Fellowship Features
The DNPPF is a comprehensive learning experience that provides fellows with:
A rare opportunity to work closely with public partners, gaining firsthand insights into Nepal’s policymaking processes.
Access to the LPI Course, which is delivered in collaboration with leading capacity-building partners: Governance Lab, Nepal Leadership Academy, and Nepali Academics in America.
Trainings and workshops within DNPPF 2025 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: Led by Dr. Pramod KC, Assistant Professor/Policy and Program Manager at KUSOM Policy Lab.
Policy Research Session: 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: 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.
Literature Review and Articulating Research Questions : Using AI Tools for Searching Literature : Delivered by Dr. Prajwal Paudyal (Co-Founder and CEO, Qualz.AI)
Research Project Management Session: Delivered by Dr. Juni Singh, Economist at the World Bank.
Mixed Methods Research session : Delivered by Dr. Anup Phayal (Associate Professor, College of Humanities, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with stakeholders from the public, private, and social sectors.
Parliamentary Session where fellows got to attend the live session of policy pitching at the House of Representatives
Op-Ed Writing Session By Sahina Shrestha
Youth Engagement Session by Aakriti Ghimire
This year the fellows also got a chance to present their research at PRI (Policy Research Institute), where they got to hear suggestions from the experts and incorporate in their research.
Government Organizations:
Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies (MoICS)
National Planning Commission (NPC)
Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM)
Parliamentarians:
Hon. Gagan Thapa (Nepali Congress)
Hon. Yogesh Bhattarai (CPN-UML)
Hon. Abdul Khan (Janamat Party)
DNPPF 2025 Research Topics:
Mentorship and Capacity Building:
Fellows received personalized mentorship from leading experts across the above diverse fields.
Duration:
DNPPF 2025 was a three-month immersive fellowship, running 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.