The United Nations African Policy Innovation Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for young African policymakers to drive sustainable development through data-driven solutions. Apply Below:
When is the Application Deadline?
The application period for the 2025 United Nations African Policy Innovation Fellowship closes at midnight New York time on 20 June 2025.
Tell Me About The Award:
The United Nations African Policy Innovation Fellowship is a prestigious initiative designed to strengthen the capacities of junior to mid-level African policymakers in policy analysis, design, and implementation. It responds to the urgent need to address structural inequalities affecting Africa’s development, aligned with the UN Secretary-General’s reports and the Agenda 2063. The Fellowship offers a structured, multi-phase program combining conceptual training, policy innovation development, and implementation preparation, aimed at empowering fellows to design and implement data-driven, fiscally responsible, and contextually relevant policy solutions that advance sustainable development and peacebuilding across the continent. Fellows receive mentorship, participate in international policy dialogues, and gain exposure to best practices while working closely with UN entities.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
Eligible fields for applicants include government ministries related to:
- Finance and Planning
- Energy
- Agriculture
- Education
- Homeland Security
Applicants should have work experience in areas such as socio-economic and political development, trade and investment, natural resource management and law, regional integration, infrastructure development (including transportation, logistics, and energy), governance, peacebuilding, and related sectors within the African context.
Type:
Fellowship
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Who can Apply?
The eligibility criteria include:
- Must be a junior to mid-level civil servant from an African country, engaged in key ministries as listed above.
- Demonstrated experience in research or analytical work related to socio-economic and political development or other eligible fields.
- Hold an advanced university degree (Master’s, doctorate, or equivalent) linked to the project area. A first-level degree with two years of relevant experience may be considered.
- Maximum age of 40 years at the time of application.
- Fluency in English or French is required; working knowledge of the other is an advantage.
- Must submit a supervisor’s endorsement letter confirming support and availability for the in-person phase.
How are Applicants Selected?
Applicants are selected through a competitive process based on the quality of their project proposals addressing one of the UN Secretary-General’s Six Transitions. Proposals must:
- Include a data inventory showing available sources and data gaps.
- Demonstrate how national data will inform actionable policy frameworks.
- Include a strong financing component connected to domestic resource mobilization or innovative financing mechanisms.
The selection process may include a competency-based interview and a written assessment
Required Documents
Applicants are also to submit the following:
- A one-page resume (curriculum vitae)
- A signed supervisor’s endorsement letter
- A completed project proposal submitted using the official template (submissions in other formats will not be accepted)
Which Countries Are Eligible?
African Countries
Where will the Award be Taken?
The Fellowship includes both virtual and in-person phases:
- July: Virtual conceptualisation phase, completed from the fellow’s home country
- August to October: In-person policy development phase at United Nations Headquarters in New York
- November to December: Implementation preparation phase in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in the fellow’s home country
How Many Awards?
Not specified
What is the Benefit of the Award?
The eligibility requirements include:
- Intensive capacity building through conceptual training, mentorship, and applied policy work
- Placement within a UN entity for policy development
- Support in preparing for national implementation of policy innovations
- Return air ticket, monthly stipend, and medical coverage during the in-person phase, subject to UN regulations
- Structured follow-up and technical support post-fellowship for project implementation
- Annual monitoring and engagement in policy dialogue at national and regional levels
How Long Will the Award Last?
6 months
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit their application documents via the online application form by 20 June 2025. The application must include:
- A one-page resume
- A signed supervisor’s endorsement letter
- A project proposal completed using the official template
