Looking for a United Nations fellowship in Switzerland? The Science-Policy Visiting Fellow – Data Governance CSTD 2026 at the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) offers an exciting opportunity for scholars and policy professionals from the Global South. This prestigious United Nations University Fellowship 2026 provides monthly funding, travel support, and a chance to contribute to global discussions on data governance for development in Geneva, Switzerland.

If you are searching for a Data Governance Fellowship 2026, a Science-Policy Fellowship in Switzerland, or a UN fellowship for Global South researchers, this opportunity is worth considering.

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Science-Policy Visiting Fellow – Data Governance CSTD 2026 Overview

• Host Organization: United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)
• Partner Institution: Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI)
• Position: Science-Policy Visiting Fellow – Data Governance CSTD
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Duration: 6 Months
• Funding: CHF 5,500 per month
• Additional Support: CHF 3,000 relocation and insurance allowance
• Travel Support: Initial travel to Geneva and return travel covered
• Application Deadline: 17 June 2026
• Eligibility: Candidates from the Global South only

About the United Nations University Fellowship 2026

The Science-Policy Visiting Fellow – Data Governance CSTD 2026 is a joint initiative between the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) and the Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI).

The fellowship aims to strengthen Global South participation in international science-policy discussions and supports research on:

• Data governance for development
• Digital cooperation
• Equitable data stewardship
• Science, technology, and innovation policy
• Sustainable development
• Global Digital Compact implementation

The selected fellow will collaborate with the Secretariat of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), hosted by UNCTAD.

Benefits of the Science-Policy Visiting Fellow – Data Governance CSTD 2026

This fully funded fellowship in Switzerland offers:

Monthly Financial Support

• CHF 5,500 monthly stipend

Relocation Assistance

• CHF 3,000 lump-sum allowance for health insurance and other expenses

Travel Support

• International travel to Geneva and return ticket covered

Professional Development

• Opportunity to engage with UN agencies and international experts
• Exposure to science-policy diplomacy
• Access to Geneva’s international ecosystem

Research Opportunities

• Produce policy reports and academic publications
• Participate in workshops and conferences
• Collaborate with scientific and policy stakeholders

Networking

• Work with UNCTAD, CSTD, and other Geneva-based institutions
• Engage with diplomats, researchers, and civil society actors

Responsibilities of the Science-Policy Visiting Fellow – Data Governance CSTD 2026

The selected fellow will:

Conduct Research and Analysis

• Develop policy-oriented reports on equitable data governance.
• Provide recommendations on digital cooperation and shared prosperity.
• Assess Global Digital Compact implementation efforts.

Support Science-Policy Engagement

• Deliver presentations and briefings.
• Engage with Geneva-based science and technology institutions.
• Organize 1–2 multi-stakeholder workshops.

Knowledge Development

• Publish academic outputs.
• Support internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of the fellowship programme.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the Science-Policy Visiting Fellow – Data Governance CSTD 2026 must meet the following requirements:

Educational Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A PhD in a relevant field (preferred), or
• A Master’s degree with substantial professional experience.

Relevant fields include:

• Development Economics
• Applied Economics
• Public Policy
• Political Economy
• Regulatory Affairs
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Quantitative Modelling
• Business Administration

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Experience Requirements

Candidates should have:

• At least three years of policy-relevant research experience.
• Experience with science and technology policy processes.
• Strong analytical writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in interdisciplinary environments.

Desirable Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Knowledge of data governance frameworks.
• Experience with digital development policy.
• Familiarity with internet governance processes.
• Experience communicating technical concepts to policymakers.
• Workshop facilitation experience.
• Understanding of development challenges facing LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS.

Language Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Professional fluency in English.

Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage.

Who Can Apply?

The Science-Policy Visiting Fellow – Data Governance CSTD 2026 is open exclusively to applicants who are citizens of countries in the Global South.

Women and persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duration of the Fellowship

• Six months
• Full-time position
• On-site in Geneva, Switzerland
• Remote work is not available
• Visa support provided

Required Application Documents

Candidates should prepare:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• In English
• Maximum two pages

2. Cover Letter

Maximum one page explaining:

• Motivation for applying
• Contributions to the programme
• Relationship between the fellowship and future career goals

3. Answers to Position-Specific Questions

Applicants will also complete tailored questions during the application process.

Why Apply for the Science-Policy Visiting Fellow – Data Governance CSTD 2026?

The Science-Policy Visiting Fellow – Data Governance CSTD 2026 is among the most competitive United Nations fellowships in Switzerland. It allows researchers and policy experts from the Global South to contribute directly to global debates on data governance for development, digital cooperation, and sustainable development.

Participants will gain:

• International policy experience
• Exposure to the United Nations system
• Opportunities to publish research
• High-level networking in Geneva
• Professional growth within science-policy ecosystems

For researchers seeking a fully funded fellowship in Switzerland 2026, a United Nations University Fellowship 2026, or a Data Governance Fellowship 2026, this programme offers exceptional opportunities.

Application Deadline

17 June 2026

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is highly recommended.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their application through the official United Nations University recruitment portal before the deadline.