Application Deadline: 31 March 2026.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Fellowship Programme. The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a permanent forum of the United Nations initially convened by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2006. Institutionally, it is placed under the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
The Fellowship Programme is part of the IGF’s mandated objective to develop capacity in Internet governance in developing countries. Fellows are selected through an open-to-all stakeholders application process, implemented in collaboration with the relevant regional IGFs, in accordance with the criteria outlined further below.
The objective of the programme is to contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of development aid by fostering the participation of skilled professionals from the developing countries, least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and transitional economies in analytical, research and operational activities of Internet governance. Through this initiative, Fellows are integrated in the work of the IGF Secretariat based at the United Nations Office at Geneva, Switzerland. They are expected to enhance their professional competence and knowledge, enrich their work methods and techniques and, after their fellowship, assist their country community in their local Internet governance requirements.
Duties, responsibilities and output expectations
Under the guidance and supervision of the IGF Secretariat’s Head of Office, the fellow will perform the following functions:
- Provide substantive and organizational support to the implementation of project objectives, as assigned by the Head of IGF Secretariat, including liaison and dialogue with IGF networks membership and other stakeholders, drafting programme papers and reports; due date, continuous.
- Do research work and focus specifically on development issues related to Internet governance, in particular, those affecting developing countries, least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and transitional economies; due date, continuous.
- In preparation for the IGF 2026, contribute to the substantive elements of the agenda of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG); due date, continuous.
- Provide support to the preparatory process for organizing the 21st annual IGF meeting, to be hosted in the last quarter of 2026; due date, continuous.
- Perform other substantive tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
Duration
The proposed duration of the fellowship programme is six (6) months between May and November 2026.
Learning elements
Upon the completion of the assignment, it is expected that the UN Fellow will be able to deliver the following outputs:
- Apply rules and procedures of multilateral cooperation in general and multistakeholder processes, in particular;
- Better understand Internet governance issues and processes;
- Draft position papers, studies and reports;
- Better understand the role of all stakeholders (Government, civil society, private sector, technical community) in Internet governance arrangements;
- Exchange information and capabilities with participants in the IGF.
Travels
The Fellow will not be required to undertake missions to neighbouring countries or to other duty stations. Duty station is in Geneva.
Qualifications and experience
- Education: University degree in ICT or international affairs related with a strong emphasis on technology and/or telecommunication policy is required.
- Work experience: A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional work experience in Internet governance related processes is required. Experience in policy making will be considered an advantage.
- Languages: Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable.
- Other Necessary Skills: Ability to write clearly and concisely on Internet governance issues; good understanding of the development aspects of Internet governance issues; skills in developing sources for data collection and data analysis; ability to plan and organize his/her own work in support of and in coordination with other members of the team; sound knowledge of Internet and basic software for website management, word processing and spreadsheets; good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
Application Procedure:
- Interested candidates from all stakeholder and regional groups are invited to apply for a fellowship by sending their CV, a motivation letter and this nomination form to vacancies [at] intgovforum [dot] org by 31 March 2026.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Fellowship Programme
