UNDP Fellowships offer Students, Recent Graduates, and Mid-career Professionals 12-Month Paid Opportunities
UNDP Fellowships offer students, recent graduates, and mid-career professionals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international development. These 12-month assignments provide insight into the daily operations of the United Nations, allowing fellows to contribute to global initiatives while receiving a monthly stipend. Learn more about this prestigious program and how you can apply.
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Background & Job Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a pivotal role in driving sustainable development and humanitarian efforts worldwide. To support the next generation of global leaders, UNDP offers fellowships to students, recent graduates, and mid-career professionals, providing them with a unique opportunity to contribute to international development while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
Fellows work alongside United Nations experts, government agencies, and international NGOs, engaging in real-world projects that shape policies, programs, and development initiatives across different regions. This immersive experience helps individuals develop essential skills in policy analysis, research, program management, and advocacy.
The fellowship program offers:
- A structured learning experience within the UN system.
- A professional development opportunity in sustainable development, economic policy, humanitarian work, and governance.
- A monthly stipend, which varies depending on the country of assignment.
Assignments typically last up to 12 months and are hosted in various UNDP country offices or headquarters locations. Fellows may be directly funded by UNDP or a partner institution that has an agreement with the organization.
Tasks
Fellows contribute to UNDP’s mission by supporting policy development, research, program coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the assignment location, regional focus, and global priorities.
1. Research & Policy Development
- Conducting research on socio-economic development, climate change, governance, and human rights.
- Assisting in the preparation of policy briefs, reports, and recommendations for UNDP initiatives.
- Contributing to data collection and analysis to support evidence-based policymaking.
2. Program Coordination & Implementation
- Supporting the design and implementation of development projects in collaboration with governments and NGOs.
- Assisting in monitoring and evaluation of UNDP programs to ensure effectiveness and impact.
- Providing logistical and administrative support for workshops, training sessions, and community programs.
3. Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy
- Liaising with international partners, government agencies, and civil society organizations.
- Supporting advocacy campaigns that promote sustainability, gender equality, and economic inclusion.
- Assisting in communication efforts, including drafting reports, social media content, and press releases.
4. Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing
- Assisting in the organization of training programs, policy dialogues, and global forums.
- Supporting knowledge exchange initiatives to promote best practices in development work.
- Contributing to UNDP’s online platforms by sharing insights and lessons learned from field experiences.
UNDP Fellowships offer Students, Recent Graduates, and Mid-career Professionals 12-Month Paid Opportunities
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program in a relevant field.
- Recent graduates (within the past two years) of a Master’s or PhD program.
- Mid-career professionals with relevant expertise in development, policy, economics, governance, or humanitarian work.
Preferred academic backgrounds include:
- International Relations, Development Studies, Public Policy, Economics, Environmental Science, Human Rights, Political Science, or related fields.
- Additional certifications in project management, humanitarian response, or policy analysis are an advantage.
Experience
- No prior professional experience is required for students and recent graduates.
- Mid-career professionals should have some experience in development, research, or public administration.
- Demonstrated interest in global affairs, sustainability, and international cooperation is beneficial.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Ability to work in multicultural and international teams.
- Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of other UN languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, or Russian) is an asset.
- Capacity to adapt to new challenges and work under tight deadlines.
Additional Information
Fellowship Benefits
- Monthly stipend, which varies by duty station.
- Exposure to international development projects in real-world settings.
- Networking opportunities with UN professionals and development experts.
- Mentorship and professional training to enhance career prospects.
Duty Stations & Duration
- Fellowships last up to 12 months.
- Assignments may be located in UNDP headquarters, regional hubs, or country offices worldwide.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the UNDP Fellowship Portal for detailed application guidelines: undp.org/careers.
- Applications require a CV, cover letter, and relevant academic documentation.
- Deadlines and eligibility criteria vary by fellowship program and funding partner.
- Selection is based on academic merit, relevant skills, and interest in international development.
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