Job Overview
UNU Is Hiring 8 Paid Government Fellows | Earn $850/Month + Free Housing
Are you a public sector professional passionate about digital governance and international collaboration? The United Nations University (UNU) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Government Fellows Program under the UNU-EGOV (Electronic Governance Operating Unit) initiative. This is your chance to gain international research experience while earning approximately $850 per month and enjoying free accommodation in Portugal.
What Is the UNU Government Fellows Program? The UNU Government Fellows Program invites eight talented civil servants annually to spend three months working with top researchers at UNU-EGOV. Fellows contribute to cutting-edge projects on smart governance, AI in public services, digital identity, and more.
Program Benefits:
- Monthly stipend of approx. $850 (EUR 745)
- Free housing for the entire fellowship term
- Opportunity to co-develop real-life digital governance tools
- Join a global network of innovators and policymakers
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a current civil servant or international civil servant
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree in public administration, informatics, policy, law, or related field
- Must have responsibilities in public sector modernization
- Must have experience in national or international digital governance projects
Key Responsibilities:
- Translate research into actionable policy tools
- Share real-world insights and case studies from your home country
- Validate tools and instruments within your government institution
- Contribute to UNU-EGOV’s global research dissemination

UNU Is Hiring 8 Paid Government Fellows | Earn $850/Month + Free Housing
Timeline & How to Apply:
- Fellowship Duration: 3 months
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2025 (for 2026 intake)
- Four intakes yearly: January, April, July, October
Submit your UNU P11 form, resume, and an institutional support letter. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit a 15-minute video presentation.
Apply Now: UNU Application Portal
FAQs
Q: Who can apply for the UNU Government Fellowship?
Applicants must be active civil or international civil servants working in public sector innovation or digital governance, and hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
Q: Is this a remote or in-person program?
The program is hosted in Portugal, but housing is provided. It is not remote.
Q: Is this fellowship paid?
Yes. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of approximately $850 (EUR 745), plus free accommodation.
Q: When is the deadline to apply?
October 15, 2025.
Q: Can I apply if I am not from a UN Member State?
This program is open to applicants from any country but is specifically designed for civil servants actively working in government institutions.