The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) invites applications from professional journalists in the 44 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) for the DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship 2027.

The fellowship offers 10 selected journalists the opportunity to travel to Doha, Qatar, from 25 to 27 March 2027, to report on the Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA). The programme aims to strengthen public understanding of sustainable development priorities, progress, challenges, and international cooperation in LDCs.

The fellowship is fully funded, with round-trip economy-class travel to Doha and a daily subsistence allowance for accommodation and meals, in accordance with applicable United Nations rules.

Key Responsibilities / Programme Activities

Selected fellows are expected to:

• Participate in all required fellowship activities during the Midterm Review.
• Produce and publish at least three substantive journalism outputs related to the Midterm Review and DPoA implementation.
• Publish one output before the Review, one during the event, and one after the Review.
• Share publication links by 30 April 2027.
• Observe professional ethics, accuracy, fairness, safety, applicable laws, and venue rules.
• Participate in required briefings and programme activities.

Reporting proposals are encouraged to address one or more of the six DPoA priority areas:

• Investing in people.
• Leveraging science, technology and innovation.
• Supporting structural transformation.
• Enhancing international trade and regional integration.
• Addressing climate change, environmental degradation and resilience.
• Mobilizing international solidarity and partnerships.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a national of one of the 44 Least Developed Countries.
• Be a bona fide journalist whose work is regularly published or broadcast by a recognized 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, Qatar, for the duration of the Midterm Review and participate in all required programme activities.
• Demonstrate an interest in sustainable development, particularly the DPoA priority areas.

Applicants should carefully review the official list of 44 eligible countries before applying.

Benefits and Support

Selected fellows will receive:

• Round-trip economy-class travel to Doha, Qatar.
• A daily subsistence allowance covering accommodation and meals, in accordance with applicable United Nations rules.
• Participation in pre-conference orientation activities, where applicable.
• Access to fellowship briefings and networking opportunities.
• The opportunity to cover a major United Nations development event and report on issues affecting Least Developed Countries.

There is no application fee.

Please note that selection does not guarantee conference accreditation, visa issuance, or travel clearance. Participation remains subject to the completion of all required administrative and travel formalities.

Application Process

Applicants must prepare the following three documents and submit them through the official online application portal.

1. Short Biography

Maximum 300 words. The biography should include:

• Current professional position and media affiliation(s).
• Years of journalism experience.
• Areas of reporting expertise.
• Languages spoken.
• Previous experience related to the DPoA priority areas.

2. Work Samples

Submit two published journalism pieces. Accepted formats include print, online, radio, television, and multimedia or digital journalism projects.

At least one sample must address development-related issues.

3. Reporting Proposal

Maximum 400 words. The proposal should explain:

• The story angles you intend to pursue during the Midterm Review.
• Why these issues matter to audiences in Least Developed Countries.
• How your reporting will build public understanding of DPoA implementation.
• Planned reporting formats.
• Publication strategy and intended media outlets.

Applicants are advised to review the eligibility requirements and prepare all materials before beginning the application process. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Application deadline: 30 November 2026.

Apply through the official online application portal provided on the UN-OHRLLS DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship page.

Important Dates

• Open call: 27 September to 19 November 2026.
• Eligibility review and scoring: 22 November to 17 December 2026.
• Award letters: Before 31 December 2026.
• Online orientation: February 2027.
• Midterm Review and reporting: 25 to 27 March 2027, Doha, Qatar.
• Deadline to share publication links: 30 April 2027.

Applicants should consult the official UN-OHRLLS fellowship page for the application portal, complete requirements, and any updates.