From April 2024, Hiroshima University has been commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to implement the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development in close cooperation with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). This Program was established by the Ministry to strengthen civilian capacity for peacebuilding and development. It consists of several types of training courses, as well as activities to support career development for people wishing to work in international organizations working in peace and development.
During fiscal year 2024, Hiroshima University will organize the following training courses:
Primary Course (for Japanese and non-Japanese participants)
Mid-Career Course (for Japanese and non-Japanese participants)
Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Pre-Assignment Course (for Japanese candidates who passed the JPO examination).
Primary Course
The Primary Course is designed to prepare early career professionals in peacebuilding, international development and related fields to work with a high level of competence, agility and skills. Around 13 participants from Japan and 10 participants from other countries will participate in the Course. For 2024, the participating countries and organizations which are invited to participate are Bangladesh, Fiji, El Salvador, Lebanon, Ukraine, Palestine, Mali, South Sudan, Uganda and African Union Commission (AUC). Please note that for AUC, the application process is not open to the public and depends on arrangements with AUC.
The course is made up of two components:
Hiroshima Training Component: This is a 4-week course (1 week online, 3 weeks in person in Tokyo and Higashi-Hiroshima), which covers practical skills needed to work in peace and development, as well as career planning and preparation.
UNV Assignment: After the Hiroshima Training Component, Japanese participants will be assigned to work as UN Volunteers in UN offices and agencies around the world for 1 year (please note that this component is only for Japanese participants).
The dates of the 2025 Course are January 26-February 22, 2025.
The deadline for applications from non-Japanese participants is Thursday October 24, 2024 (9:00 am Japan time).
For more information for non-Japanese applicants, please see the Primary Course page.
For more information for Japanese applicants, please see the Primary Course page for Japanese applicants (in Japanese).
Mid-Career Course
The Mid-Career Course is a professional development course for mid-career professionals working in peacebuilding, international development and related fields. This 7-day intensive training course will help participants to take stock of where they are in their careers, and to develop strategies for achieving their career goals. The training is useful for those already working in the UN system, as well as those wishing to apply for mid-level positions in international organizations. Approximately 20 Japanese and non-Japanese people will participate from all over the world.
The dates of the 2025 Course are January 6-January 12, 2025.
The deadline for applications from all participants is Friday October 25, 2024 (9:00 am Japan time).
For more information, please see the Mid-Career Course page.
For more information about the Mid-Career Course in Japanese, please see here.

For More Information
For more information, please contact:
Global Peace and Development Career Network (GPAD)
International Office, Hiroshima University
Email: gpad@office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp