UNDP Governance Research Fellowship 2025: Apply for a Remote Paid Fellowship in International Development – *The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is now accepting applications for its fully funded, remote Governance Research Fellowship for 2025. This prestigious paid opportunity is open to students, recent graduates, and mid-career professionals worldwide. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend to gain hands-on experience conducting policy research, supporting governance projects, and contributing to sustainable development goals (SDGs) from home. If you have a background in public policy, international relations, or social sciences, apply today to launch your career with the UN.*

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Background & Fellowship Description

Please note: This fellowship posting is advertised on our platform based on publicly available information. We are not directly affiliated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) but are providing this summary as a service to our audience of aspiring development professionals.

The UNDP Governance Research Fellowship represents a cornerstone capacity-building initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in international development and public policy. This highly competitive program offers a structured, remote professional experience that immerses fellows in the critical work of the United Nations. The fellowship is specifically hosted within UNDP’s governance portfolio, which focuses on strengthening effective, inclusive, and accountable institutions—a fundamental pillar for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Unlike standard employment, this fellowship is designed as a learning-oriented engagement, funded either directly by UNDP or through its network of partner academic and research institutions. It provides a unique platform for talented individuals from across the globe to contribute meaningfully to ongoing research and projects while receiving mentorship from seasoned UNDP experts. The 2025 remote format ensures inclusivity, allowing individuals from diverse geographical and socioeconomic backgrounds to participate without the barrier of relocation. This initiative underscores UNDP’s commitment to fostering new talent, promoting knowledge exchange, and injecting fresh perspectives into its global mission to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilient nations.

UNDP Governance Research Fellowship 2025: Apply for a Remote Paid Fellowship in International Development

Tasks

Selected fellows will be integrated into UNDP teams and entrusted with a variety of meaningful responsibilities, which may include:

• Primary and Secondary Research: Conducting in-depth, rigorous research on pressing global governance issues, such as public administration reform, anti-corruption, electoral systems, digital governance, access to justice, and civil society engagement.
• Data Analysis and Synthesis: Supporting project teams by collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to inform policy recommendations and programmatic decisions.
• Knowledge Product Development: Assisting in the drafting, editing, and finalizing of high-quality research reports, policy briefs, working papers, technical documents, and literature reviews for publication and dissemination.
• Project Support: Providing substantive support to the implementation and monitoring of specific governance-focused projects, including preparing presentations, concept notes, and meeting agendas.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Actively participating in virtual meetings, workshops, webinars, and team check-ins with international and multidisciplinary teams spread across different time zones.
• Knowledge Management: Contributing to the curation and sharing of knowledge by helping to organize research findings, maintain databases, and develop content for internal and external communication channels.
• Policy Analysis: Reviewing existing national and international policies, evaluating their impact, and contributing to the development of evidence-based policy options and guidance notes.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

• The fellowship is targeted at current graduate-level students (e.g., Master’s or PhD candidates), recent graduates (within one to two years of graduation), and mid-career professionals looking to specialize or pivot into the international development sector.
• A university degree (or ongoing studies) in a relevant field such as Public Policy, Public Administration, International Relations, Law, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Development Studies, or a related social science is required.
• Exceptional academic performance and demonstrated research capabilities are strongly preferred.

Experience

• While not always mandatory, prior professional or volunteer experience in research, governance, policy analysis, or development-related projects is a significant advantage.
• Required skills include excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a proven capacity to draft clear and concise analytical documents.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with proficiency in qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work efficiently in a fully remote, virtual environment with minimal supervision.
• A high degree of cultural sensitivity and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively in international, multicultural teams.
• Technical proficiency in standard office software (MS Office Suite) is essential; familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, NVivo) is a desirable asset.

Additional Information

• Fellowship Type: This is a paid fellowship opportunity, not a standard employment contract.
• Duration: The fellowship typically lasts for a period of up to 12 months, with specific start and end dates determined upon selection.
• Location: The fellowship is conducted entirely remotely (work-from-home). No relocation to a UNDP office is required.
• Stipend: Fellows will receive a monthly stipend intended to cover basic costs. The stipend amount is not standardized and may vary depending on the fellow’s level of experience and the country of assignment (for tax and administrative purposes).
• Application Process: All applications must be submitted through the official UNDP recruitment portal. Candidates are strongly advised not to apply through any third-party sites.
• Application Deadline: The original source indicates a posting date of September 15, 2025. Applicants must verify the specific deadline on the official UNDP Job Portal using the relevant identification number, as deadlines are strictly enforced.
• Selection Process: The selection process is highly competitive and will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and alignment with the fellowship’s objectives. It may involve multiple interview stages.
• Official Source: For absolute accuracy and to apply, always refer to the original vacancy announcement on the UNDP Careers website.

How to Apply: To avoid scams, always apply directly via the official UNDP job portal. Beware of any site or service that requests an application fee.

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