The United Nations DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship invites experienced journalists from 44 Least Developed Countries to cover the March 2027 review in Doha, Qatar. The deadline is 30 November 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) is inviting applications for its DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship 2027.
The fellowship will support 10 journalists from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to attend and report on the High-level Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action, taking place in Doha, Qatar, from 25 to 27 March 2027.
The review will assess progress towards implementing the Doha Programme of Action, identify outstanding challenges and strengthen partnerships for the remainder of the decade.
Selected journalists will report on the discussions and outcomes, connecting international development commitments with the realities and priorities of audiences in LDCs.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations Office of the High Representative for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS |
| Fellowship | DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship |
| Number of fellows | 10 |
| Eligible applicants | Journalists from 44 Least Developed Countries |
| Event location | Doha, Qatar |
| Event dates | 25–27 March 2027 |
| Application deadline | 30 November 2026 |
| Travel support | Round-trip economy-class airfare |
| Subsistence support | Daily allowance for accommodation and meals, subject to UN rules |
| Application fee | None |
| Official application page | UN-OHRLLS DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship |
Fellowship Benefits and Responsibilities
Selected fellows will receive round-trip economy-class travel to Doha and a daily subsistence allowance for accommodation and meals in accordance with applicable United Nations rules.
They may also participate in pre-conference orientation activities and receive access to fellowship briefings and networking opportunities.
In return, fellows must participate in all required programme activities and publish at least three substantive journalism outputs related to the Midterm Review and implementation of the Doha Programme of Action.
Required Journalism Outputs
Each fellow must plan three outputs:
- Before the review: Publish a story that builds awareness of the event and relevant development issues.
- During the review: Report on important discussions, announcements or perspectives from Doha.
- After the review: Examine the outcomes, implications and follow-up for audiences in LDCs.
Publication links must be submitted by 30 April 2027. Fellows are expected to maintain professional standards, including accuracy, fairness, safety and ethical reporting.
Priority Reporting Areas
Proposals are encouraged to address one or more of the six Doha Programme of Action priority areas:
- Investing in people, including poverty reduction, health, education and social protection.
- Leveraging science, technology and innovation.
- Supporting structural transformation and inclusive economic growth.
- Enhancing international trade and regional integration.
- Addressing climate change, environmental degradation and resilience.
- Mobilising international solidarity and partnerships.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a national of one of the 44 Least Developed Countries identified by UN-OHRLLS.
- Be a journalist whose work is regularly published or broadcast by a recognised media outlet, either as a staff member or freelancer.
- Have at least two years of professional journalism experience.
- Be willing and able to travel to Doha for the review and attend all required programme activities.
Applicants should also demonstrate an interest in sustainable development, particularly the priority areas of the Doha Programme of Action.
Additional Information
Applications close on 30 November 2026. There is no application fee, and late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare the following materials before completing the online application:
1. Short biography — maximum 300 words
Include your current professional position, media affiliation, journalism experience, reporting expertise, languages spoken and relevant development reporting experience.
2. Two published work samples
Samples may come from print, online, radio, television or multimedia journalism. At least one sample must address development-related issues.
3. Reporting proposal — maximum 400 words
Explain the stories you intend to cover, why they matter to audiences in LDCs, how your reporting will improve understanding of the Doha Programme of Action, the formats you plan to use and your publication strategy.
Indicative Selection Timeline
The published timeline includes eligibility review and scoring between 22 November and 17 December 2026, award letters before 31 December 2026, and online orientation in February 2027.
The fellowship reporting period is scheduled for 25–27 March 2027 in Doha, followed by post-fellowship reporting and review within six weeks.
How to apply: Read the complete requirements and submit your application using the official UN-OHRLLS Journalism Fellowship page.
Important: Selection does not guarantee conference accreditation, visa issuance or travel clearance. Final participation depends on the required administrative and travel formalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UN DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship?
It is a fellowship supporting journalists from Least Developed Countries to attend and report on the 2027 Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action in Doha, Qatar.
2. How many journalists will be selected?
The programme advertises 10 fellowship places.
3. Is the journalism fellowship fully funded?
The official announcement describes it as fully funded and specifies round-trip economy-class travel, a daily subsistence allowance for accommodation and meals under UN rules, and access to certain programme activities. Applicants should review the terms for the exact support provided.
4. Who can apply?
Applicants must be at least 18, nationals of an eligible Least Developed Country, recognised working journalists with at least two years of professional experience, and available to travel to Doha.
5. What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 November 2026.
6. What documents are required?
Applicants need a biography of no more than 300 words, two published journalism samples with at least one development-related piece, and a reporting proposal of no more than 400 words.
7. How many articles or reports must selected fellows publish?
Each selected fellow must publish at least three substantive journalism outputs: one before the review, one during it and one after it. Publication links must be shared by 30 April 2027.
8. Is there an application fee?
No. The fellowship announcement states that applications are free.
9. Does selection guarantee a visa?
No. Selection does not guarantee a visa, conference accreditation or travel clearance. Participation remains subject to the necessary administrative and travel requirements.
10. How can I apply?
Review the eligibility criteria and submit the online application through the official UN-OHRLLS fellowship page.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UN DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship may be particularly valuable for experienced journalists who report on development, climate, trade, innovation and public policy in Least Developed Countries. Travel and subsistence support provide an opportunity to cover a major international review while producing reporting relevant to national and regional audiences.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares journalism, career and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UN-OHRLLS and does not select fellows. Applicants should verify eligibility, support arrangements and submission requirements through the official United Nations page.
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