Are you a student or recent graduate interested in artificial intelligence, education, sustainability, international development, or public policy? The United Nations University (UNU) is now accepting applications for its Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme Internship 2026–2027, an exciting opportunity to work at the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan.

This full-time internship provides aspiring professionals with the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge international initiatives at the intersection of AI, sustainable development, higher education, and United Nations policy. Interns will gain practical experience supporting international research networks, organizing global events, producing knowledge products, and contributing to projects that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The internship runs from 15 September 2026 to 15 March 2027 (tentative) and includes a monthly stipend for eligible interns who are not receiving financial support from another source.

Applications close on 7 September 2026 (11:59 PM JST).

About the United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is the academic and research arm of the United Nations. Established more than fifty years ago, UNU serves as:

• A global think tank
• A postgraduate teaching organization
• A research institution within the United Nations System

UNU conducts policy-oriented research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination that supports the goals and principles of the United Nations.

Its work contributes to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including:

• Sustainable development
• Human security
• Economic development
• Climate change
• Education
• Peacebuilding
• Innovation
• Global governance

Today, UNU operates research institutes in 12 countries, with experts working across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The organization collaborates closely with:

• United Nations agencies
• Governments
• Universities
• Research institutions
• International organizations
• Development partners

About UNU-IAS

The internship is hosted by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS).

Based at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo, UNU-IAS is one of the thirteen research institutes within the UNU system.

Its mission is to advance sustainability through:

• Policy-relevant research
• Capacity development
• Interdisciplinary education
• International collaboration

Research focuses on the:

• Environmental dimensions of sustainability
• Economic dimensions of sustainability
• Social dimensions of sustainability

UNU-IAS also develops future international leaders through postgraduate education and partnerships with scholars and professionals worldwide, particularly across Africa and Asia.

About the Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme

The Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme promotes research and practical approaches to:

• Innovative education
• Inclusive education
• Lifelong learning
• Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

The programme supports implementation of:

• UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 Roadmap
• Greening Education Partnership
• Evidence-based education policy

Its goal is to help translate global education priorities into meaningful local action.

About the Internship Project

The selected intern will support a newly established initiative:

Futures of Higher Education and AI

The internship contributes to the work of the new UN Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) Action Group, titled:

“Futures of Higher Education and AI.”

The Action Group brings together AI experts from higher education institutions around the world.

Its objective is to strengthen global understanding of how artificial intelligence can accelerate sustainable development.

Core Areas of the Project

The Action Group focuses on four major themes:

1. AI in Research and Development

Exploring how AI supports:

• Scientific research
• Innovation
• Knowledge creation

2. AI in Teaching and Learning

Examining AI applications in:

• Learning environments
• Teaching methods
• Curriculum development
• Student engagement

3. AI in University Management

Studying AI’s role in:

• Administration
• Institutional management
• Operational efficiency

4. AI Ethics, Safety and Inclusion

Addressing important issues including:

• Responsible AI
• Human-centred AI
• Ethics
• Inclusivity
• Safety
• Global South perspectives
• Women in AI

Collaboration with Higher Education Networks

The project also strengthens collaboration with two important higher education networks coordinated by UNU-IAS.

These include:

ProSPER.Net

A regional Asia-Pacific network promoting sustainability in postgraduate education.

SDG-University Platform (SDG-UP)

A Japanese higher education network advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through education.

Together with HESI, these networks contribute to knowledge sharing and international collaboration.

Knowledge Products Developed

Throughout the internship, the project develops numerous knowledge products, including:

• Podcast episodes
• International webinars
• Publications
• Capacity-building activities
• Policy dialogues
• United Nations event sessions

These outputs emphasize:

• AI
• Sustainable development
• Higher education
• Human-centred AI
• Global South perspectives
• Women’s leadership in AI

Internship Responsibilities

The intern works under the supervision of the Academic Programme Officer.

Major responsibilities include:

1. Supporting International Higher Education Networks

The intern will assist with coordination across:

• HESI
• ProSPER.Net
• SDG-UP

Responsibilities include:

• Scheduling meetings
• Attending meetings
• Preparing meeting minutes
• Monitoring communications
• Following up on action points

2. Supporting International Events

Interns assist in organizing:

• Webinars
• Workshops
• Conferences

Tasks include:

• Preparing materials
• Coordinating participants
• Drafting event reports
• Supporting logistics

3. Producing Knowledge Products

The intern helps produce:

• Podcasts
• Webinar content
• Educational resources

Responsibilities include:

• Identifying speakers
• Communicating with experts
• Promotion
• Recording sessions
• Editing content
• Dissemination

4. Supporting Project Reporting

Interns contribute by:

• Drafting project reports
• Documenting activities
• Recording outputs
• Maintaining organized project files

5. Other Assigned Duties

Additional responsibilities may be assigned by the supervisor.

