UNDP Fellowships 2026

Explore the UNDP Fellowships 2026 for emerging leaders — a fully funded programme empowering young African women through global placements, leadership training, and real-world development experience. Learn eligibility, benefits, application steps, FAQs, and how to apply.

The UNDP African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded leadership initiative designed to empower the next generation of young African women changemakers. Through high-impact international assignments, intensive leadership training, and global networking opportunities, the fellowship prepares emerging leaders to shape Africa’s future and drive sustainable development.

Established in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the programme invests in young women who are ready to lead, innovate, and influence development agendas across the continent and beyond.

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About the AfYWL UNDP Fellowship Programme

Launched in 2019, the fellowship develops African women leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to public, private, and multilateral institutions. Fellows are placed in UNDP offices across the world — including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States — for a one-year, fully funded international assignment.

The programme is built on three pillars:

1. Leadership Development

Fellows gain hands-on experience in designing and implementing development programmes, acquiring skills aligned with the SDGs and Agenda 2063.

2. Organizational Strengthening

Fellows help enhance UNDP’s operations, diversity, and programme effectiveness through innovative, youth-driven perspectives.

3. Network Building

The programme creates a powerful continental network of African women leading sustainable development and driving south-south cooperation.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the 2026 AfYWL Fellowship, applicants must:

Be young African women from an AU Member State.
Be aged 22–32 (recommended range for previous cohorts).
Hold at least a Master’s degree, OR a Bachelor’s degree with work experience.
Have up to 2–3 years of relevant professional experience.
Demonstrate strong passion for development, leadership, and women’s empowerment.
Be ready to live and work in another country for 12 months.
Have strong analytical, communication, and digital skills.
Be fluent in English (knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is a strong advantage).

What Fellows Receive

Fully Funded One-Year Assignment

Fellows are placed in UNDP offices at country, regional, or HQ levels.

Comprehensive Leadership Training

A tailored “Formation Journey” that includes:

Leadership coaching
Innovation and systems-thinking training
SDG knowledge development
Exposure to UN operations

Professional Growth

Fellows contribute to real UNDP programmes in areas such as:

Governance
Climate action
Economic development
Gender equality
Crisis response and resilience

Global Network

Fellows join an alumni community of over 70 African young women leaders driving change across the world.

Financial Support Includes:

Monthly allowance
Travel costs
Health insurance
Settling-in support
Professional development training

(Exact benefits may vary by duty station.)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these steps to apply for the UNDP AfYWL Fellowship 2026 once applications open:

1. Visit the UNDP Careers Portal

Search for “African Young Women Leaders Fellowship” under current opportunities.

2. Create a UNDP Account

3. Prepare Your Documents

You will typically need:

Updated CV
Motivation letter
Degree certificates
Academic transcripts
Two references
Passport or national ID

4. Complete the Online Application Form

Carefully answer all competency-based questions — the selection panel pays close attention to your motivation and leadership potential.

5. Submit Before the Deadline

Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.

6. Attend Assessments (If Shortlisted)

Shortlisted applicants will undergo:

A written test
A panel interview
A personality and leadership assessment

7. Deployment

Selected fellows receive placement details, contract information, and onboarding instructions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the fellowship fully funded?

Yes. All travel, insurance, monthly stipend and training costs are fully covered.

2. Do I need work experience?

Yes. Typically 2–3 years of relevant experience is required.

3. Can I choose my duty station?

No. Placement depends on UNDP needs, your skills, and language capabilities.

4. What backgrounds are eligible?

All development-related fields — economics, public policy, gender, governance, climate, data, innovation, communications, etc.

5. Is the programme open only to women?

Yes — this programme specifically supports young African women leaders.

6. Can I apply if I only have a Bachelor’s degree?

Yes, but you must have 2–3 years of relevant work experience.

7. When do applications open?

UNDP will announce the next recruitment campaign soon. You should monitor the UNDP Careers page and social media.

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UNDP Fellowships 2026 — Fully Funded Training for Emerging Leaders

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