The prestigious United Nations Fellowship Programme is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort.
This fully-funded opportunity provides intensive training in international law and exposes participants to the inner workings of the UN system.
If you have a strong legal background and are committed to promoting international human rights, this fellowship could be your gateway to an impactful career on the global stage.
About the United Nations Fellowship Programme
The United Nations Fellowship Programme is an annual training program that aims to build the capacity of legal professionals from developing countries and familiarize them with the UN’s legal work.
The program is organized by the Codification Division of the UN Office of Legal Affairs and takes place in at the UN’s offices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
During the intensive 6-week program, fellows attend lectures by leading experts, participate in workshops and discussions, and get hands-on experience through special assignments.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics in international law, including:
- The UN Charter and the work of principal UN organs
- The law of treaties and treaty-making under UN auspices
- International human rights law
- International humanitarian law
- International criminal law
- International environmental law
- International trade law
- The law of the sea
- Peaceful settlement of international disputes
By the end of the program, fellows gain a deep understanding of the UN’s legal framework and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of international law in their home countries.
Who Should Apply
The United Nations Fellowship Programme is open to African nationals who meet the following criteria:
- Have a law degree (LL.B., J.D., or equivalent) and relevant professional experience in international law
- Are fluent in English (the working language of the program)
- Are no older than 45 years of age
- Are nominated and sponsored by their government, organization, or academic institution
Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to international law and human rights through their academic and professional achievements.
Women are especially encouraged to apply, as the program aims for equitable gender representation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the United Nations Fellowship Programme, applicants must:
- Be a national of an African country
- Hold a degree in law and have at least 2 years of relevant work experience
- Be proficient in English
- Be available to attend the full 6-week program in Addis Ababa
- Have a valid passport and be able to obtain a visa to Ethiopia
- Provide proof of sponsorship from their nominating institution
Meeting these eligibility requirements is essential, but doesn’t not guarantee acceptance into the highly competitive program.
Candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications, professional experience, and potential to contribute to the development of international law in Africa.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The United Nations Fellowship Programme offers participants a unique opportunity to:
- Receive high-level training in international law from UN experts
- Network with legal professionals from across Africa and beyond
- Gain practical experience through hands-on assignments and workshops
- Access the UN’s extensive resources and legal databases
- Explore career opportunities in international organizations
- Make a meaningful contribution to the development of international law
In addition to these professional benefits, the fellowship covers participants’ travel costs, accommodations, and living expenses in Addis Ababa for the duration of the program.
This allows fellows to focus fully on their training and take advantage of all the opportunities the program has to offer.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025 United Nations Fellowship Programme will be accepted from September 1 to October 29, 2024.
To apply, candidates must submit the following documents:
- A completed application form
- A certified copy of their law degree and academic transcripts
- A letter of nomination from their sponsoring institution
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- A copy of their passport
- A personal statement outlining their qualifications, experience, and motivation for applying to the program
All application materials must be submitted electronically to the Codification Division at [email protected] by the October 29 deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Click here to download the application form and apply now!
Application Timeline and Selection Process
After the application deadline, the Codification Division will carefully review all submissions and select the top candidates for the fellowship program.
The selection process is highly competitive, with only 30 spots available each year.
Candidates will be evaluated based on their:
- Academic and professional qualifications
- Relevant experience in international law
- Leadership potential and commitment to human rights
- Geographic and gender representation
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a phone or video interview before the final selection is made.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by December 15, 2024.
The selected fellows will then have to confirm their participation, obtain the necessary visa for Ethiopia, and make travel arrangements with the support of the Codification Division.
The 2025 program is tentatively scheduled to take place from February 3 to March 15, 2025 in Addis Ababa.
Take Your Career in International Law to the Next Level
The United Nations Fellowship Programme is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for African legal professionals to gain the skills, knowledge, and exposure to advance their careers in international law.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about making a difference on the global stage, don’t miss your chance to apply for this fully-funded program.
The application deadline is October 29, 2024, so start preparing your materials today! Click here to learn more and submit your application.
With its focus on capacity-building and networking, the United Nations Fellowship Programme has launched the careers of many distinguished African legal professionals over the years. Will you be part of the next cohort of fellows?
Take the first step towards your dream career and apply now!
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