Call for Two Additional Fellows: Inclusive Policy Fellowship 2026

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Future Forum is now accepting two more applications for the Inclusive Policy Fellowship 2026

Future Forum is expanding the Inclusive Policy Fellowship 2026 (IPF 2026) and now invites applications (with background in either Energy, Transportation, or Infrastructure Governance policies) for two additional fellows to join the current cohort. Application deadline is 31 July 2026 at 3:00PM and selected candidates will start their fellowship on 15 August 2026.

This recruitment and extension of the IPF is supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, and primarily by the Government of Australia through The Asia Foundation's Ponlok Chomnes Program as well as by Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs through Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC. 

About the Fellowship

The Inclusive Policy Fellowship 2026 is an agile, output-driven program for individuals committed to policy research and writing at Future Forum, Cambodia's independent policy think tank. Applicants will be considered for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or Research Fellow (RF) roles based on their qualifications and research outputs. The program runs through March 2027.

This Fellowship is grounded in a strong commitment to Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI). We encourage applications from women, gender-diverse individuals, persons with disabilities, indigenous and ethnic minority communities, and other underrepresented groups. Fellows are expected to apply an inclusive, equity-focused approach to their research to support responsive and accountable policy solutions.

Your Expertise (Targeted Policy Areas)

For this extension, we will select two fellows. As global and regional dynamics reshape Cambodia, we seek visionary thinkers to produce forward-looking research in the following areas.

Your proposal must address one of these two core areas:

• Energy

• Infrastructure Governance

Our Offers

• Practical training in systems thinking, design thinking, foresight, and political economy analysis to address complex governance challenges.

• Fair compensation for producing comprehensive Policy Briefs and rapid-response Commentaries.

• Bi-weekly Ideation sessions, monthly Refresher training, and HelpDesk mentorship.

• Opportunities to lead activities within Future Forum's Community of Researchers, including Policy Talks, Public Lectures, and Research Colloquiums.

• Full access at Future Forum's Research Hub and library in Phnom Penh.

Your Tasks

• Produce at least two well-researched, forward-looking policy briefs and, optionally, one commentary with actionable recommendations.

• Maintain at least 50% physical attendance in the remaining sessions of our structured learning schedule, primarily Saturday morning including Ideation and HelpDesks.

• Integrate diverse perspectives, especially from marginalized groups, into your policy analysis.

• Systematically track developments and trends in your chosen policy area.

Your Profile

• Must be a Cambodian citizen based in Cambodia.

• Between 22 and 35 years old.

• A bachelor's degree is required for Junior Research Fellows. A master's degree or equivalent professional or publication experience is required for Research Fellows in fields related to Energy, Transportation, or Infrastructure.

• Demonstrate strong interest in policy research and commitment to public service.

• Exhibit strong critical thinking, systems mapping, and English writing skills.

• Commit to a rigorous bi-weekly Saturday schedule through March 2027.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit a two-page CV (without a photograph) and the IPF 2026 Personal Work Plan, which outlines your policy brief proposals and stakeholder engagement plan.

• Download the Fellowship Work Plan Template: Download Here 

• Complete the Online Application Form: forms.gle/ySrs7UcUX9sx31129 

Application Deadline: 3:00 PM, 31 July 2026 (Cambodia Time). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

For more information, please contact Future Forum's Director of Programs, Chhengpor Aun, at chhengpor.aun@futureforum.asia.

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Detailed schedule of mandatory sessions

Selected fellows are obliged to attend in person a minimum of 50% of the remaining Ideation and 50% of the remaining Refresher sessions. Three consecutive absences from either type of session without prior notice or credible explanations will result in early exit from fellowship.

August 2026

• 15 August: Ideation Session 06 

• 22 August: Refresher Session 03 + HelpDesk 03

• 29 August: Refresher Session 04 + HelpDesk 04

September 2026

• 5 September: Ideation Session 07 

• 12 September: Refresher Session 05 + HelpDesk 05 

• 19 September: Ideation Session 08

• 26 September: Refresher Session 06 + HelpDesk 06

October 2026

• 3 October: Ideation Session 09 

• 10 October: Pchum Ben Holidays (No Session)

• 17 October: Ideation Session 10 

• 24 October: Refresher Session 07 + HelpDesk 07 

November 2026

• 7 November: Ideation Session 11 

• 14 November: Refresher Session 08 + HelpDesk 08 

• 21 November: Ideation Session 12

December 2026

• 5 December: Ideation Session 13 

• 12 December: Refresher Session 09 + HelpDesk 9 

• 19 December: Ideation Session 14 

• 26 December: New Year Break (No Session)

January 2027

• 2 January: New Year Break (No Session)

• 9 January: Ideation Session 15 

• 16 January: Refresher Session 10 + HelpDesk 10 

• 23 January: Ideation Session 16 

February 2027

• 6 February: Ideation Session 17

• 20 February: Ideation Session 18 

March 2027

• 6 March: Ideation Session 19 

• 20 March: Ideation Session 20

• 27 March: Program Concludes / Final Day

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