Application process
The call for applications for the Fellowships Programme is usually published mid-year on the website of the UN/DESA Office in Rome. Applications can only be submitted online via the Online Web Application (OWA) link on the UN/DESA website.
Pre-selection of candidates
The pre-selection of applicants is carried out by the UN/DESA Office in Rome.
Following a careful examination of the profiles of eligible candidates vis-à-vis the requirements of the position(s) for which they have applied, the Office shortlists up to five (5) candidates for each fellowship position.
This exercise is performed taking into consideration all aspects of the candidates’ application, such as motivations for applying to the specific position(s), language skills, university qualifications and specializations, as well as voluntary and professional work experiences.
Due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates are informed by UN/DESA of the outcome of the pre-selection process.
Final selection of candidates
Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in the next stages of the selection process. The selection phase is carried out by panels convened by the recipient organizations.
The final selection phase usually consists of an interview conducted remotely (via video-conference). In some cases, recipient organizations may decide to conduct a written assessment prior to the interview.
Once this phase has been concluded, each panel officially communicates the interview outcomes to the UN/DESA Rome Office.
All shortlisted candidates are informed by e-mail of the outcome of the final selection. In cases where the first-choice candidate declines the award, the UN/DESA Rome Office contacts the other recommended candidates in order of ranking to check their availability and continued interest.
The final list of the selected candidates is posted on the UN/DESA website at the end of the selection process once all administrative formalities are finalized. This list is publicly available for one year.