The World Food Programme Graduate Fellowship 2026 is now open for Master’s and PhD students, graduates, researchers and professors. Fully sponsored placements of 3–12 months with stipend, travel, insurance, and accommodation covered by partner institutions. Apply through WFP’s partner organizations.
Overview: World Food Programme Graduate Fellowship 2026
The World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting global hunger, is offering its Graduate Fellowship Programme for 2026. This competitive fellowship provides young professionals, researchers, and academics with an opportunity to deepen their expertise in humanitarian assistance while working directly with WFP teams across country offices, regional bureaux, or headquarters.
The fellowship lasts 3 to 12 months, is fully sponsored, and allows Fellows to contribute meaningfully to WFP’s mission to achieve Zero Hunger and advance the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Unlike internships, this fellowship is designed for individuals with strong academic training and technical skills, offering a unique pathway into humanitarian operations and global policy work.
What Fellows Do at WFP
Fellows are embedded in high-impact programme areas, contributing to WFP’s operational and strategic tasks. Responsibilities may include:
1. Humanitarian Programme Design
- Supporting the development of food security and resilience programmes
- Assisting in needs assessments and project planning
2. Donor and Partnership Engagement
- Supporting donor reporting
- Drafting briefing documents and partner updates
3. Policy Development
- Contributing to research on hunger, climate action, emergency response, and food systems
- Supporting policy formulation and advocacy materials
4. Humanitarian Finance
- Assisting in budget planning and financial tracking
- Supporting proposal development
5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
- Conducting data collection and evidence analysis
- Contributing to evaluation reports and research papers
6. Cross-Functional Support
- Research and analysis
- Operational planning
- Coordination across teams
Through these activities, Fellows work in fast-paced humanitarian environments and build competencies essential for careers in the UN and international development.
Fellowship Benefits
Although WFP does not directly fund Fellows, all financial support is provided by partner institutions (universities, research bodies, government agencies, etc.). Benefits typically include:
Financial and Logistical Support
- Monthly stipend
- Roundtrip travel for appointment and repatriation
- Accommodation coverage
- Visa and administrative costs
- Medical insurance
- Other assignment-related costs (depending on the sponsoring organization)
Professional Development
- Hands-on humanitarian experience in WFP operations
- Exposure to global food security challenges
- Collaboration with world-leading experts in aid, logistics, finance, and policy
- Opportunity to work in country offices, regional bureaux, or headquarters
- Full immersion into WFP’s operational and support functions
- Enhanced employability within the UN system and international NGOs
Additional Advantages
- Cross-cultural experience
- Skill-building in research, coordination, leadership, communication, and analysis
- Direct contribution to global humanitarian objectives
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the WFP Graduate Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
Applicants must be one of the following:
- Master’s or PhD student
- Master’s or PhD graduate
- Academic researcher
- University professor
- Must have at least completed an undergraduate degree
- Must bring advanced technical knowledge in fields aligned with WFP’s work (e.g., economics, nutrition, logistics, engineering, climate resilience, agriculture, policy, data science, finance)
Sponsorship Requirement
- Applicants must be financially sponsored by organizations that have a valid Fellowship Partnership Agreement with WFP.
- Eligible sponsors include:
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Government agencies
- Academic bodies
Skills and Competencies
- Fluency in English (mandatory)
- Fluency in another WFP working language (French, Spanish, Arabic) is an asset
- Proficiency in MS Office
- Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills
- Alignment with WFP’s Leadership Framework and behavioural standards
Additional Requirements
- Applicants cannot have immediate family members (parents, siblings) employed by WFP
- Additional requirements may be set by the sponsoring partner institution
How to Apply
Since WFP does not directly recruit Fellows, the application process is handled through partner organizations.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Verify whether your university, research institute, or government program has a Fellowship Partnership Agreement with WFP.
- Apply through your sponsoring institution using their internal fellowship nomination process.
- Once shortlisted, your institution submits your profile to WFP for matching with available placements.
- If selected by WFP, you will receive assignment details and onboarding instructions.
- Complete visa arrangements, insurance confirmation, and logistics required by your sponsor.
Important Notes
- Fellowship opportunities are available year-round.
- Each partner institution sets its own internal application deadlines.
- Only applicants with official sponsorship are considered by WFP.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | WFP Graduate Fellowship 2026 |
| Duration | 3–12 months |
| Location | Country offices, regional bureaux, or WFP HQ |
| Funding | Fully covered by sponsoring institution |
| Compensation | Stipend, travel, accommodation, insurance |
| Eligibility | Master’s/PhD students, graduates, researchers, professors |
| Language Requirement | Fluent English; additional languages an asset |
| Technical Requirement | Advanced knowledge in fields relevant to WFP |
| Sponsorship | Mandatory; only through institutions with WFP agreements |
| Application Cycle | Open throughout the year |
| Employer | World Food Programme (WFP), UN System |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the WFP Graduate Fellowship paid?
Yes. Fellows receive financial support, but funding comes from sponsoring institutions, not WFP.
2. Who can sponsor my fellowship?
Universities, government agencies, and research bodies with official agreements with WFP.
3. Can I apply individually directly to WFP?
No. All applications must come through sponsoring partners.
4. How long does the fellowship last?
Between 3 and 12 months, depending on the sponsoring institution.
5. What degrees are required?
Master’s or PhD students/graduates, or individuals with advanced academic training.
6. What fields of study are accepted?
Any discipline aligned with humanitarian operations, including economics, engineering, logistics, agriculture, policy, public health, data science, and more.
7. Can undergraduate students apply?
Only if they have already completed their degree and are now supported by a sponsoring institution.
8. Does WFP guarantee employment after the fellowship?
No. However, many Fellows progress to UN careers based on the experience gained.
Conclusion
The WFP Graduate Fellowship 2026 offers a high-impact opportunity for emerging humanitarian professionals to work directly with the world’s leading food security organisation. With full financial sponsorship and immersive professional experience, the programme equips Fellows with the technical skills, global exposure, and leadership development needed to contribute meaningfully to humanitarian operations.
Candidates affiliated with universities or institutions partnering with WFP are strongly encouraged to apply through their sponsoring bodies to secure a placement for the upcoming fellowship cycle.
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