The United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), part of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, is looking for a Project Support Intern for its Environment Unit in Nagoya, Japan. The 2-3 month internship supports the organization of the Regional EST Forum in Asia and the Regional 3R and Circular Economy in Asia and the Pacific, along with research for related papers and reports. Students and graduates in environmental management, urban planning, urban development, waste management or a related field can apply until 26 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy and laid out every requirement below.
Vacancy at a Glance
🆔 Job Opening ID: 287083
🏷️ Category and Level: I-1
📝 Recruitment Type: Intern
🏛️ Department/Office: Department of Economic and Social Affairs
📍 Work Location: Nagoya, Japan
⏳ Expected duration: 2-3 months
About UNCRD
The United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) was established in 1971, based on the agreement between the UN and the Government of Japan dated 18 June 1971.
🌏 UNCRD strives to promote sustainable regional development in developing countries.
🧭 Its focus is on development planning and management in the context of globalization and decentralization trends.
🌡️ It also responds to the growing concern towards global environmental issues and their impacts.
The Environment Unit and Its Urban Priorities
Sustainable Environment is one of the key elements for Sustainable Development. In line with the environment and development priorities and international commitments reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other international agendas and agreements, UNCRD's Environment Unit is currently focusing on the following urban priorities, which have significant impacts on the socioeconomic and bio-physical environment:
🚌 Sustainable transport
♻️ 3R/circular economy
🗑️ Sustainable waste management
🦋 Biodiversity
The Unit has been providing required technical assistance to developing countries at the local and national levels.
Where the Intern Sits and Who They Report To
🏢 The internship is located in the Environment Unit, UNCRD, Nagoya, Japan.
👤 The intern reports to the Environment Programme Coordinator of UNCRD.
Supporting Two Regional Forums
The intern will support the organization of the Regional EST Forum in Asia and the Regional 3R and Circular Economy in Asia and the Pacific by:
📋 Updating the list(s) of invitees.
✉️ Assisting in preparation and dispatch of invitations to participating countries and invitees.
🗳️ Updating the list(s) of nominations to be received from participating countries.
💾 Compiling the electronic information received from participating countries and experts so that it can be uploaded to UNCRD's webpages.
Research and Presentation Support
🔬 Supporting the research for the preparation of papers and reports related to the projects through collection of data from multiple resources.
📊 Assisting in reviewing and analyzing data from multiple resources.
🖥️ Assisting in the preparation of UNCRD's presentations to be made at the Forums.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
🎓 (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher, such as a Master's degree or equivalent, Ph.D. or post graduate degree).
📚 (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent).
Field of Study and Skills
💼 Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience.
🎯 However, a field of study closely related to the type of internship is required.
🏙️ Suitable fields: environmental management, urban planning, urban development, waste management or a related field.
🔗 Applicants are encouraged to mention how their field of study relates to Sustainable Development, mainly in the areas of sustainable transport and circular economy & 3Rs.
💻 Be computer literate in standard software applications.
Language Requirements
🗣️ English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
🇬🇧 Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the Internship Programme.
🌐 Knowledge of an additional official United Nations language is an asset.
Costs, Travel and Visa
💳 Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations.
✈️ Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
🛂 Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization.
🗨️ Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
Selection and No-Fee Policy
📬 Only successful candidates will be contacted.
🚫 The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training).
🏦 The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the UNCRD Project Support Internship based?
The internship is based in the Environment Unit of the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) in Nagoya, Japan. The intern reports to the Environment Programme Coordinator of UNCRD.
How long does the UNCRD internship last?
The expected duration is 2-3 months.
Is the UNCRD internship paid?
No. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and costs for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Do I need work experience to apply?
No professional work experience is required. You must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate programme, or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree, in a field closely related to the internship.
Which fields of study fit this internship?
Environmental management, urban planning, urban development, waste management or a related field. Applicants are encouraged to explain how their studies relate to sustainable transport and circular economy & 3Rs.
What will the intern work on?
Supporting the organization of the Regional EST Forum in Asia and the Regional 3R and Circular Economy in Asia and the Pacific, plus research, data collection and analysis for papers, reports and UNCRD's Forum presentations.
Does the UN charge an application fee?
No. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Deadline
⏳ 26 November 2026
Link
🖱️ Apply online: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/287083?language=en
