Now Open: Fully Funded UN African Policy Innovation Fellowship
Introduction
The United Nations African Policy Innovation Fellowship 2025 is a transformative initiative intended to empower junior and mid-level from African civil servants to improve their policymaking skills, abilities, promote innovation, and make a national impact. The Fellowship, which was created in response to UN resolutions in order to, fosters local leadership in the creation and application of public policies, therefore addressing structural obstacles to Africa’s sustainable development.
Objective of Fellowship
The fellowship’s aim is to support a new generation of African policymakers in converting national priorities into sensible, evidence-based public policy. In addition to strengthening institutional capacities and encouraging evidence-based innovation, it supports Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN.
Focus Area
One of the six fundamental changes listed by the UN Secretary-General must be the focus of each Fellow’s project:
- Food systems
- Energy access and affordability
- Digital connectivity
- Education
- Jobs and social protection
- Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution
Program Structure
The fellowship program is run a period of six months start from july-December 2025 and the program consistent three phases
Phase 1 – Conceptualization (Virtual, July 2025)
Basic instruction in policy analysis and diagnostics is given to participants first. Fellows will perform data assessments, hone their policy proposals, and match their ideas with national objectives with the help of UN mentors and experts.
Phase 2 – Policy Innovation Development (In-person, August–October 2025)
After arriving at UN Headquarters in New York, fellows are integrated into pertinent UN agencies. They use financing techniques, participate in international policy discussions, and complete an in-depth policy innovation report.
Phase 3 – Implementation Preparation (Home Country, November–December 2025)
After returning to their institutions, Fellows evaluate institutional preparedness, connect their policy designs with pre-existing frameworks, and create a comprehensive implementation plan that includes financing sources and stakeholder participation.
Eligibility Criteria
This is an important requirement for an applicant to qualify:
- Senior or middle level government functionaries in African countries must apply.
- Must be less than 40 years of age at the time of application.
- Must have a Master’s or PhD degree (or a bachelor’s degree with up to 2 years of relevant experience).
- Must have a strong track record in policy research, public administration, or development planning.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English or French (working knowledge of the other is a plus).
- Provide a supervisor’s endorsement letter confirming release for in-person participation.
What Fellows Will Expect?
Fellows must:
• Complete all three phases of the program.
• Submit required outputs: policy framework, innovation paper and implementation strategy.
• Strengthen their national institutions through executing post-fellowship proposed reforms.
• Participate in structured follow-ups and UN-supported activities following the program.
Benefits
In the New York on-site program, the following are provided:
• Airfare will be reimbursed for both outbound and inbound journeys.
• Monthly stipend for living expenses at a basic level.
• Medical care insurance.
Note: The stipend is not a salary intended to sustain family members or bills back home.
Requirements
The application requirements entail:
1. A one-page CV
2. A signed supervisor endorsement letter
3. The completed project proposal using the official UN template
Deadline
Final deadline is 20 June 2025
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