If you are passionate about Internet governance, digital policy, and global development, the IGF 2026 Fellowship Programme is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience inside the United Nations system.
Hosted by the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), this fellowship gives selected candidates the chance to work with the IGF Secretariat in Geneva and contribute to research, coordination, and preparatory work for IGF 2026. It is designed to strengthen Internet governance capacity in developing countries by giving professionals direct exposure to multistakeholder and multilateral policy processes.
What is the IGF 2026 Fellowship Programme?
The Internet Governance Forum is a UN forum first convened by the UN Secretary-General in 2006 and institutionally placed under the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The IGF Secretariat supports the overall IGF process, while the annual meeting agenda is guided by the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG).
The fellowship is funded through the IGF Trust Fund and administered by UN DESA. Its purpose is to support capable professionals from developing countries, least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and transitional economies by involving them in the IGF Secretariat’s analytical, research, and operational work. Fellows are based at the United Nations Office at Geneva, Switzerland.
Why this fellowship matters
This is not just a learning programme. It places fellows inside an active international policy environment where they contribute to real work tied to the global Internet governance agenda.
Selected fellows are expected to strengthen their professional skills, deepen their understanding of Internet governance, and later use that experience to support their own countries and communities.
Fellowship duration
The proposed duration of the fellowship programme is six months, between May and November 2026.
The IGF also notes that there can be up to two programme cycles per year, with each cycle lasting six months.
What fellows will do
Under the guidance of the Head of the IGF Secretariat, the fellow will support a range of substantive and organizational activities. These include:
- Supporting project implementation and stakeholder coordination
- Liaising with IGF networks and other stakeholders
- Drafting programme papers and reports
- Conducting research on development issues related to Internet governance
- Contributing to the substantive agenda work of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group
- Supporting preparations for the 21st annual IGF meeting, expected in the last quarter of 2026
- Carrying out other substantive assignments from the supervisor
The role involves interaction with UN staff, international organizations, academics, civil society, NGOs, the technical community, and the private sector.
Who can apply?
The programme invites applications from candidates across stakeholder and regional groups, but applicants must meet the required qualifications.
Education
Applicants must have a university degree in ICT or international affairs, with a strong emphasis on technology and/or telecommunication policy.
Work experience
Applicants need a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in Internet governance-related processes. Experience in policy making will be an added advantage.
Language requirements
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable.
Other skills required
Applicants should have:
- The ability to write clearly and concisely on Internet governance issues
- A good understanding of the development aspects of Internet governance issues
- Skills in data collection and data analysis
- The ability to plan and organize their own work
- Basic knowledge of website management, word processing, and spreadsheets
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- The ability to work well with people from different national and cultural backgrounds
Competencies needed
The fellowship values the following competencies:
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Planning and Organizing
- Client Orientation
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Respect for Diversity
These qualities are important because the fellowship involves research, collaboration, reporting, and interaction with multiple stakeholders.
Important conditions to know before applying
This is a full-time fellowship. Fellows must dedicate their full time to the programme and cannot take on other work, another fellowship, or non-IGF Secretariat meeting participation during the fellowship period.
The programme also states that fellows do not have vacation leave, except for sick leave supported by a medical certificate.
The duty station is Geneva, and the fellow is not expected to undertake missions to neighbouring countries or other duty stations.
It is also important to note that fellows are not UN staff members, so they do not receive the benefits and entitlements provided under the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.
What you will gain
By the end of the fellowship, participants are expected to be able to:
- Apply rules and procedures of multilateral and multistakeholder cooperation
- Better understand Internet governance issues and processes
- Draft studies, position papers, and reports
- Understand the role of governments, civil society, private sector, and the technical community in Internet governance
- Exchange information and capabilities with participants in the IGF
How to apply for the IGF 2026 Fellowship Programme
The application process is simple.
You need to send the following documents:
- Your CV
- A motivation letter
- The nomination form
Applications should be sent by email to:
The deadline to apply is 31 March 2026.
Step-by-step guide to apply
1. Prepare your CV
Update your CV and make sure it clearly shows:
- Your education in ICT, international affairs, technology policy, or related fields
- Your experience in Internet governance, digital policy, or telecommunications
- Your research, writing, and coordination experience
- Any work you have done with multistakeholder groups, government, civil society, or international organisations
2. Write a strong motivation letter
Your motivation letter should explain:
- Why you want to join the IGF 2026 Fellowship Programme
- Your interest in Internet governance and development issues
- How your education and work experience make you a suitable candidate
- How the fellowship will help you contribute to your country or community after the programme
Try to make your letter clear, professional, and specific to this opportunity.
3. Complete the nomination form
Fill in the nomination form carefully and make sure all information matches your CV and motivation letter.
Double-check names, dates, qualifications, and contact details before submitting.
4. Submit your application
Send your CV, motivation letter, and nomination form to:
Make sure you submit everything before 31 March 2026.
A good email subject line could be:
Application for IGF 2026 Fellowship Programme
Tips to make your application stronger
To improve your chances, focus on the following:
- Show clear knowledge of Internet governance
- Highlight any experience related to policy, research, stakeholder engagement, or digital development
- Demonstrate that you understand the needs of developing countries, LDCs, LLDCs, and transitional economies
- Emphasize your writing, communication, and teamwork skills
- Explain how you will use the experience to benefit your country or local Internet governance community
Living and working in Switzerland
The duty station for the fellowship is Geneva, Switzerland.
Switzerland has a safe and efficient public transport system, including trains, buses, trams, and boats. Applicants will need a valid passport and visa to enter the country, so it is important to check visa requirements with the relevant embassy early enough.
The country has a moderate climate with clear seasons, so fellows should prepare for changing weather conditions depending on the time of year.
Reporting and supervision
During the fellowship, the fellow’s work will be supervised continuously through regular programme meetings.
The fellow will need to:
- Submit monthly progress reports
- Participate in weekly or ad-hoc meetings with the supervisor when needed
- Submit a final report at the end of the fellowship
The supervisor will also provide a written evaluation of the fellow’s performance.
Final thoughts
The IGF 2026 Fellowship Programme is an excellent opportunity for professionals who want to build their careers in Internet governance, global policy, and digital development.
It offers practical UN experience, exposure to global Internet governance processes, and the chance to work in a highly collaborative international environment.
If you meet the requirements and have a strong interest in digital policy and development, this could be the opportunity that helps take your career to the next level.
Apply before 31 March 2026 and make sure your application is complete, clear, and well prepared.