About United Nations University
For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on the pressing global problems of human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.
For more information, please visit .
About the United Nations University Library
The library of UNU is committed to providing reliable and high-quality library and information services to assist and enhance the academic activities of the university. Located in the UNU headquarters building in Tokyo, the library manages its collections and develops information resources through the library’s networking and consortia. The library also organizes instructional sessions on the use of its resources and maintains its collections and resources in support of research and postgraduate educational programmes throughout the UNU System. For more information, please visit
Working Conditions
The library internship follows the academic calendar of the university. Interns are typically selected during May-June for a 6-month term corresponding to the fall semester, which runs from September through February. The position is primarily on-site at the UNU headquarters in Tokyo. Limited remote work may be permitted only if necessary; however, on-site presence is expected for most of the internship period.
Please note that applicants residing BOTH within Japan and overseas will be considered regardless of their current geographical location.
The library intern is expected to work full time during the university’s regular working hours: 9:30 a.m. to 17:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekends and official UNU holidays are days off. In addition, the intern is entitled to 1.5 days of leave per month. When working on-site, the intern will be provided with appropriate office space and facilities to support their duties. For approved remote work, the intern is responsible for ensuring access to a personal laptop or desktop with basic functionalities and a stable internet connection throughout the duration of their internship.
The position includes a monthly stipend intended to offset a portion of living costs, including local transportation to and from UNU headquarters located in Shibuya, Japan. The intern will also complimentary on-site and online access to the UNU headquarters’ library resources and gym facilities where available. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in academic librarianship. Interns will have the chance to learn about and contribute to the library operations, support the delivery of library services, and assist with planning and organization of the library activities that take place throughout the year.
Stipend
Interns who are not in receipt of financial support from other sources such as universities or other institutions, will receive a stipend from UNU to partially subsidise their basic living costs for the duration of the internship (note: scholarships for academic studies will not be considered a source of financial support for the purposes of the internship stipend). The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates in effect. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Responsibilities
The library intern will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of ongoing activities that provide a unique window into the working processes of the UNU Library in the following:
Perform professional library work under the supervision of the library staff.
Sort and shelve library materials according to the UNU library classification.
Assist the library staff in classifying and cataloguing library materials in accordance with the UNU library cataloguing rules and principles.
Assist the library staff with tasks such as checking in materials, checking out materials, and answering reference questions.
Help the library staff maintain the library management system.
Assist library patrons in the use of public computers, Wi-Fi, and other library technology.
Assist with the cleaning and general maintenance of the library.
Perform other tasks assigned by the library staff.
Competencies
Values:
Inclusion - Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
Integrity - Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.
Humility - Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
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Humanity - Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.
Behaviours:
Connect and Collaborate - Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and Plan - Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
Learn and Develop - Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and Innovate - Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
You may wish to refer to the for more information.
The qualifications that are considered in each application process include, but are not limited to, the following. The candidate:
is currently pursuing or has recently completed (within two years of application) postgraduate studies (master’s or doctoral), preferably in Library and Information Science or other relevant subjects;
is under 32 years of age at the time of application;
must not have more than 5 years of work experience in their related field;
has a native or fluent command of written and spoken English;
has advanced computer skills: sound, hands-on, knowledge of MS Office applications (familiarity with ICT tools and high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel are desirable);
has strong attention to detail and good problem-solving ability;
has an ability to work in a fast-paced environment while learning new skills;
has an ability to develop and work with a team & high degree of initiative;
has an ability to learn cataloging procedures and practices;
has basic knowledge of any Library Management System would be considered;
has a strong interest in the work of the United Nations University in general, and particularly in the UNU library.
Duration of contract: The duration of the internship is approximately 6 months (24 weeks).
Expected start date: 1st September 2026
Expected end date: 16th February 2027
How to Apply:
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
Application: Apply via the apply link.
Answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
CV: Attach a current and complete CV in English (in the place where it says to upload the P11 Form). Your résumé or c.v. may not exceed two single-sided pages. The P11 Form is not necessary for this position, please upload your current CV.
Cover Letter: Attach a brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the position.
Application form: Fill in the and upload via the link. The form may be completed using MS Word or printed and filled in by hand.
Funding form: Fill in the and upload via the link. The form should outline the source, amount, and duration of actual and/or projected funding while in Tokyo.
Language Certification: Applicants must provide certification in English if they do not meet either of the two following criteria:
i. the applicant’s native language is English, or
ii. the applicant completed an undergraduate programme or is enrolled in a graduate program with English as the medium of instruction.
In the case that the applicant does not meet either of the above criteria, a valid TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC score report is required. The original certificate or photocopy is accepted. Preferred score ranges for each test are:
Application Deadline: 5th June 2026 (Submissions must be received by 23:59 (JST) on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.)
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and a competency-based interview, and/or references.
Special notice
The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNU but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
Interns do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations and may not represent UNU in any official capacity.
UNU accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged.
UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
Information about UNU rosters
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this internship announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this internship cohort for upcoming internships within the next 2 years.
Scam warning
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