United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Fellowship Programme 2025/2026 (Deadline: Varies)
Complete Guide to Eligibility, Application & Deadlines
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Fellowship Programme 2025/2026 is one of the most prestigious international opportunities for young professionals seeking hands-on experience within the United Nations system.
This United Nations is a fully funded programme that offers Italian graduates the chance to gain practical field exposure in developing countries while contributing meaningfully to global development work. If you are passionate about international affairs, sustainable development, and impact-driven public service, the UN/DESA Fellowship Programme 2025/2026 is a pathway that can shape your entire career.
Overview of the Unite Nations DESA Fellowship Programme 2025/2026
The UN/DESA Fellowship Programme 2025/2026 is coordinated by the UN/DESA Office in Rome in partnership with key UN agencies. The programme provides a unique one-year professional training experience in UN field offices across developing countries. Beyond academic qualifications, it is specifically built for motivated early-career professionals who want direct exposure to global development challenges.
Selected fellows participate in an orientation workshop, followed by a 12-month field assignment designed to develop technical skills, leadership capacity, and cross-cultural competencies.
Tentative Timeline for the United Nations DESA Fellowship Programme 2025/2026
If you plan to apply for the UN/DESA Fellowship Programme 2025/2026, it is essential to understand the programme calendar:
Programme Duration
May 2026: Orientation workshop at the ILO International Training Centre in Turin.
May 2026 – May 2027: Professional field placement in a UN Office located in a developing country.
Selection Process
Dec 2025 – Feb 2026: Validation and pre-selection of applications.
Jan – Feb 2026: Interviews and final selection of candidates.
These dates are tentative but give you a clear overview to plan ahead.
Eligibility Requirements for the United Nations DESA Fellowship Programme 2025/2026
To qualify for the UN/DESA Fellowship Programme 2025/2026, applicants must meet the strict eligibility criteria:
- Must be born on or after 1 January 1997
- Must hold Italian nationality
- Must demonstrate fluency in English and Italian
- Must hold an advanced university degree (awarded before the deadline), such as:
- Laurea Magistrale/Specialistica
- Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico
- University Master’s degree after a Laurea/Laurea Triennale or Bachelor’s degree
- Only candidates with accredited university degrees recognized by national authorities or listed on WHED (World Higher Education Database) will be considered.
How to Apply for the United Nations DESA Fellowship Programme 2025/2026
All applications for the UN/DESA Fellowship Programme 2025/2026 must be submitted exclusively through the Online Web Application (OWA) system of UN/DESA Rome.
Important Notes About the Application System
- Applications must be completed in English only.
- OWA is not fully mobile-responsive; applicants should use a PC.
- Supported browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
- Recommended screen resolution: 1280 × 1024.
- First-time users must register before applying.
- Past applicants can log in using previous credentials.
- Applicants can apply for a maximum of two fellowship positions.
- Final submission deadline: 18 December 2025 at 3:00 PM CET.
- Before applying, carefully read the full programme details and position requirements.
OWA Registration Requirements for the UN/DESA Fellowship Programme 2025/2026
- During registration, first-time applicants must upload ONE PDF document (max 1MB) containing proof of their advanced university degree.
- Alternatively, Italian university graduates may upload a signed self-certification document (autocertificazione) containing:
– Full name
– Date and place of birth
– Degree earned
– Date of award
– University name
– Final grade & credits
- Unsigned or computer-generated signatures are invalid and lead to automatic disqualification.
Completing Your Online Application
Your application for the UN/DESA Fellowship Programme 2025/2026 includes three key sections:
1. Employment History
Provide detailed information on each role, including duties, achievements, contract type, and work hours (full-time or part-time).
2. Motivation Letter
Explain why you are applying, your strengths, relevant skills, and your interest in the selected position.
3. Final Review & Submission
Before clicking Submit, download the PDF preview to review your application. Once submitted, no edits are allowed.
Available Positions
The list of available positions for the UN/DESA Fellowship Programme 2025/2026 will be accessible on the UN/DESA Rome website. Candidates may apply for up to two positions.
For inquiries: fellowshipinfo@undesa.it
Visit UN/DESA for more information.
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