About this opportunity
Are you interested in artificial intelligence, humanitarian work, or international development? The NetHope Humanitarian AI Research Fellowship 2026 offers an opportunity for experienced researchers and practitioners to explore how AI can be used responsibly to improve humanitarian and development programs.
The fellowship is part-time, fully remote, and open to applicants internationally. Selected fellows will conduct practical research that can help humanitarian organizations understand AI opportunities, manage risks, and develop better technology solutions.
Application deadline: October 9, 2026.
NetHope Humanitarian AI Research Fellowship 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Humanitarian AI Research Fellowship |
| Organization | NetHope |
| Opportunity type | Research fellowship |
| Location | Remote |
| Eligible applicants | International applicants |
| Work schedule | Part-time, approximately 10 hours per week |
| Duration | Mid-November 2026 to February 2027 |
| Number of fellows | Approximately 4–6 |
| Financial benefit | Stipend; details shared with selected fellows |
| Deadline | October 9, 2026 |
About the Humanitarian AI Research Fellowship
NetHope is an international organization that helps humanitarian, development, and conservation organizations use technology to improve their work.
Through this fellowship, NetHope aims to support research into the practical use of artificial intelligence in humanitarian and nonprofit settings.
Fellows will work independently on a research project, with guidance from the fellowship lead and periodic support from subject-matter experts.
The findings are intended to help NetHope’s member organizations and the wider nonprofit community make informed decisions about AI adoption, governance, safety, and technology development.
Two Research Areas Are Available
Applicants should be interested in one of the following research streams.
1. AI Adoption and Governance
This stream focuses on how humanitarian and nonprofit organizations introduce, use, and manage artificial intelligence.
Possible research topics include:
- Studying real examples of organizations adopting AI tools.
- Identifying the benefits and challenges of AI in humanitarian programs.
- Comparing open-source, in-house, and commercial AI solutions.
- Examining AI safety, data protection, and governance risks.
- Exploring how organizations can identify and reduce AI-related risks.
Who may be suitable?
Applicants with experience in policy, program evaluation, humanitarian work, international development, technology adoption, or organizational change may be a good fit for this stream.
2. AI Systems and Localization
This stream focuses more on the technical side of AI, especially in settings where internet access, computing resources, and reliable infrastructure may be limited.
Possible research topics include:
- Evaluating open-source and open-weight AI models.
- Testing AI systems for humanitarian use cases.
- Comparing locally deployed AI systems with closed, commercial tools.
- Exploring AI solutions for low-connectivity environments.
- Developing simple, user-friendly tools for humanitarian challenges.
- Contributing to collections of prompts and datasets for humanitarian applications.
Who may be suitable?
Applicants with backgrounds in computer science, machine learning, applied data science, or related technical fields may be suitable. Knowledge of, or a strong interest in, humanitarian work is also important. Download the official fellowship announcement (PDF)
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is designed for mid-career to experienced professionals who have strong writing and analytical skills and a genuine interest in responsible AI.
A suitable applicant should demonstrate the ability to work independently, investigate a research question, analyze findings, and communicate results clearly.
Depending on the selected research stream, relevant experience may include:
- Humanitarian or international development programs.
- Research, policy analysis, or program evaluation.
- Artificial intelligence or machine learning.
- Applied data science and AI model evaluation.
- Technology adoption and organizational change.
- Responsible AI, data protection, or AI governance.
The announcement does not limit the opportunity to applicants from one country. Applicants from Ethiopia and other countries can consider applying if they meet the relevant experience requirements.
However, this is not an entry-level AI training program. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate relevant professional experience and the ability to complete an independent research project.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive several benefits.
Remote participation: Fellows can work remotely rather than relocating to another country.
Part-time schedule: The expected commitment is approximately 10 hours per week, making the fellowship potentially suitable for professionals who have other responsibilities.
Research experience: Fellows will investigate real-world challenges involving AI in humanitarian and development work.
Expert guidance: Participants will receive guidance from the fellowship lead and periodic support from relevant subject-matter experts.
Professional recognition: Fellows will be credited as named authors of their research outputs.
Stipend: Fellows will receive a stipend in recognition of their time and contributions. The announcement does not specify the amount; details will be provided to selected candidates.
The fellowship is expected to run from mid-November 2026 through February 2027.
Please note that NetHope will own the research outputs and related intellectual property, including any datasets, prompts, tools, and code. Applicants should review the fellowship agreement for the applicable release and licensing terms. DAAD Scholarship 2026 Ethiopia – Master’s Scholarship in Africa
Documents Required to Apply
Applicants should prepare the following documents and information:
- CV or résumé: Highlight relevant professional experience, research, technical skills, and previous projects.
- Letter of interest: Explain your motivation, relevant experience, and interest in humanitarian or nonprofit work.
- Two to three professional references: Provide suitable professional referees.
- Optional writing sample: You may include a sample that demonstrates your research, analytical, or writing skills.
The letter of interest must also answer three questions:
- What motivates you to apply, and what relevant experience do you bring?
- What is one major AI-related concern or risk in the humanitarian sector, and how could it be reduced?
- Describe an AI tool you have used or evaluated in a real project. What did it fail to do well in the actual context, and how did you identify the problem?
When answering the third question, do not disclose confidential information about an employer or client.
How to Apply for the NetHope Fellowship
Follow these steps to prepare a strong application.
Step 1: Choose your research stream.
Decide whether your experience is more relevant to AI Adoption and Governance or AI Systems and Localization.
Step 2: Update your CV.
Highlight relevant research, professional experience, analytical skills, technical knowledge, and examples of completed projects.
Step 3: Prepare your letter of interest.
Answer all three questions in the announcement. Use specific examples from your experience instead of relying only on general statements about AI.
Step 4: Arrange your references.
Prepare the names and contact details of two to three professional references.
Step 5: Submit your application online.
Use the official application link provided in the fellowship announcement. Submit your materials before the deadline.
NetHope may review applications and select candidates before the closing date, so applicants should not wait until the final hours.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the NetHope Humanitarian AI Research Fellowship 2026 is October 9, 2026.
The fellowship is scheduled to begin in mid-November 2026 and continue through February 2027.
Because the application window is short, interested candidates should prepare their documents and submit them as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NetHope Humanitarian AI Research Fellowship open to international applicants?
Yes. The announcement describes the fellowship as internationally open and remote.
Can applicants from Ethiopia apply?
Applicants from Ethiopia can consider applying because the opportunity is internationally open. However, they should ensure that their experience and qualifications match the requirements of their chosen research stream.
Is the fellowship fully remote?
Yes. The fellowship is remote and part-time, with an expected commitment of approximately 10 hours per week.
Does the fellowship provide financial support?
Yes. Selected fellows receive a stipend. The exact amount is not stated in the announcement.
Do I need a background in computer science?
Not necessarily. Applicants interested in AI Adoption and Governance may come from policy, program evaluation, humanitarian systems, international development, or related fields. The AI Systems and Localization stream is more technical.
What is the final application date?
The deadline is October 9, 2026.
Where can I apply?
Apply through the official application link in the NetHope fellowship announcement. Check the original announcement carefully before submitting your documents.
Final Takeaway
The NetHope Humanitarian AI Research Fellowship 2026 is an opportunity for experienced professionals to contribute to responsible AI research while working remotely. It may suit applicants with backgrounds in humanitarian work, international development, policy, research, computer science, machine learning, or data science.
If you have relevant experience and a clear research interest, prepare your CV, letter of interest, and professional references now.
Deadline: October 9, 2026.