Application Deadline: December 17, 2025

Duration: 6 to 8 months

Locations: United-States (Remote)

The Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) is thrilled to announce the third edition of its Fellows Program. This initiative provides an exciting opportunity for mid-career researchers and practitioners to delve into critical issues surrounding digital public infrastructure (DPI) and data governance. Fellows will have the chance to contribute their expertise and insights while helping advance the DIAL mission of improving the design, deployment, and governance of foundational digital systems.

Purpose

The DIAL Fellows Program is designed to support research on the intersection of digital technology and society. Through this program, fellows will engage in research aligned with DIAL’s core priorities:

1. Maximizing the value of data for people worldwide.
2. Understanding the societal impact of digital systems, especially for marginalized communities.
3. Accelerating the adoption of data-sharing and governance practices to drive innovation and empowerment.

Fellows will generate innovative research that informs DIAL’s efforts and contributes to the broader digital development field.

What we do:

• Engage in cutting-edge research on emerging digital trends and governance issues.
• Collaborate with experts from DIAL and other organizations.
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing platforms and develop best practices for digital development.
• Build a community of scholars and practitioners focused on DPI and data governance.

Program Benefits

Stipend: $5,000 USD

In addition to a stipend, fellows will receive:

• Mentorship from DIAL staff and industry experts.
• Access to DIAL’s network, resources, and events.
• Opportunities for collaboration with partner organizations.
• Support in communicating and amplifying research outputs.

Key Research Areas

DIAL encourages fellows to explore global contexts in their research. Example questions include:

• What drives successful DPI adoption in countries with varying levels of economic development, and how can these insights be applied to accelerate adoption in regions like Africa?
• How can low-cost research methods be used to understand citizens’ views on data privacy across different countries?
• What institutional mechanisms are needed to ensure digital ecosystems are open, competitive, and responsive to citizens’ needs?
• How can we measure the societal value and long-term development outcomes of DPI beyond efficiency metrics?

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

We are looking for professionals with:

• 8-15 years of experiencein digital development, policy, or research.
• Expertise at the intersection of technology and society, particularly in DPI and data governance.
• A strong track record of producing high-quality research, policy briefs, or reports.
• Experience working in or with global majority countries.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

How to Apply

To apply, submit the following:

1. CV/Resumehighlighting relevant experience.
2. Writing Sample/Portfolioshowcasing expertise in areas relevant to the fellowship.
3. Research Proposal(1,500 words max) detailing your proposed project, including key questions, methodology, expected outcomes, and alignment with DIAL’s thematic priorities.

Submission Format:

1. Documents should be submitted as PDFs.
2. Use Times New Roman or Arial, size 12.
3. Name files as [Your Last Name]_[Document Type].pdf (e.g., Smith_CV.pdf, Smith_Proposal.pdf).

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Analytical Approach: Clear communication of research ideas.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Understanding of relevant trends and stakeholders.
• Project Management: Ability to create a clear, actionable plan.
• Capabilities and Experience: Demonstrated experience in producing high-quality reports or policy briefs.
• Mission Alignment: Commitment to DIAL’s values of creating a positive digital future.

Timeline

• Month 1: Research blueprint development.
• Months 2-4: Research and data collection.
• Month 3: Preliminary publication 1.
• Month 4: Draft compilation and internal review.
• Month 5: Preliminary publication 2.
• Month 6: Presentation and final report publication.
• Months 7-8: Outreach and dissemination.

How to Support

If you are passionate about digital transformation and its impact on society, this fellowship offers an incredible platform to contribute meaningful research to the field. Whether you’re an experienced researcher, a digital policy expert, or a practitioner in the field, we encourage you to apply!

For questions or more information: Click Here

Apply today and be part of the global effort to shape a more equitable and efficient digital future!