Fellowship Programme for Italian Post-Graduates: Apply for 2024/2025 UN Field Office Training

The Fellowship Programme for Technical Cooperation Capacity Building and Human Resources Development, is implemented by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA). This esteemed initiative targets post-graduate Italian nationals, aiming to foster international careers in development cooperation.

The Programme provides qualified young professionals with hands-on experience and opportunities to contribute to United Nations system organizations by offering cost-free skilled personnel. Selected fellows undertake a one-year on-the-job training in UN Field Offices and attend a mandatory orientation workshop before starting their assignments.

Tentative Timeframe

• April 2025: Orientation workshop organized by the ILO/International Training Centre.
• May 2025 – April 2026: Work experience/on-the-job training period at a UN Field Office.

Selection Process Timeline

• October 2024: Validation of applications.
• November-December 2024: Pre-selection of candidates.
• January 2025: Notifications sent to pre-selected candidates.
• January-February 2025: Selection process.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be born on or after January 1, 1996.
• Hold Italian nationality.
• Be fluent in English and Italian.
• Possess an advanced university degree awarded before the application deadline. Acceptable degrees include:
  • Laurea Magistrale/Specialistica
  • Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico
  • University Master’s degree awarded after a Laurea/Laurea Triennale
  • University Master’s degree awarded after a Bachelor’s degree

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the Online Web Application (OWA) of the UN/DESA Office in Rome..

Important Details for Online Application:

• Use a PC, not a mobile device, as OWA is not fully responsive on mobile platforms.
• Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge) and meets the minimum system requirements: 2 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM, and a screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 or higher.
• Avoid using browser features such as ‘zoom’ that might affect display.

Application Deadline: October 16, 2024, at 3 pm (CET/Italian local time).

Registration:

• Before starting the application process, please carefully read the information concerning the Fellowship Programme and its eligibility requirements.
• New users must complete the registration process on OWA.
• Returning candidates can sign in and start their application without re-uploading their advanced degree certificate unless prompted.

Uploading Documents:

• Register by providing requested information and uploading a copy of your advanced university degree certificate (e.g., PhD, Laurea Magistrale/Specialistica).
• Upload a single PDF file not exceeding 1MB.
• Alternatively, you may upload a signed self-certification document if your degree was awarded by an Italian university. Ensure it is dated, manually signed, and includes all required details.
• Non-Italian degrees require uploading the actual certificate.

Note: Self-certification documents with a keyboard-generated signature or incomplete details will be rejected.

Registering and Creating Your Application:

• After registration, verify your account via the confirmation email (check your JUNK/SPAM folder if not received).
• Complete the “My Profile” section and then create your application.

Application Sections:

• General Information: Provide details on how you learned about the Programme and your preferred field of work.
• Skills: Detail your language and computer skills, and list relevant publications.
• University/Higher Education: Include all institutions and degrees awarded, including ongoing studies.
• Schools and Training: List all formal training and education from age 14 onwards.
• Employment History: Detail all relevant work experience, including voluntary work and internships.
• Motivation Letter: Explain your reasons and motivations for applying, highlighting your strengths and interests.
• Additional Information and Submission: List professional memberships, fellowships, and periods of residence outside your country.

Submitting Your Application:

• Review your application by clicking “Review/Print Application” before final submission.
• Once submitted, no further changes can be made. The submission is final, and a PDF copy will be saved in your Downloads folder.

For additional information or assistance, contact the UN/DESA Office in Rome at fellowshipinfo@undesa.it. Visit the website for more information.