitted application materials.

Applicants whose first language is not English may be invited to participate in an online interview to assess English language proficiency.

Successful applicants will be notified by early November 2026.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps carefully:

1. Download the Mid-Career Course FY2026 Application Form HERE
2. Complete the application form in Microsoft Word format.
3. UN staff may replace the Employment Information section with their UN Personal History Form while clearly indicating their staff category, level, and contract type.
4. Type your name where the signature is requested.
5. Save the completed application as a Word document (PDF submissions are not accepted).
6. Email the completed application to: gpad-midcareer@office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp

Use the following email subject: 2026 Mid-Career Course application (Your First Name Last Name – Country)

Application Deadline

Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM (Japan Time).

Late applications are unlikely to be considered, so applicants are encouraged to submit their documents well before the deadline.

Why You Should Apply

Participating in the Mid-Career Course FY2026 offers numerous professional and personal benefits, including:

• International leadership training.
• Career development coaching.
• Expert mentorship.
• Exposure to UN frameworks.
• Professional networking.
• Cross-cultural collaboration.
• Learning from Hiroshima’s resilience.
• Certificate from Hiroshima University.
• Membership in the GPAD international alumni network.
• Enhanced competitiveness for leadership positions within international organizations.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Mid-Career Course FY2026 in Japan

Additional Information

Applicants should note the following:

• Submitted application documents will not be returned.
• Personal information will only be used for selection, communication, travel, accommodation, and visa arrangements where necessary.
• Hiroshima University complies with Japan’s Personal Information Protection Act.
• Official photographs may be taken during the program and used for public communication purposes.

Contact Information

For additional inquiries, applicants may contact:

Global Peace and Development Career Network (GPAD)
International Office, Hiroshima University
Kagamiyama 1-3-2
Higashi-Hiroshima City
Hiroshima Prefecture 739-8511
Japan

Email: gpad-midcareer@office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp

Website: https://gpad.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/mid-eng/

Conclusion

The Mid-Career Course FY2026 at Hiroshima University represents a valuable opportunity for experienced professionals committed to advancing peacebuilding and international development. Supported by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented in partnership with UNITAR, the program combines leadership training, career development, historical learning, and global networking into an intensive one-week experience. Participants will gain practical leadership skills, deepen their understanding of resilience and transformation, and join an international community of professionals working to promote peace and sustainable development worldwide. If you have the required experience and aspire to take your leadership and international career to the next level, this program offers an excellent platform to expand your knowledge, strengthen your professional profile, and build lasting global connections.

For more global training & short courses opportunities visit OFY HERE