Fellowships
A Fellowship in the United Nations System is a specially tailored or selected training activity that provides a monetary grant to a qualified individual for the purpose of fulfilling special learning objectives; such training, which may be of at least 30 days duration (except the case of WHO and some other agencies) and may take place in an appropriate training institution, usually abroad, should be in response to nationally approved human resources policies and plans, and should aim at impact and relevance for all stakeholders involved.
A study tour in the United Nations system is an award for a development cooperation activity given to an individual or group of individuals to visit pre-arranged sites and institutions in one or more selected countries for a short duration (normally no more than two weeks and even in exceptional cases never exceeding two months) to observe developments, gather information and exchange experience with host counterparts in fields pertaining to specific country agreements or project documents.
Group Training in the United Nations system is a flexible arrangements made to meet the requirements of two or more nationals working in a project or programme whereby they (a) receive practical training within the country designed to upgrade the skills, or (b) attend specially designed, practical training courses, seminars, symposia, workshops or technical meetings outside the country.
Mission
United Nations fellowships are a core component of the organization's technical cooperation programme and are intended to respond to the needs of Member States for enhanced national skills development and training. Their purpose is to:
- promote strategic human resource development to help countries reach national economic and social development objectives
- assist Member States address acute shortages in advanced professional skills
- build national capacity for development in areas that are of a high priority to Member States
- enhance national training opportunities
Fellowships are awarded only to candidates nominated by their respective Governments and are not, in principle, awarded for the pursuit of academic studies leading to degrees or diplomas. They are intended to give persons entrusted with functions important to the development of their countries the opportunity to broaden their professional knowledge and experience by acquainting themselves with advanced methods and techniques.
A particular training programme may include attendance at an academic institution where a fellowship holder may be called upon to qualify for a specific professional diploma; however, the main purpose of fellowships is to enable the holders to derive from their training the knowledge and professional competence which will enable them to participate more actively in the economic and social development of their countries, and to increase their ability to help solve practical problems upon their return home.
Notice Board
Launch of the Second Edition On-line Global Newsletter
Upcoming Events
United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme
7 July - 15 August 2008, The Hague, Netherlands