APF United Nations Fellowship 2024

Application Deadline: December 22, 2023.

https://www.americanpakistan.org/un-initiative

The American Pakistan Foundation is pleased to announce the call for applications for the APF United Nations Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship is designed to give exposure to students to the inner workings of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and empower themselves to advocate for and explore social and economic issues surrounding the Pakistani-American diaspora.

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Call for Fellows 2024

About the Fellowship Program:

In June 2019, the American Pakistan Foundation (APF) achieved Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Affairs Council (ECOSOC). This recognition empowers APF to engage the international community on vital policies and initiatives concerning Pakistan and Pakistani Americans. Through our United Nations Initiative, APF actively participates in civil society dialogues, advocates for policy changes, and strives to make a lasting impact on the global stage.

The APF UN Fellowship is a six-month fellowship program that aims to give selected fellows a chance to understand APF’s role within ECOSOC and provides a chance to champion social and economic causes, delving deeper into the significance and implications of issues that affect our diaspora. Fellows will have the opportunity to attend in-person and virtual UN conferences, submit written statements to the United Nations, publish reports, receive mentorship, engage in thoughtful discussions, and establish lasting connections.

Key Deliverables by Fellows:

1. Collective written statements on all UN events that APF is invited to participate in.

2. A report (500 words) on ECOSOC's annual theme for 2024: “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”. This will be APF’s official submission to the UN and may be accepted for an oral statement.

3. Organizing a roundtable conference with experts invited from the US and Pakistan.

4. A final 2000-word report on key findings, concept maps, and recommendations incorporating takeaways from the roundtable and research on the annual theme. This will be the final product of the fellowship and will be written collaboratively by all the fellows.

Eligibility Criteria:

● Applicants should be in their junior or senior year, or be graduate students, pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as public policy, international relations, political science, economics, law, or a related discipline. Recent grads are also welcome to apply.

Note: APF is unable to sponsor a visa for fellowships. Applicants should be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or on an existing student visa.

● Residents of New York City or Washington D.C area are preferred as fellows will be expected to attend at least ONE in-person conference at the UN and will not be reimbursed for travel/living expenses.

● Demonstrated interest or work experience in policy field, including internships, research assistantships, or employment in government agencies, think tanks, non-profit organizations, or related sectors.

● Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, as fellows are expected to conduct in-depth analysis and contribute valuable insights to policy discussions.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as fellows may need to write reports, policy briefs, or articles and present their findings to various audiences.

● Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to take initiative, as fellows are often expected to drive their research projects and contribute actively to the organization’s mission.

● Ability to work well in a team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including experts, policymakers, and community members.

● A commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in policy work, and an understanding of how different perspectives and backgrounds enrich policy discussions.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit, through our UN Fellows application form, a complete application, including:

1. A resume/CV detailing relevant experience and education.

2. A cover letter outlining their interest in the fellowship and how their background aligns with the program’s goals.

3. A writing sample no longer than three pages.

Complete applications and required documentation are due by 11:59 PM EST on December 22, 2023.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and finalists will be expected to provide one letter of recommendation from a professor or supervisor.

Note: Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

Important Dates:

➔ Application Deadline: December 22, 2023.

➔ Interview Period: December 22 - January 10, 2024

➔ Fellowship Start Date: January 15, 2024

Benefits:

● Exposure: Fellows gain insights into ECOSOC workings, access high-level UN meetings, and raise their voices on pertinent issues.

● Stipend: A $500 stipend contingent upon timely submissions of the final report and roundtable attendance.

● Publication: Reports authored by fellows will be published on both the APF website and the United Nations ECOSOC portal.

● Letter of Experience: Fellows will receive a letter signed by the program coordinator and chairman of the board, aiding in their career development.

Join us in shaping the future of Pakistan's global presence. Apply to become an APF UN Fellow and be a catalyst for change. Together, we can make a difference on the international stage.

For inquiries, please contact Maha Butt, APF UN Program Coordinator, at un@americanpakistan.org.

We look forward to receiving your applications and welcoming the first cohort of talented fellows who will contribute to a constructive dialogue regarding pertinent social and economic issues that affect our diaspora.

Please apply through our website:

https://www.americanpakistan.org/un-initiative