Tag Archives: United Nation

UNITED NATIONS AFRICAN POLICY INNOVATION FELLOWSHIP

Application Deadline: midnight New York time on 20 June 2025.

LOCATION: USA

The United Nations African Policy Innovation Fellowship seeks to foster a generation of policymakers who are well-versed in policy analysis and implementation and deeply committed to advancing the values of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants are expected to be current junior to mid-level civil servants in their home countries engaged in key ministries such as finance and planning, energy, agriculture, education, and homeland security. 

Applicants must have demonstrated work experience in research/analytical work in socio-economic and political development, trade and investment, natural resource management/law, regional integration, infrastructure development, including transportation, logistics, energy, governance, peace, and related areas in the context of Africa.

The fellowship programme is focused on policy research and analysis. Thus, applicants are expected to have strong analytical, research, data, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Applicants must have an advanced university degree (Master’s or doctorate, or their equivalents) linked to the area of specialization contained in their project proposals. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

The maximum age limit is 40 years at the time of application.

Applicants must submit a supervisor’s endorsement letter confirming support and releasing the fellow for the in-person phase (see the sample letter on this page).

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in either language is required for the fellowship, and working knowledge of the other is an advantage.

BENEFIT:

Subject to satisfactory completion of the initial phase of the Fellowship and the issuance of an appropriate visa by the host country, an in-person component at UN Headquarters in New York is foreseen.

During this phase, Fellows will be supported with a return air ticket, a monthly stipend, and medical cover, subject to UN regulations. 

Note that the stipend is intended to support fellows in covering the costs of lodging, board and other essentials and is not intended as a salary or honorarium, or to support fellows’ expenses in their home countries.

Payment of the final monthly stipend is subject to the submission of all required documents for this phase of the fellowship.

APPLY

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL AGRIINNO CHALLENGE

Application Deadline: 7 June, 2025

LOCATION: China

Join a global movement of youth innovators and agri-tech entrepreneurs driving change in food and farming. Submit your agrifood systems innovation online. The winners will have an opportunity to pitch their innovations at the Science and Innovation Forum in Rome in October 2025.

Theme: Harnessing emerging technologies and Digital Public Infrastructure for sustainable agrifood systems: Advancing climate resilience, supply chain efficiency, and nutritional security.

ELIGIBILITY:

Open to youth innovators (aged 18-35) and startup teams

Women-led teams and entrepreneurs from diverse background

Anyone with a tech-driven idea that can revolutionize food and farming

Innovation: Solutions should demonstrate strong alignment with the challenge theme, offer original use of emerging technologies, and be accessible and inclusive to smallholder farmers and marginalized groups.

Market Potential & Economic Value: Projects will be assessed on their potential for market entry, scalability, profitability, and ability to generate economic opportunities such as employment or investment.

Social, Environmental Impact & Sustainability: Ideas must show how they will improve livelihoods, promote sustainability, reduce food loss or pollution, and contribute to climate resilience and social inclusion.

Project Team: Teams will be evaluated on their operational capacity, relevant experience, technical skills, and commitment to diversity and gender equity.

BENEFIT:

Mentorship: 48-hour co-creation boot camp with global mentors and Expert coaching from UN agencies, investors, and private sector leaders

Seed Funding: Up to 30k dollars Seed funding for winning teams and a Chance to showcase your solution on a global stage

Recognition: Chance to showcase your solution on a global stage and All travel, visa, lodging, and meals covered for finalists attending in China.

Networking: Access to the Global AgriInno Challenge alumni network and Build relationships with agencies, venture capitalists, industry leaders, and fellow innovators

APPLY