Are you a young professional from the Arab region looking to build skills in policy and research? The UN ESCWA Fellowship Programme for Young Arab Professionals 2026 offers a chance to work at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. This program helps early or mid-career experts gain hands-on experience in key areas like economic policy and social development.
Program Overview
The fellowship targets talented young people from Arab countries. It runs for seven months, starting June 1, 2026, with possible extensions based on needs and funding. Fellows work at ESCWA headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, though online options exist in rare cases. The goal is to build strong skills in analysis and policymaking to support growth in ESCWA member states.
Key Thematic Areas
ESCWA focuses on topics that matter to the region. Applicants should have skills or interest in fields such as:
- Macroeconomic policy
- Trade policy and regional economic integration
- Transport economics and infrastructure development
- Economic modeling
- Economic and environmental statistics
- Social policy and inclusive development
- Public administration and governance
- Natural resources management and climate policy
- Data analysis
- Other priorities tied to ESCWA’s work
These areas match real-world challenges in the Arab world.
Responsibilities of Fellows
Fellows team up with a supervisor to create a work plan. Tasks often include:
- Gathering and studying data on economic and social issues
- Helping with research studies
- Writing reports, policy briefs, and notes
- Joining meetings, workshops, and seminars
- Supporting other ESCWA projects
By the end, each fellow must complete a key output, like a research paper or policy brief.
Benefits Provided
ESCWA covers several costs to make the program accessible:
- A round-trip economy flight from your home country’s capital to Beirut
- A monthly stipend of USD 4,000 for living expenses (for one person)
- Help getting a residence card in Lebanon if the stay is six months or more
Note that medical insurance is not included, so fellows need their own coverage. Travel requires security approval.
Who Can Apply
To qualify, you must meet these criteria:
- Be 35 years old or younger when applying
- Hold citizenship from an ESCWA member state (extra preference for those from Djibouti, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan, or Yemen)
- Have a Master’s or PhD degree (focus is on applied research, not earning a new degree)
- Show experience or interest in the listed fields
The program suits those in academia, government, or development work.
How to Apply
The deadline is April 30, 2026. Submit these as PDF files via email to the address provided in the official call:
- A UN Administrative Profile (AP) created on Inspira.un.org, including your motivation statement
- A research proposal up to 1,000 words on a chosen theme
- Copies of your advanced degrees
- Passport information page
- Two reference letters
Use the subject line: “ESCWA Fellowship Programme for Young Arab Professionals, 2026 Cohort.” Check the ESCWA site for a guide on making the AP and full details. For more, visit the UN ESCWA Fellowship page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the UN ESCWA Fellowship Programme?
You must be 35 or younger, hold citizenship from an ESCWA member state, and have a Master’s or PhD degree with experience or interest in key thematic areas like economic policy.
What benefits does the fellowship provide?
ESCWA offers a round-trip flight, a monthly USD 4,000 stipend, and help with a residence card in Lebanon, but you need your own medical insurance.
What are the main responsibilities of fellows?
Fellows gather data, assist with research, write reports and policy briefs, join meetings, and complete a key output like a research paper.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Submit a UN Administrative Profile, research proposal, degrees, passport info, and references by email before April 30, 2026; check the ESCWA site for details.
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