A Once-in-a-Career Opportunity for Somali Journalists
For young Somali journalists navigating one of the world's most challenging media environments, the opportunity to spend four weeks immersed in the United Nations system — attending high-level briefings, meeting senior diplomats, and building a global professional network — can be genuinely transformative. The Reham Al-Farra (RAF) Memorial Journalism Fellowship 2026, administered by the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC), offers precisely this kind of career-changing experience, and applications are now open.
Somalia is explicitly listed among the eligible countries for this fully funded fellowship. With the application window running from 16 February to 3 April 2026, Somali journalists — whether based in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Nairobi, London, or anywhere else in the world — have a narrow but meaningful window to put their best work forward. Crucially, the fellowship covers all costs including travel, accommodation, and living expenses, removing the financial barriers that so often prevent journalists from developing countries from accessing international training.
This article provides a comprehensive guide for Somali journalists and media professionals who want to apply, including eligibility details, application requirements, tips for a strong submission, and context on why this fellowship matters for Somalia's media landscape.
About the Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship
Honouring a Legacy of Service
The fellowship is named after Reham Al-Farra, a young Jordanian staff member of the United Nations who was tragically killed in the bombing of UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, on 19 August 2003. That devastating attack claimed the lives of 22 UN personnel, including the UN Special Representative for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Reham was just 28 years old at the time of her death.
In her memory, the United Nations established this fellowship programme to invest in the next generation of journalists from developing countries — the very nations where the UN's work is most consequential and where high-quality, informed journalism about multilateral affairs is most needed. Each year, the programme selects a cohort of talented young reporters from across the Global South and provides them with unparalleled access to the inner workings of the United Nations.
The Department of Global Communications
The fellowship is managed by the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC), the UN body responsible for strategic communications, media engagement, and public outreach. The DGC operates the UN's vast communications infrastructure, including UN News, the UN website, social media channels, and the global network of UN Information Centres. By hosting the RAF fellowship, the DGC ensures that participating journalists receive exposure not just to one corner of the UN, but to the full breadth of its communications and policy machinery.
The DGC has run this fellowship for over two decades, building an extensive alumni network of journalists who have gone on to become editors, bureau chiefs, and media leaders in their home countries. For a Somali journalist, joining this network means gaining lifelong connections to peers and mentors across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
What the 2026 Fellowship Offers
The 2026 edition of the RAF fellowship is expected to take place over a four-week period from September to October 2026. The United Nations has indicated that the modality — whether fully virtual or partially in-person at UN Headquarters in New York — will be determined at a later stage.
Regardless of the format, fellows can expect a programme that delivers substantial professional value. Here is what successful applicants will gain:
- Direct access to UN briefings, press conferences, and senior officials — Fellows attend the same briefings as accredited UN correspondents, gaining first-hand exposure to how international news is generated at its source.
- Deep understanding of multilateral diplomacy and global governance — The programme provides structured learning on how the UN General Assembly, Security Council, and specialised agencies function, which is invaluable knowledge for any journalist covering international affairs.
- Professional networking with journalists from around the world — Each RAF cohort includes reporters from dozens of countries, creating a diverse peer network that often leads to collaborative reporting and cross-border story ideas.
- Enhanced skills in covering international affairs — Through workshops, mentoring sessions, and practical reporting exercises, fellows sharpen their ability to distil complex multilateral issues into compelling stories for their audiences.
- Full financial support — The United Nations covers travel expenses, accommodation, and living costs for the duration of the programme. Fellows do not bear any financial burden.
- Certificate of completion from the United Nations — A formal credential recognising participation in one of the UN's flagship journalism programmes.
- Lifetime membership in the RAF alumni network — This growing community of journalists from developing countries provides ongoing professional support, story leads, and collaboration opportunities long after the fellowship ends.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
The fellowship has clear eligibility criteria, and Somali journalists should pay close attention to ensure they qualify before investing time in an application.
Core Requirements
- Age: Applicants must be between 22 and 35 years old at the time of application.
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of one of the eligible developing countries or countries with economies in transition. Somalia is explicitly listed as an eligible country.
- Professional status: Applicants must be full-time working journalists. This includes staff reporters, correspondents, editors, and producers who are actively employed in a journalistic capacity.
- Freelance journalists: Freelancers are eligible, but they are encouraged to provide documentation of their press accreditation, such as membership in a press syndicate, journalists' union, or similar professional association.
