If you're fascinated by how artificial intelligence is reshaping education and sustainability, this is a rare chance to work on exactly that inside the United Nations. The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is recruiting an Innovation and Education Programme Intern in Tokyo, and Youth Works Hub has put together the full picture below, from the day-to-day tasks and the stipend to who can apply and how, so you can send a complete application before the deadline.
About UNU-IAS and the Internship
UNU-IAS is a research and teaching institute of the United Nations University, based in Tokyo, working to advance sustainability through research, education and policy. This internship sits within its Innovation and Education (IVE) Programme, in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, and it is an on-site placement. The internship runs from 15 September 2026 to 15 March 2027 (tentative, roughly six months), at 35 hours per week.
A central theme of the role is the HESI Action Group "Futures of Higher Education and AI", which explores how artificial intelligence can contribute to sustainable development, with a focus on human-centred, ethical, safe and inclusive AI.
What You'll Do
🤝 Coordinate activities across the HESI, ProSPER.Net and SDG-UP networks, including scheduling, minutes and communication
🎤 Help organise events such as webinars, workshops and conferences, from preparing materials to reporting
🎧 Develop knowledge products, including podcast episodes and webinars on AI, sustainability and higher education, coordinating speakers, promotion, registration, editing and dissemination
📝 Write project reports and document activities and achievements
🗂️ Maintain an organised filing and archiving system for project documentation
Who Can Apply
🎓 Students in the final year of a Bachelor's, currently enrolled in a Master's, or within two years of graduating (Bachelor's, Master's or PhD)
🧠 A background in artificial intelligence, information technology, education, sustainable development, international development or a related field
🗣️ Excellent written and spoken English is required; knowledge of another UN language (including Japanese) is an asset
Applications are open to both national and international candidates, and applicants from developing countries and women are especially encouraged to apply.
🏦 Curious about other international-organisation opportunities in Asia? Take a look at this Global Internship Programme in 🇨🇳 China at the New Development Bank → https://youthworkshub.org/20536
The Stipend and Practical Details
💶 Interns who do not have their own financial support receive a monthly stipend, set according to the duty-station rate and paid monthly.
🛂 Please note two practical points: UNU does not sponsor working visas, and the role is on-site in Tokyo, so you'll need to be able to arrange your stay in Japan.
💡 New to how internships abroad and their funding actually work? Our guide Paid Internships Abroad for Students explains it clearly → https://youthworkshub.org/paid-internships-abroad
Required Documents
📄 A completed UNU P11 form (which includes your motivation statement)
🎓 Proof of education (a transcript or enrolment certificate)
📝 Answers to the position-specific questions in the application
💻 Prefer a digital-focused placement in Europe? See this Digital Humanities internship in 🇧🇪 Belgium → https://youthworkshub.org/19824
How to Apply
Applications are made online through the official UNU careers portal using the "Apply" link on the vacancy page. There is no email application route for this position.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is it paid? There is a monthly stipend for interns without their own financial support, based on the duty-station rate.
❓ Do I need to already have a degree? No; final-year Bachelor's students, current Master's students and recent graduates (within two years) can apply.
❓ Is it remote? No, it is on-site in Tokyo, and UNU does not sponsor working visas.
❓ Which language do I need? Excellent English; another UN language, including Japanese, is a plus.
Deadline
⏳ 07 September 2026, 23:59 (JST)
Link
🔗 Read the full details and apply on the official UNU careers portal: https://careers.unu.edu/o/innovation-and-education-programme-intern
More internships like this, explained in plain language, are gathered on Youth Works Hub.
⚠️ Important Notice
Youth Works Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the listed projects. This listing is shared for information only, based on details from the source. Deadlines, eligible countries, dates, and other details may change or be withdrawn at any time, and all funding, reimbursements, and allowances are set by the project coordinator or National Agency. Applications go directly to the coordinator or hosting organisation through the official link. Listings may include third-party links (ESC Portal, infopacks, forms) that Youth Works Hub does not control. Always verify the details on the official project page before applying.
