If you’re a rising African leader with a passion for policy, innovation, and sustainable development, this is your moment. The United Nations African Policy Innovation Fellowship 2025 is now accepting applications, offering a rare chance to be mentored at the heart of global diplomacy — the UN Headquarters in New York.
This prestigious fellowship goes beyond just theory. It’s designed to equip junior to mid-level African civil servants with real-world tools to design, implement, and scale policy solutions that drive peace, prosperity, and sustainability across the continent.
Contents
Why You Should Apply
This is not just a fellowship — it’s a launchpad.
Successful applicants will receive:
- A fully-funded in-person residency at the UN Headquarters in New York
- Monthly stipend to cover lodging, meals, and essentials
- Return air travel and medical insurance
- Mentorship and implementation support from UN entities
- Global recognition and visibility for your policy project
- The chance to drive change in your country with the UN’s backing
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the 2025 edition, applicants must:
- Be African nationals currently working as junior or mid-level civil servants in ministries such as Finance, Planning, Energy, Agriculture, Education, or Homeland Security.
- Have a strong background in research or analysis in development-related fields like:
- Governance, peace, and security
- Infrastructure, logistics, and transportation
- Trade, investment, natural resource law
- Regional integration and socio-economic growth
- Hold at least a Master’s degree (a bachelor’s plus two years of relevant experience may be accepted)
- Be under 40 years old at the time of application
- Have fluency in English or French; knowledge of both is an added bonus
- Provide a signed endorsement letter from a supervisor confirming support for participation
What’s Expected from Fellows?
Each fellow will design a policy intervention project tailored to a pressing challenge in their country or sector. This is your chance to:
- Shape development outcomes
- Influence national policy
- Align your proposal with SDGs and peace-building goals
- Activate partnerships across ministries, sectors, and borders
By the end of the program, your idea won’t just be a paper — it will be a UN-backed policy proposal ready for execution.
How to Apply (Deadline: June 20, 2025)
Your application must include:
- A one-page resume (CV)
- Supervisor’s endorsement letter (sample available on the application page)
- A completed project proposal
Apply directly via this official link:
Click here to apply now
