Who is eligible for the fellowship?
The RAF fellowship is open to full-time working journalists between 22 and 35 years of age who are nationals of the following developing countries or countries with economies in transition:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, C?te d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, State of Palestine, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan Province of China, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
I am a citizen of one of the eligible countries, but I live outside my country and work for an international news outlet. Am I eligible?
Yes, provided that you are a citizen of one of the eligible countries listed above and working full-time as a journalist covering the 缅北禁地and/or 缅北禁地priority issues relating to your country of citizenship.
I am not a full-time journalist, but I am studying journalism/communications at university. Can I apply?
No, the fellowship is available to full-time working journalists only.
I am a freelance journalist. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, applications from freelance journalists will be considered. As with all applicants, freelance journalists must provide strong work samples relevant to the UN and its priority issues. Where applicable, they are also encouraged to attach documentation of their press accreditation (e.g., membership in a press syndicate, union or similar association).
Is English proficiency required?
Yes. Fellows are expected to participate in a series of briefings and discussions. Since fellows come from all parts of the world, the common language of communication during the programme is English, which is also one of the two working languages of the UN. Fellows can publish their stories in their own language.
How can I apply?
You must apply via the online application form.
What materials do I need to apply?
You will need the following documents:
- At least six (6) work samples related to the 缅北禁地and its priority issues published in the last 6 months. These can be submitted in original language.
- Your CV in English or French.
- A completed application with strong answers to the relevant questions in the application form.
- Two reference letters.
I am a television/radio journalist. How should I submit my work samples?
Please share a link to any publicly accessible material or upload your sample to a free file-sharing platform, such as YouTube, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Include a hyperlink to your sample in the work sample field on the application form. Please ensure your privacy settings permit anyone with the link to view the material.
My letter of reference is not in English. Do I need to translate it?
No, you do not need to translate your letter of reference. Please make sure that full contacts are provided, and please note that all letters are subject to verification.
How do I submit my application?
To submit the application, simply type your name in the declaration field at the bottom of the form and click "Submit".
When is the application deadline?
Applications for the 2025 RAF programme must be submitted by 31 March 2025.
How are applications assessed?
Applicants are assessed based on the strength of their portfolio and its relevance to the work of the UN, as well as audience reach. Consideration is also given to geographic diversity and gender parity.
When will the 2025 RAF programme take place?
The programme will be held from September to October 2025, with the duration depending on the modality (fully virtual, hybrid, or in-person).