The WFP Fellowship Programme for Research Services offers students and academics a unique opportunity to conduct research within the World Food Programme on a range of thematic areas that contribute to the fight against hunger. Fellows benefit from access to WFP’s operational contexts, data, and expertise, allowing them to ground-truth their research in real-world settings. This mutually beneficial collaboration also creates pathways for joint
publications and evidence generation that support both academic inquiry and WFP’s mission
WFP works with universities and research institutions to promote knowledge exchange, research, learning and capacity strengthening.
These collaborations bridge academic research and humanitarian efforts, generating evidence-based proposals that contribute to effective, locally led solutions.
The WFP Fellowship Programme provides opportunities for Master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers to contribute directly to WFP’s work under the mentorship of experienced professionals. Secondments, which may be arranged in both directions between WFP and academic or research institutions, facilitate the exchange of expertise and strengthen collaboration.
Universities are also encouraged to engage through speaking opportunities and study visits. WFP experts may participate in lectures, seminars and conferences, while organized visits to WFP headquarters in Rome offer students and faculty an opportunity to learn more about WFP’s global mandate, priorities and operational work.
These partnerships reinforce WFP’s commitment to remain on the cutting edge of hunger solutions, advancing localized solutions and supporting the next generation of leaders in food security and humanitarian action.
WFP Fellowship Programme 2027:
- Applicants must: Master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
- Must be fully funded by the sponsoring entity.
- The fellow will work with a WFP staff member, formally dedicated to facilitating the research.
- Public or private educational institutions (recognised by UNESCO and national governments)
- Fellows can be placed in any of WFP’s operational offices (Global HQ or Country Offices), either in presence, remote, or hybrid.
Fellowship Duration
Fellowships are available throughout the year and typically last between:
- 3 months
- 12 months
Fellowship Benefits
Fellows receive comprehensive sponsorship through approved partner institutions and organizations.
Support may include:
- Monthly stipend
- Round-trip travel costs
- Accommodation support
- Visa expenses
- Medical insurance
- Repatriation travel costs
- Other assignment-related expenses
Areas of Work
Fellows may contribute to a variety of humanitarian and development functions, including:
- Humanitarian assistance programmes
- Donor relations
- Policy development
- Humanitarian financing
- Programme design and implementation
- Research and analysis
- Proposal development
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Food security initiatives
- Emergency response operations
- Sustainable development projects
Host Organization:
- World Food Program.
Initiating Engagement
To explore fellowship opportunities, a brief concept note (CN) of no more than two pages can
be prepared either by WFP or by an academic institution outlining the scope and deliverables
of the foreseen fellowship
The CN should include the following elements:
- Articulation of the problem statement, outlining the importance of addressing food security or malnutrition
- The research question and hypothesis(es)
- Proposed research methodology and data sources
- Estimated timeline
- Expected deliverables
