The Fellowship Programme
Fellows accepted into this prestigious program will be deeply immersed in the day-to-day operations of the Office of the President of the General Assembly (OPGA). They will be attached to various teams within the OPGA, working on a rotational basis. These teams encompass critical areas such as Peace and Security, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, Sustainable Development, UN Reform and General Assembly Affairs, and Communications and Media. This comprehensive exposure will provide Fellows with an invaluable understanding of the intricate workings of the United Nations system. This extends from the core of the UN Secretariat to its various funds and programs, specialized agencies, and other important entities.
The Fellowship offers structured training sessions, where Fellows will delve into topics such as sustainable development, climate change, peace and conflict resolution, and human rights. Additionally, participants will acquire essential skills in negotiation, drafting, and public diplomacy.
Selection Process
Member States and Observer States from developing countries, particularly LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, are encouraged to nominate suitable candidates for this Fellowship. All applications must be channeled through their respective Permanent Missions in New York.
Nominees for the Fellowship should meet the following criteria:
- Age between 25 and 30 years
- Possession of a university degree
- Proficiency in both spoken and written English
- A maximum of three years of experience working within their national government
An independent selection panel will meticulously review the applications, conduct interviews with short-listed candidates as needed, and ultimately select the Fellowship recipients. The selection process will prioritize gender balance and regional representation.
To nominate a candidate, please forward the following materials to Mr. Shojiro Nishimura, Senior Adviser at the OPGA at [email protected], with a copy to [email protected]. In the subject line, please indicate “Application for PGA Fellowship”:
- A Note Verbale from the Permanent Mission nominating the candidate for the Fellowship.
- A cover letter from the candidate expressing their intent to join the Fellowship (up to 300 words).
- The candidate’s CV.
Indicative Timeline
- Last day for submitting applications: 1 November 2023
- Successful candidates to be notified: Late-November 2023
- Acceptance to be conveyed: 5 December 2023
- Fellowship commencement: Mid-January 2024
Fellows will receive a comprehensive support package, which includes:
- A roundtrip economy airfare ticket from their home country to New York City.
- A laptop for use during the Fellowship.
- A monthly stipend.
- Health Insurance.
Please note that Fellows are responsible for applying for and obtaining a G-4 visa prior to their travel to New York.
For further information regarding the UN’s policies on fellowships, please refer here
