Location: Remote (Global)
Program Type: Paid Remote Fellowship (International Professionals)
Reference: DIAL Fellows Program 2026
Deadline: See official page (via Opportunity Tracker link)
About the Fellowship
The DIAL Fellowship offers mid‑career professionals and experts a remote, paid opportunity to explore and research critical issues in digital public infrastructure (DPI), data governance, and inclusive digital transformation. The program aims to build global insight into how digital systems and data practices can benefit communities, especially those often excluded, and inform better policy and implementation practices worldwide.
What the Fellowship Offers
- A USD 5,000 stipend for the 6–8 month fellowship period.
- Mentorship from DIAL experts and collaboration with a global network of practitioners and organisations working on digital transformation.
- The freedom to define and pursue your own research agenda on digital public infrastructure, data-use practices, governance, and societal impact.
- Professional exposure: opportunities to publish short pieces or policy briefs, produce in-depth research (case studies, papers, policy recommendations), and share findings widely to influence digital development practices.
Who Should Apply
- Professionals with 8–15 years of experience in digital development, data governance, policy, research, or related fields.
- Individuals with a background or demonstrated interest in digital public infrastructure, technology governance, data ethics, or social impact through digital platforms.
- Applicants with proven research or policy‑analysis skills, strong writing and analytical capabilities, and familiarity with challenges faced in low‑ and middle‑income country contexts (or interest in these contexts).
- Professionals globally (all countries eligible).
Application Process & Timeline
Interested candidates should submit:
- CV or résumé,
- A writing sample or portfolio,
- A research proposal (max. ~1,500 words) outlining objectives, methodology, anticipated outcomes, and alignment with DIAL’s mission.
Applications are open until 17 December 2025.
The selection process includes a review of proposals; shortlisted applicants may be invited for further discussion or interviews. Selected fellows will carry out research over 6–8 months, culminating in short publications and a final output (e.g. policy brief, research paper, case study) to inform digital infrastructure and governance debates globally.
Source: Opportunity Tracker listing Opportunity Tracker
