The UNDP Japan Unit in New York needs a Project Management Support Intern who can analyze details to solve this research problem. The intern will work on the main functions of the UNDP-Japan partnership through four activities which include evaluating project proposals and monitoring submission processes and performing policy research and creating visualizations of funding patterns. The internship program seeks candidates who possess exceptional research abilities and who understand both Japanese and English cultural contexts and who are dedicated to transforming strategic partnerships into practical outcomes. This opportunity is designed for you if you want to work on a prominent partnership while developing your professional skills.
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Project Management Support Intern – Japan Unit, UNDP New York
Job Identification: 31580
Posting Date: 31 January 2026, 12:08 AM
Application Deadline: 13 February 2026, 6:59 AM
Job Schedule: Full time
Location: New York, United States
Grade: IN (Intern)
Bureau: Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA)
Vacancy Timeline: 2 Weeks
Organizational Context and Internship Opportunity
The Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) leads UNDP’s global partnerships, advocacy, and resource mobilization efforts. The Japan Unit within BERA works to develop and expand the strategic partnership between UNDP and Japan. The organization oversees major funding streams which include the Japan Supplementary Budget and Grant Assistance while working together with the Government of Japan and creating innovative partnerships with Japanese private sector companies which aim to achieve sustainable development and climate action and responsible business practices.
This internship based at UNDP Headquarters in New York provides students with a special chance to observe international development diplomacy and learn about how major bilateral partnerships function. Your work will involve three areas which include policy analysis and project management and partnership development while you help the Japan Unit achieve its goal of building partnerships and securing resources to reach Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of Japan Unit staff, the intern will provide substantive operational and analytical support across the following core areas:
1. Operational and Analytical Support for Japan-Funded Projects:
- The process requires you to help evaluation teams by assessing and merging project proposals from UNDP offices worldwide for Japanese funding.
- The team needs your assistance to prepare and review official submissions to the Government of Japan which include project proposals and financial agreements and progress reports.
- The process requires you to help UNDP bureaus and units work together for projects that receive funding from Japan.
2. Policy Analysis and Formulation:
- The study investigates Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) instruments and its foreign policy priorities, which it uses to evaluate its adherence to UNDP strategic objectives.
- The organization needs to develop briefing documents and analytical reports and background research papers to support its senior executives during their strategic decision-making process.
3. Partnership Support with the Japanese Private Sector:
- Support research and stakeholder mapping of Japanese private sector actors relevant to UNDP’s work in areas such as sustainable supply chains, climate transition (GX), and innovation.
- Assist in preparing materials for partnership development, corporate outreach, and public-private collaboration.
4. Data Compilation and Communication:
- The project requires ongoing maintenance and updating of its databases which track Japan-funded projects.
- The project needs assistance to develop visual materials which use PowerPoint and Excel and Power BI to create data-driven content for donor reports and internal communications.
- The team needs my support to create official documents which require English-Japanese translation and my assistance with drafting communication materials.
Competencies
- A person with deep interest to study Japanese overseas development assistance system and United Nations Organization and United Nations Development Program systems together with their dedication to United Nations Charter principles.
- The candidate has proven knowledge about Japanese international economic relations research and overseas development assistance system and public-private partnership methods.
- The candidate possesses strong skills in policy research and draft writing and analytical work which enables him or her to create clear presentations that explain complex topics to executive decision makers.
- The candidate has acquired valuable knowledge through previous work experiences which involved him or her to handle tasks related to government agencies and economic diplomacy operations and international negotiation processes.
- The person shows high energy levels as a self-driven worker who can handle multiple tasks while maintaining focus to complete work within required timeframes.
- The individual can communicate successfully with people who have different cultural backgrounds.
- The candidate shows complete proficiency with Microsoft Office programs which include Word and Excel and PowerPoint and Teams and Zoom while having desirable knowledge about Microsoft Power BI software.
- The candidate must have complete proficiency in Japanese and English for both written and spoken communication skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s degree or equivalent, or higher); OR
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (Bachelor’s level or equivalent); OR
- The candidate must have completed their university degree as specified above, and if they are selected, they need to begin their internship within one year after graduation.
Preferred Fields: A Master’s level program in international affairs, development studies, public policy, economics, business administration, or related fields. Background knowledge of SDG implementation and ESG frameworks is highly desirable.
Experience:
- Prior experience in government, think tanks, international organizations, or policy research institutions is a strong asset.
- Experience related to trade, economic security, sustainability policy, or private sector engagement is highly desirable.
Languages:
- Fluency in English and Japanese (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Internship Conditions & Application Process
- Stipend: A small monthly stipend according to UNDP policies will be given to interns who do not receive financial backing from other organizations.
- Logistics: The intern must pay for all expenses which include travel costs and visa expenses and lodging fees and insurance expenses and all other essential living expenses. The intern must secure medical insurance which will cover the entire period of their internship.
- Duration & Location: The job requires full-time work for a minimum period of 1.5 months. The New York office provides workspaces which employees can use whenever they require.
- Subsequent Employment: The internship does not create any path to future employment at UNDP.
Application Requirements:
If selected, the candidate will be required to provide electronic versions of:
- Updated Resume/CV
- University confirmation of enrolment and graduation date
- Letter of recommendation from a professor
- Academic transcripts
- Passport copy
- Completed UNDP internship application forms
- Document that verifies my medical insurance coverage
- Copy of US Visa (if applicable and not a US citizen)
Apply by 13 February 2026 to contribute to a vital strategic partnership and gain unparalleled experience in international development at UNDP Headquarters.
