UN-Habitat is offering a 6-month in-person Programme Management Internship at its Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) in Fukuoka, Japan. The position is open to students and recent graduates from all countries, with a deadline of 16 November 2026.
About UN-Habitat
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. As the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system, UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities.
The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP), Fukuoka
Established in 1997 in Fukuoka, Japan, UN-Habitat's ROAP oversees 15 country offices and engages in 42 countries in the region. Countries with UN-Habitat offices include: Afghanistan, Cambodia, China, India, Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026-2029
1. Equitable and Inclusive Prosperity for Poverty Eradication — Adequate housing as a driver of stability, opportunity, and economic growth.
2. Environment and Climate Action — Sustainable housing design, land use, and urban planning to reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience.
3. Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Reconstruction — Housing and services supporting displaced populations and post-crisis recovery.
About the Internship
📍 Location: Fukuoka, Japan (fully in-person) | 🗓️ Duration: 6 months | ⏰ Working hours: Five days per week (35 hours) | 📋 Job Opening ID: 287326
Browse all internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub's Internship & Traineeship section.
Thematic and Operational Focus Areas
🌆 Support to country level and sub-regional programmes | 📊 Support to Project/Programme Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation | 📚 Support to Research, Publications and Communication
Duties and Responsibilities
🗂️ Assist in planning, implementing, monitoring, reporting and evaluating regional and country-level projects
🤝 Support inter-agency collaboration and collaboration between country teams
📁 Assist in the administration, budgeting and other management aspects of new and ongoing projects
💼 Support tracking of and responding to funding calls and support resource mobilization
🔍 Support information and knowledge management
📄 Assist in the preparation of concept and position papers, background documents, project documents and publications
🎙️ Assist in the preparation, implementation and follow-up of various meetings and workshops
────────────────────────────────────────
🌍 All opportunities in Japan →
────────────────────────────────────────
Who Can Apply
🎓 Enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
📘 Enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level)
🏅 Have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent
💻 Computer literate in standard software applications | 🌟 Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations | 🌍 Ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds | 📢 Good communication skills
Preferred Areas of Study
🏛️ Architecture / Urban Design | 🏘️ Urban Development / Planning / Geography | 🚶 Migration and Displacement | 🌿 Urban Environment / Environmental Management | 🌡️ Climate Change and Resilience | 📐 Land Administration | 📖 Development Studies | 🏠 Affordable Housing | 🔄 Project Cycle Management
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in oral and written English required | ➕ Knowledge of another UN official language desirable
Financial Information
This is an unpaid internship. The costs of travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this UN-Habitat internship paid?
No. Interns are not financially remunerated. The costs of travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
Do I need professional work experience?
No. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are explicitly not required to have professional work experience. The key requirement is that your field of study is closely related to the internship focus.
Who can apply?
The position is open to applicants from all countries worldwide. All nationalities are eligible as long as the academic requirements are met.
Will I need a visa to work in Japan?
Interns who are not Japanese citizens or permanent residents may need to obtain appropriate visa and work authorization. UN-Habitat advises successful candidates to discuss specific visa requirements before accepting the offer.
