UN opens fellowship for emerging policymakers

The United Nations has launched the Africa Policy Innovation Fellowship, a new initiative aimed at addressing the structural inequalities that hinder Africa’s development.

This six-month programme is designed to empower junior to mid-level African policymakers with the tools and knowledge to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.

Applications are now open to policymakers, public officers, and other key stakeholders across the continent.

Fellowship Overview

The Fellowship will run for six months in three distinct phases, combining both virtual and in-person engagements:

• July 2025: Online conceptualisation phase (from the fellow’s home country)

• August to October 2025: In-person policy development phase at the UN Headquarters in New York

• November to December 2025: Implementation preparation phase in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in the fellow’s home country

This structured programme aims to strengthen national-level policy design and promote sustainable development and peacebuilding in Africa. The Fellowship seeks to cultivate a new generation of African policymakers who are grounded in evidence-based policymaking and committed to the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.

Fellowship Responsibilities

Fellows will:

• Receive training on translating policy insights into actionable implementation strategies.

• Be supported with structured follow-up and technical assistance, including access to UN system capacities and catalytic partnerships.

• Participate in formal annual monitoring to track progress, capture lessons learnt, and contribute to policy dialogue at national and regional levels.

Key Benefits

• Issuance of a visa to travel to the United Nations Headquarters in New York

• Provision of a return air ticket, monthly stipend, and medical coverage, in accordance with UN regulations

• The stipend is meant to cover living expenses during the fellowship and is not a salary or honorarium.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Project Proposal: Submit a proposal addressing a national-level policy challenge related to one of the UN’s six transition areas. The proposal must:

   • Include a data inventory highlighting available sources and data gaps

   • Demonstrate how national data will inform an actionable policy framework

   • Feature a financing component related to domestic resource mobilization, fiscal policy coherence, or innovative financing

   • Be submitted using the official template (submissions in other formats will not be considered)

2. Professional Background: Applicants must be current junior to mid-level civil servants working in relevant ministries such as finance, planning, energy, agriculture, education, or homeland security.

3. Work Experience: Candidates must have experience in research or analytical work in areas including:

   • Socio-economic and political development

   • Trade and investment

   • Natural resource management or law

   • Regional integration

   • Infrastructure development (e.g., transport, logistics, energy)

   • Governance and peacebuilding

4. Education: Hold an advanced university degree (master’s, doctorate, or equivalent) in a relevant field.

5. Age Limit: Must be 40 years old or younger at the time of application.

6. Supervisor’s Endorsement: Submit a letter from a direct supervisor confirming support for participation, including release for the in-person phase (template available on the application page).

7. Language Proficiency: Fluency in English or French is required. Working knowledge of the other is an advantage.

How to Apply

Applications must include the following documents:

• A one-page resume (CV)

• A signed supervisor’s endorsement letter

• A completed project proposal (using the official template)

Submit your application via the official UN portal.