Required Competencies

UNU seeks candidates who embody United Nations values.

Core Values

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Inclusion
• Integrity
• Humility
• Humanity

Expected Behaviours

Successful candidates should be able to:

• Collaborate effectively
• Analyse information
• Plan strategically
• Deliver quality results
• Learn continuously
• Adapt to change
• Innovate creatively

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following educational requirements.

Education

Candidates should study one of the following fields:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Information Technology
• Education
• Sustainable Development
• International Development
• Related disciplines

Applicants must also:

• Be in the final year of an undergraduate degree, or
• Be enrolled in a graduate programme, or
• Have graduated within the previous two years from:
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • PhD programme

Desired Skills

Ideal applicants should possess:

• Excellent research skills
• Strong analytical abilities
• High-quality writing skills
• Organizational skills
• Event coordination experience
• Communication skills
• Experience drafting newsletters
• Social media content development
• Event summaries
• Outreach materials

Applicants should also have familiarity with tools such as:

• Canva
• Adobe Suite
• Similar design and content creation platforms

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Excellent written English
• Excellent spoken English

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

Internship Duration

Tentative internship period:

15 September 2026 – 15 March 2027

Expected starting date:

September 2026

Working Arrangements

This internship is:

• Full-time
• 35 hours per week
• On-site
• Based at UNU-IAS Headquarters

Location:

Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

Financial Support

Eligible interns receive a monthly stipend from UNU.

The stipend is intended to help subsidize:

• Basic living expenses

Important notes:

• The amount varies according to duty station.
• Interns receiving financial support from another organization may not be eligible.
• Stipends are paid monthly.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit their application through the official UNU recruitment portal.

The application includes:

1. Online application.
2. UNU P11 Form.
3. Motivation statement (within the P11 form).
4. Position-specific questions.

Candidates invited to interview must provide:

• Transcript, or
• Proof of enrolment or educational status.

Start Your Application HERE!

Selection Process

Qualified applicants may undergo:

• Desk review
• Competency-based interview
• Background checks
• Reference checks

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Important Dates

Special Notes

Applicants should note the following:

• UNU does not sponsor work visas for this internship.
• Interns are not considered international civil servants.
• Interns are not staff members under the UN Staff Rules.

UNU strongly encourages applications from:

• Women
• Persons with disabilities
• Candidates from developing countries
• Applicants of all nationalities and backgrounds

UNU maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding:

• Sexual harassment
• Exploitation
• Abuse
• Discrimination
• Abuse of authority

Applicants should also be aware that UNU never charges application or recruitment fees. Any request for payment should be treated as fraudulent.

Why You Should Apply

The Innovation and Education Programme Internship offers an outstanding opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain first-hand experience within the United Nations system while contributing to globally significant work on artificial intelligence, education, sustainability, and higher education.

Interns will collaborate with international experts, contribute to policy-relevant research, help organize high-level events, produce knowledge products, and strengthen their professional skills in an international, multicultural environment.

For aspiring professionals interested in AI, sustainable development, education policy, or international cooperation, this internship provides valuable exposure to the work of the United Nations while building experience that can support future careers in global development, research, education, and international organizations.

Visit HERE to learn more about the United Nations University Innovation and Education Programme Internship.

Conclusion

The United Nations University Innovation and Education Programme Internship 2026–2027 is an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking meaningful experience in the United Nations system. Based at UNU-IAS in Tokyo, the internship places participants at the forefront of global discussions on artificial intelligence, sustainability, and higher education.

Through involvement in international research networks, policy dialogues, webinars, podcasts, publications, and capacity-building initiatives, interns will gain practical skills while contributing to projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Combined with a monthly stipend for eligible interns, hands-on responsibilities, and exposure to a global network of researchers and policymakers, this internship offers a strong foundation for those aspiring to careers in international development, education, sustainability, or AI governance.

Interested candidates should prepare their application materials early and submit their application before the 7 September 2026 (11:59 PM JST) deadline.

Discover more global Internship and UN opportunities on Opportunities For Youth (OFY).