Fellowship Features
The DNPPF is a comprehensive learning experience that provides fellows with:
Trainings and workshops within DNPPF include the following carefully designed sessions, led by field experts:
Leadership Course: Developed by Former Harvard Senior Fellow Dr. Pukar Malla, in collaboration with Professors Marshall Ganz and Ronald Heifetz at Harvard Center for Public Leadership.
Public Administration Course: In 2024, led by Dr. Pramod KC, Assistant Professor/Policy and Program Manager at KUSOM Policy Lab.
Policy Research Session: In 2024, facilitated by Dr. Udaya Raj Wagle from the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Northern Arizona University.
Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research Methods Trainings: In 2024, conducted by Ms. Jenna Allard (MacMillan Center, Yale University), Dr. Gyan Neupane (Watts College, Arizona State University), and Dr. Arati Maleku (College of Social Work, Ohio State University) respectively.
Research Project Management Session: In 2024, delivered by Dr. Juni Singh, Economist at the World Bank.
Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with stakeholders from the public, private, and social sectors.
In the Daayitwa Nepal Public Policy Fellowship 2025, fellows will be working with public partners to understand and address relevant and critical policy challenges of Nepal. Applicants are required to provide their first, second and third preferences of thematic areas for the fellowship program below, based on their interests and background.
Government organizations our fellows will collaborate with in 2025 are:
1. Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies (MoICS)
2. National Planning Commission (NPC)
3. Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM)
Our fellows will also collaborate with the following parliamentarians in 2025:
1. Hon. Gagan Thapa (Nepali Congress)
2. Hon. Yogesh Bhattarai (CPN-UML)
3. Hon. Abdul Khan (Janamat Party)
DNPPF 2025 Research Topics:
1. MoICS: Strengthening Intellectual Property Law for Enterprise-Led Economic Growth in Nepal
2. NPC: Analyzing the Economic Implications of Nepal’s LDC Graduation
3. OPMCM: Analyzing the Effectiveness of Administrative Reform Commissions in Nepal’s Civil Service
4. Hon. Gagan Thapa: Accelerating Youth-led Enterprises for Employment Generation and Local Economic Development in Nepal
5. Hon. Yogesh Bhattarai: Enhancing the Cardamom Value Chain for Employment-Rich Economic Growth in Nepal
6. Hon. Abdul Khan: Leveraging Technological Innovation to Improve Market Access for Rural Micro and Small Scale Enterprises (MSEs) in Nepal
Tentative Selection Process
These agencies and parliamentarians are our public partners for 2025. Please select up to three thematic areas of interest that align with your skills and aspirations in the application form, which will help us tailor placement opportunities.
Mentorship and Capacity Building
Fellows receive personalized mentorship from leading experts across the above diverse fields.
Duration
This immersive, three-month fellowship will run from June 2, 2025, to September 2, 2025.
WHAT IS THE DAAYITWA NEPAL PUBLIC POLICY FELLOWSHIP?
The Daayitwa Nepal Public Policy Fellowship (DNPPF) is a transformative program designed to support young professionals and students to engage with Nepal's governance system. Fellows collaborate with government agencies and federal parliamentarians to conduct impactful policy research that promotes evidence-based policy advocacy. Over three months, fellows receive rigorous training and mentorship while directly engaging with public partners that play direct roles in governance and policymaking in Nepal.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO BECOME A DAAYITWA NEPAL PUBLIC POLICY FELLOW?
Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in fields such as public policy, international relations, economics, business, or related disciplines, with a strong academic track record (e.g., GPA, coursework rigor). Research experience, particularly in public policy analysis or implementation, is highly desirable. Master’s or PhD candidates are preferred. The fellowship is open to Nepali citizens and Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) only.
WHAT BENEFITS DOES THE FELLOWSHIP OFFER?
The fellowship provides:
A monthly stipend of NPR 25,000 to support fellows during the program.
A chance to participate in the Leading Policy Innovation (LPI) Course featuring leadership modules designed by Dr. Pukar Malla, former Harvard Senior Fellow; public administration and research training sessions conducted by experts from institutions such as Yale University, Arizona State University, and Kathmandu University; specialized sessions on quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods; and workshops on analytical skills, project management, and statistical tools.
One-on-one mentorship from professionals in fields such as economics, education, agriculture, and information technology.
Networking opportunities with public, private, and social sector stakeholders.
WHAT IS THE LOCATION AND DURATION OF THE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM?
The fellowship is a full-time program taking place in Nepal from June 2, 2025, to September 2, 2025. The fellows are expected to be available in Nepal throughout the program.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to the interview phase, conducted in person, via Skype, or by phone. The selection process involves 2-3 interview rounds, during which candidates will demonstrate their skills, qualifications, and suitability for the program.
Join Us
The Daayitwa Nepal Public Policy Fellowship is not just an opportunity—it is a movement. By becoming a DNPPF Fellow, you will step into a transformative role supporting Nepal's governance reform through rigorous research and training, while enhancing your own professional and academic growth.