Apply to become a United Nations-UNDP Futures Fellow | Remote

Location: Remote
Type of Contract: Other
Start Date: January 1, 2025
Application Deadline: October 22, 2024 (Midnight, New York, USA)
Post Level: Other
Duration: Six months

Overview

The UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) is currently seeking Futures Fellows for home-based positions.

This fellowship offers an exciting opportunity to work on futures and foresight projects while supporting UNDP’s mission to reduce poverty, inequalities, and exclusion across 170 countries and territories.

UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025 focuses on creating a more agile and adaptive organization, capable of responding to complex global challenges.

This fellowship will support these efforts through futures work, including scanning trends, identifying signals of change, and helping shape UNDP’s long-term strategy.

Responsibilities

1. Identify and Interpret Signals and Trends (25%)

• Support and scale UNDP’s Future Trends and Signals System (FTSS)
• Conduct weekly scans across geographies and themes to identify signals of change
• Facilitate insights and discussions within UNDP through “Signals Studios”

2. Integrate Foresight into UNDP’s Work (25%)

• Collaborate with UNDP teams to embed foresight methodologies into strategy
• Contribute to workshops, reports, and case studies on futures and foresight
• Support training initiatives for UNDP staff on foresight techniques

3. Strengthen Futures Networks (20%)

• Maintain and expand the UNDP Futures Portal
• Help energize the UNDP Futures Network, engaging with external partners

4. Add New and Creative Thinking (15%)

• Provide fresh perspectives on futures methodologies
• Document UNDP’s journey with strategic foresight

5. Link Strategic Planning and Futures (15%)

• Conduct research to support UNDP’s upcoming Strategic Plan (2026-2029)
• Use foresight to anticipate challenges and opportunities for UNDP

Required Skills and Experience

• Education: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated (within the last 3 years) from a Master’s program in social sciences, such as international relations, development studies, or a related field.
• Work Experience: At least one year of work experience, preferably in futures, foresight, or strategic thinking.
• Key Skills: Self-motivated, proactive, strong data literacy, proficiency in Microsoft Office, familiarity with digital collaboration tools.
• Desired Skills: Marketing, graphic design, strategic design, experience in science and innovation.

Benefits

• • Monthly Stipend: Based on fellowship location and work status (full-time/part-time)
  • Health Insurance and Paid Leave
  • Work Remotely: No relocation required