- English proficiency: Since fellows come from all parts of the world, the programme's common language is English — also one of the UN's two working languages. Applicants must be able to participate fully in briefings and discussions in English. However, fellows can publish their stories in their own language, including Somali or Arabic.
Who Is NOT Eligible?
- Journalism students — The fellowship is not open to individuals studying journalism, even at the postgraduate level.
- Journalism teachers or professors — Academic staff are not eligible; the programme targets practising journalists.
- Citizens of countries not on the eligible list — Only nationals of the specified developing countries and economies in transition may apply.
Important Note for Somali Journalists in the Diaspora
Somali citizens who live outside Somalia and work for international or diaspora media outlets are eligible to apply, provided they hold Somali citizenship and are covering the UN and/or UN priority issues related to Somalia. This is significant because many talented Somali journalists are based in Kenya, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries. If you are a Somali national working as a journalist anywhere in the world, this fellowship is open to you.
Application Requirements: What You Need to Submit
The application process is conducted entirely online through the official application portal. Here is a detailed breakdown of what you will need:
1. Online Application Form
Complete the application form at un.org/en/raf/application2026. The form collects your personal information, professional background, and motivation for applying.
2. Work Samples (Minimum 5)
You must submit at least five (5) work samples related to the United Nations and/or its priority issues, published within the last six months. This is one of the most critical components of your application. Key points:
- Work samples can be in your native language — Somali and Arabic submissions are acceptable.
- Priority topics include: peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, climate action, and humanitarian affairs.
- Television and radio journalists should share links to publicly accessible materials online, or upload media files to Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Print and digital journalists should provide links to published articles or upload PDFs.
3. Copy of Passport or National ID
A scanned copy of your valid passport or national identity card confirming your citizenship of an eligible country.
4. CV in English
Your curriculum vitae must be in English and should clearly outline your professional journalism experience, including your current role, outlet, and beat.
5. Two Reference Letters
Provide two letters of reference from professional contacts who can vouch for your journalism work. These letters do not need to be in English, but full contact information for each referee must be provided, as all letters are subject to verification by the UN.
How to Submit Documents
All required materials must be uploaded to Google Drive or Dropbox, and the sharing link must be included in the application form. This is a critical step — ensure that sharing permissions allow reviewers to view and download all files. Failure to provide accessible documents may result in disqualification.
Signing the Application
To complete the application, type your name in the declaration field at the bottom of the form and click "Submit." No handwritten or electronic signature is required.
How Applications Are Assessed
The UN evaluates applications based on multiple factors, and understanding these criteria can help you craft a stronger submission:
- Age: The fellowship targets younger journalists in the 22-35 range, with an emphasis on those who are early enough in their careers to benefit most from the experience.
- Professional experience: Reviewers look for a demonstrated track record of consistent, quality journalism.
- Coverage of UN-related issues: Applicants who have already shown interest in and commitment to covering multilateral affairs, peace and security, development, or humanitarian issues will stand out.
- Strength of portfolio: The quality, depth, and impact of your five or more work samples carry significant weight.
- Audience reach: The size and nature of your audience matters — journalists who can bring UN stories to large or underserved audiences are valued.
- Geographic diversity: The UN actively seeks to include fellows from underrepresented regions and countries. As a Somali journalist, this criterion could work in your favour, given that Somalia is not typically over-represented in international fellowship programmes.
- Gender parity: The programme aims for a balanced cohort, so both male and female Somali journalists are encouraged to apply.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for Somali Journalists
Here is a practical, actionable guide to putting together a competitive application:
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility (Now)
Verify that you meet all the core criteria: age (22-35), Somali citizenship, full-time working journalist status, and English proficiency. If you are a freelancer, gather documentation of your press accreditation.
Step 2: Identify and Gather Your Best Work Samples (Week 1-2)
Select at least five strong pieces published in the last six months that relate to UN priority issues. For Somali journalists, relevant topics include:
- UNSOM (United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia) activities
- Humanitarian operations and aid delivery in Somalia
- Somalia's state-building and governance processes
- Climate change impacts on Somali pastoralists and coastal communities
- Displacement, refugees, and IDP issues
- Human rights reporting
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) progress in Somalia
If you do not currently have five recent pieces on these topics, consider producing relevant stories in the coming weeks before the deadline. You still have time.
Step 3: Prepare Your CV in English (Week 2)
Write a clear, professional CV highlighting your journalism career. Include your current role, media outlet, years of experience, notable stories, awards, and any international exposure. Keep it concise — two pages maximum.
