The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the global multi-stakeholder platform convened by the United Nations (UN) to discuss public policy issues related to Internet governance, has announced the call for applications for its 2026 fellowship programme, offering professionals from developing countries an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in global Internet governance while working with the IGF Secretariat at the United Nations Office at Geneva.
The fellowship programme is designed to strengthen Internet governance expertise and empower participants to contribute to policy development and capacity-building efforts within their home countries and regions, while enhancing their understanding of multilateral cooperation and Internet governance processes, improving their ability to draft policy papers and reports, deepening their knowledge of stakeholder roles, and equipping them to support Internet governance initiatives in their countries after completing the programme.
The IGF fellowship programme aims to build capacity in Internet governance in developing countries by selecting participants through an open application process in collaboration with regional IGFs. Participants will work with the IGF Secretariat on activities, including the clearance process for the renewal of the IGF (Multistakeholder Advisory Group) MAG, annual meeting planning, intersessional work, capacity development, liaising with donors, and providing Internet governance information to United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the UN Secretary-General’s office.
The fellowship, which is financed through the IGF Trust Fund and administered by the UN DESA, integrates selected candidates into the Secretariat’s work in Geneva, where they contribute to programme implementation, policy discussions, and coordination with global stakeholders, including support for the Multistakeholder Advisory Group and preparation for the 2026 annual IGF meeting.
The programme engages skilled professionals from developing, least developed, landlocked, and transitional countries in research, analysis, and operational work, enhancing their professional skills and enabling them to support local Internet governance initiatives after the fellowship.
The programme runs up to two six-month cycles per year, with candidate selection coordinated with national and regional IGF offices and guided by the IGF Secretariat, with regions chosen on a rotational basis.
Applications are open to individuals who hold a university degree in ICT or international affairs with a focus on technology or telecommunications policy, participant must have at least two years of relevant professional experience in Internet governance processes, demonstrate strong research and writing skills, possess good knowledge of data collection and analysis, show the ability to work in multicultural environments, and must be fluent in English, participant who has knowledge of French is considered an advantage, as well as the ability to write clearly and concisely on Internet governance issues. Other requirements include a good understanding of the development aspects of Internet governance issues, skills in developing sources for data collection and analysis, the ability to plan and organise their work in coordination with other team members, sound knowledge of the Internet and basic software for website management, word processing and spreadsheets, and strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate professionalism by applying strong knowledge of Internet governance, conducting independent research and analysis, providing well-informed recommendations, meeting deadlines efficiently, showing mastery of their work, working collaboratively in teams by valuing others’ input, supporting group decisions, and sharing credit and responsibility. Applicants must also be able to communicate clearly and effectively, listen actively, tailor messages to audiences, maintain openness in information sharing, plan and organise tasks by setting clear goals, prioritise activities, allocate resources wisely, anticipate risks, and adjust plans as needed.
Applicants will perform their duties under the general guidance of the IGF Secretariat’s Head of Office in Geneva, while the UN DESA Training and Fellowships Section serves as the approving office responsible for all administrative matters, including security and medical insurance, in close coordination with UNDP country offices. Also, the recipient organisation will provide applicants with the necessary facilities to carry out their assignments, including office space, computer access, and an email address.
They will also dedicate their full time to the programme in compliance with the guidelines outlined in the Letter of Acceptance, refraining from political, commercial, or other activities outside the programme, not accepting another fellowship, work, or non-IGF Secretariat meeting participation during the fellowship, and having no vacation leave except for sick leave supported by a medical certificate.
Applicants’ performance will be assessed through the analysis of their monthly and final reports, and at the end of the fellowship, each participant is required to submit a progress report detailing the work accomplished during the assignment to help evaluate the overall fellowship period, while their direct supervisor will also submit a written evaluation of each participant’s performance to the UN DESA Capacity Development Office. Note that participants are not staff members and therefore do not receive the benefits and entitlements under the UN Staff Rules and Regulations, and they are governed by the UN DESA Policies and Procedures on Fellowships, Study Tours, and Group Training, which can be found online here.
Interested candidates from all stakeholder groups and regions can apply by submitting their CV, a motivation letter, and the nomination form via email vacancies@intgovforum.org. The deadline for submission is March 31, 2026.
Interested applicants can find more details about the programme by clicking here.
