United Nations University (UNU) – Government Fellows Program Guimaraes

United Nations University (UNU) – Government Fellows Program
Braga
Guimaraes, Braga, Portugal

United Nations University (UNU) – Government Fellows Program

Location: Guimarães, Braga, Portugal

Organization: UNU-EGOV

Positions Available: 8 annually

Contract Type: Consultant Contract (CTC)

Application Deadline: 15 October (annually)

About UNU

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global institution focused on addressing pressing global issues. With over 400 researchers across 12 countries, UNU’s research contributes to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learn more about UNU at unu. edu.

About UNU-EGOV

Located in Guimarães, Portugal, UNU-EGOV focuses on advancing
- driven electronic governance. The program helps UN Member States utilize Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for governance, sustainability, and social inclusion. Key activities include:

• Developing policy instruments
• Capacity building for governments
• Knowledge-sharing through research networks

Research Focus Areas

• Digital transformation of public governance
• Smart and sustainable cities
• Standards and regulatory issues (interoperability, data privacy, etc. )
• Innovation through emerging technologies
• Big data and AI applications in governance
• Anti-corruption and administrative burden reduction

Program Overview

UNU-EGOV invites 8 Government Fellows annually for 3-month placements. Fellows will join international research teams, contributing to ongoing projects.

Fellowship Start Dates:

• 1 January
• 1 April
• 1 July
• 1 October

Responsibilities:

• Develop case studies based on personal experience and UNU-EGOV research
• Translate research into practical policy instruments
• Apply and test these instruments in home organizations
• Contribute to project deliverables and dissemination

Qualifications

• Education: Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Informatics, Public Administration, Economics, Sociology, or related fields
• Experience:
  • Civil servant or international civil servant status
  • Experience in public sector technology or innovation
  • Experience in national or international policy and projects
  • Knowledge of public sector issues
• Strong teamwork and results orientation
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Experience in multicultural environments
• Language: Fluency in English (written and spoken) required; other UN languages are a plus
• Duration: 3 months
• Travel & Insurance: Candidates must secure funding from their home organizations for travel and insurance

Application Process

• Required Documents:
  • UNU P11 Form
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Supporting letter from the applicant’s home organization
• Selection Process:
  • Applications reviewed by a committee
  • Shortlisted candidates submit a 15-minute
    - recorded video covering:
    • Organization’s structure and objectives
    • Relevant projects and contributions
    • Motivation for the fellowship

Diversity & Ethical Commitment

UNU encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. It enforces a strict
- tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.