Step 4: Secure Two Strong Reference Letters (Week 2-3)
Ask editors, bureau chiefs, or senior colleagues who know your work well to write reference letters. These can be in Somali, Arabic, or any other language. Ensure your referees provide full contact details for verification.
Step 5: Organise Your Documents (Week 3)
Create a well-organised Google Drive or Dropbox folder containing all materials: work samples, passport/ID copy, CV, and reference letters. Label files clearly (e.g., "Work_Sample_1_UNSOM_Coverage.pdf"). Set sharing permissions to "Anyone with the link can view."
Step 6: Complete and Submit the Application (Before 3 April 2026)
Fill out the online form at un.org/en/raf/application2026. Paste your Google Drive or Dropbox sharing link. Review everything carefully, type your name in the declaration field, and click Submit. Do not wait until the last day — technical issues can prevent last-minute submissions.
Why This Fellowship Matters for Somalia's Media Landscape
Somalia occupies a unique position in the global media and development landscape. The country hosts one of the largest UN operations in the world, with UNSOM, multiple humanitarian agencies, and peacekeeping-related activities all operating within its borders. The UN Security Council regularly discusses Somalia. International development funding flows into the country in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually. And yet, Somali journalists — the very people best positioned to hold these institutions accountable and explain their work to the Somali public — rarely have access to the kind of professional development that the RAF fellowship provides.
This gap matters. When Somali journalists understand how the UN system works from the inside — how decisions are made in the Security Council, how humanitarian funding is allocated, how development programmes are designed — they become far more effective at covering these stories for Somali audiences. They can ask better questions, identify more meaningful stories, and provide context that generic international media coverage simply cannot match.
The fellowship also addresses a structural challenge in Somali journalism: professional isolation. Many Somali journalists work in environments where mentoring, peer networking, and exposure to international best practices are limited. The RAF programme breaks through this isolation by connecting Somali reporters with counterparts from across Africa, Asia, and Latin America — journalists who face similar challenges and who bring different perspectives on covering development, conflict, and governance.
Furthermore, as Somalia continues its state-building process — including electoral reforms, constitutional development, and institutional strengthening — the country needs journalists who can cover these complex governance stories with nuance, accuracy, and depth. A Somali journalist who has spent four weeks at the United Nations, understanding how international norms and frameworks shape governance standards, will bring a level of analytical sophistication to their reporting that benefits the entire media ecosystem.
A Note for Somali Journalists in the Diaspora
The RAF fellowship explicitly welcomes applications from diaspora journalists. If you are a Somali citizen working for a media outlet in Kenya, the UK, the US, Turkey, or anywhere else, and your work touches on UN-related issues or Somalia's development challenges, you should seriously consider applying. Many diaspora Somali journalists cover stories related to international aid, refugee policy, peacekeeping, and governance — all of which fall squarely within the UN's priority issues.
The ability to submit work samples in Somali or Arabic is a particular advantage for journalists working in Somali-language media, whether broadcast or digital. You do not need to have published in English to be eligible; you just need to be able to communicate effectively in English during the programme itself.
Additional Resources and Related Opportunities
Journalists interested in the RAF fellowship may also want to explore these related resources:
- UN Media Accreditation: If you regularly cover the UN from your home country or from New York, Geneva, Nairobi, or Vienna, consider applying for formal UN media accreditation through the Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit.
- UNESCO Global Media Defence Fund: Somali journalists facing threats or legal challenges may be eligible for support through UNESCO's media freedom programmes.
- ICFJ Knight Fellowships: The International Center for Journalists offers various fellowships for journalists from developing countries focused on digital innovation and investigative reporting.
- Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowships: Based at the University of Oxford, these fellowships offer mid-career journalists a term of study and reflection.
Key Dates and Links
- Application opens: 16 February 2026
- Application deadline: 3 April 2026
- Programme dates: September – October 2026 (four weeks; modality TBD)
- Official programme page: un.org/en/raf
- Application form: un.org/en/raf/application2026
- FAQ page: un.org/en/reham-al-farra-memorial-journalism-fellowship/page/faq
Source
All information in this article is sourced from the official United Nations Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship page at https://www.un.org/en/raf and the programme's FAQ page.
Disclaimer
SomaliFocus News publishes this article for informational purposes only. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, prospective applicants are strongly advised to verify all details, requirements, and deadlines on the official UN programme website before submitting their applications. SomaliFocus News is not affiliated with the United Nations or the RAF fellowship programme.