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Growth Entrepreneurship and Employment Promotion Program (GEEP) Fellowship 2026

Nepal aspires to graduate from least developed country status to lower middle-income economy by 2026. While past interventions have primarily focused on socio-political empowerment, economic transformation remains limited. To accelerate inclusive prosperity, grassroots innovations and strengthened collaboration with local governments are essential. Persistent high youth out-migration continues to drain Nepal’s demographic dividend, as limited domestic opportunities and lack of dignified livelihoods drive young talent abroad in large numbers. At this critical juncture, providing meaningful platforms for young professionals within the country is vital to counter these challenges. 

 

Daayitwa has successfully partnered with government institutions through programs such as the Rural Enterprise Acceleration Program (REAP), the Growth Entrepreneurship and Employment Promotion Program (GEEP), and the Daayitwa Nepal Public Policy Fellowship (DNPPF). Building on this foundation, the GEEP Fellowship aims to expand its impact from federal to provincial and local levels, strengthening entrepreneurship and employment initiatives in municipalities across Gandaki, Koshi, and Lumbini provinces. 

 

The GEEP fellowship, implemented under the Daayitwa Nepal Public Administration Fellowship (DNPAF), places young professionals within local government offices to contribute to entrepreneurship promotion and employment creation initiatives through research and program support. The fellows work closely with designated local government officials to support the design, review, and implementation of entrepreneurship- and employment-related policies and programs. 

Fellowship Features

-  Hands-on placement in GEEP program local government offices to support real-time entrepreneurship and employment initiatives.

- Structured capacity-building through training in entrepreneurship development, leadership, public policy formulation, and program evaluation.

- Opportunity to facilitate and document entrepreneur dialogues (e.g., Udhyam Sambad, Udhyam Chautari) for multi-stakeholder collaboration.

- Mentorship from experienced local officials, fellowship experts, and academia.

- Networking with entrepreneurs, municipal leaders, private sector stakeholders, and provincial authorities

- Contribution to evidence-based municipal planning, including inputs to annual policy and programs.

- Leadership development through organizing community events and advocating for youth-inclusive economic policies. 

Partner Governments 

The GEEP Fellowship is implemented in partnership with 14 local governments across Gandaki, Koshi, and Lumbini Provinces. Applicants are encouraged to select local governments where they have strong familiarity with the local context, language, and socio-economic dynamics.

 

Gandaki Province

- Hupsekot Rural Municipality, Nawalparasi East

- Badigad Rural Municipality, Baglung

- Myagde Rural Municipality, Tanahun

- Siranchowk Rural Municipality, Gorkha

- Jaljala Rural Municipality, Parbat

Koshi Province

- Phakphokthum Rural Municipality, Ilam

- Gauradaha Municipality, Jhapa

- Ramdhuni Municipality, Sunsari

- Aiselukharka Rural Municipality, Khotang

- Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, Bhojpur

- Budhiganga Rural Municipality, Morang

- Meringden Rural Municipality, Taplejung

Lumbini Province 

- Tansen Municipality, Palpa

- Resunga Municipality, Gulmi

Fellowship Benefits

- Monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000/- for the 3-month period (March 15 - June 15, 2026)

- Direct exposure to local government operations, service delivery, and entrepreneurship program implementation

- Structured trainings in entrepreneurship development, leadership, and public policy

- Leadership development through organizing and facilitating policy dialogues

- Networking with entrepreneurs, municipal leaders, development partners, and private sector stakeholders

- Opportunity to contribute to municipal annual planning and evidence-based policy recommendations

Eligibility Criteria

- Be 18-35 years old with interest in entrepreneurship development, local economic development, and public sector engagement.

- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship Development, Community Development, Agriculture, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related field relevant to enterprise promotion and entrepreneurship development.

- Permanent resident of the target local government or strong familiarity with its socio-economic, market, and institutional context

- Foundational understanding of business development, entrepreneurship ecosystems, policy processes, leadership, or community development

- Prior experience (academic, volunteer, or professional) in entrepreneurship promotion, local development, or governance initiatives preferred

- Basic skills in research, data collection, documentation, and report writing

- Ability to engage effectively with entrepreneurs, officials, and stakeholders

- Strong coordination, communication, and collaboration skills

- Full commitment to completing the 3-month fellowship and adhering to local government norms

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.     What is the GEEP Fellowship?

The Growth Entrepreneurship and Employment Promotion (GEEP) Fellowship is a three-month, full-time, on-site fellowship that places young professionals within GEEP program municipalities to support entrepreneurship promotion and employment creation through research, policy support, and program implementation.

2.    Where will fellows be placed?

Fellows will be placed in GEEP program municipalities for three months (March 15 - June 15, 2026) and assigned to relevant sections working on entrepreneurship, employment, or local economic development.

3.  Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be aged 18-35 years, hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, and be a permanent resident of the respective local government or demonstrate strong familiarity with the local context. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in entrepreneurship, local economic development, and public sector engagement. 

4.  Is the fellowship paid?

Yes, fellows will receive a monthly stipend of NPR 25,000 for the duration of the fellowship.

5.  What skills or competencies are expected from fellows? 

Applicants should demonstrate basic research and data collection skills, the ability to effectively engage with entrepreneurs and municipal officials, strong communication and coordination skills, and a clear interest in policy analysis, local planning, and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

6.  How do I apply? 

Interested applicants may apply through the online application form. Applicants are advised to ensure that all required information and documents are submitted before the deadline.

7. What happens after I submit my application? 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to the interview phase, conducted via Zoom/Google Meet or phone. The selection process involves 2-3 interview rounds, during which candidates will demonstrate their skills, qualifications, and suitability for the program.

 

GEEP Fellowship 2026 - (TOR - English & Nepali

 

How to Apply

Interested applicants can submit their applications through the online application form. Please ensure all required information and documents are submitted before the deadline.

Application Deadline: Priority Deadline is 21 February 2026 and Regular Deadline is 27 February 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.


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GEEP Fellowship 2026

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