Application Guide

How to Apply for AI Policy Research Fellowship (x2)

at INHR

🏢 About INHR

INHR is a nonprofit dedicated to democratizing access to the United Nations, focusing on amplifying the voices of small and mid-sized states and NGOs. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that bridges the gap between global policy and underrepresented stakeholders, with a unique niche in AI governance at the international level.

About This Role

This fellowship places you at the intersection of cutting-edge AI policy and global governance, supporting INHR's research on frontier AI risks and mitigation strategies. You'll be instrumental in shaping how smaller nations and NGOs engage with AI policy at the UN, making your work directly impactful on international AI governance frameworks.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing the latest AI governance news and literature, then drafting a summary for an upcoming UN briefing. You might attend an expert meeting via Zoom, take detailed notes, and spend the afternoon turning those notes into a structured readout for the team. You'll also have time to work on your own research project, collaborating with the team virtually to refine ideas and prepare for upcoming international events.

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🎯 Who INHR Is Looking For

  • A background in AI policy, international relations, or a related field, with a strong grasp of frontier AI technologies and their societal impacts.
  • Exceptional research and writing skills, able to distill complex AI governance literature into clear, concise briefs for diverse audiences.
  • Detail-oriented note-taker with experience in documenting expert meetings and producing structured, actionable readouts.
  • Self-motivated and organized, capable of working independently in a remote setting while meeting tight deadlines for UN event support.

📝 Tips for Applying to INHR

1

Highlight any direct experience with AI governance research or policy work, even if it was academic or volunteer-based, and show how it aligns with INHR's mission.

2

Demonstrate your ability to synthesize information quickly by providing a writing sample or portfolio that showcases your research and summarization skills.

3

Mention any familiarity with UN processes or international policy events, as this will show you understand the context in which INHR operates.

4

Tailor your application to emphasize your interest in helping smaller states and NGOs, not just AI policy in general, to show alignment with INHR's core mission.

5

In your cover letter, propose a specific research topic you'd like to explore during the fellowship, showing initiative and alignment with the role's research component.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for making AI governance inclusive and accessible to underrepresented nations and NGOs.', 'Specific examples of your research and writing experience, particularly in synthesizing complex information for policy audiences.', 'Your ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks, as the role involves remote work and supporting various events.', "Your familiarity with AI risk mitigation strategies and why you're excited to contribute to INHR's research team."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore INHR's website and recent publications to understand their current AI research focus and past projects.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the UN's AI governance initiatives, such as the UN Secretary-General's AI Advisory Body, to understand the policy landscape.
  • → Look into the specific challenges small and mid-sized states face in UN AI policy discussions, and how INHR addresses them.
  • → Review the latest frontier AI risk literature (e.g., from OpenAI, DeepMind, or academic sources) to be prepared to discuss mitigation strategies.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss a recent AI governance policy paper and its implications for small states or NGOs.
2 How would you approach summarizing a complex expert meeting into a concise readout? Provide an example.
3 What do you see as the biggest challenges in making UN AI policy processes more inclusive?
4 Describe your experience with conducting literature reviews and how you ensure accuracy and relevance.
5 How would you manage your time when supporting multiple events and research projects simultaneously?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter; make it clear you've researched INHR and this specific fellowship.
  • Avoid focusing only on technical AI aspects without connecting them to policy and governance implications.
  • Don't overlook the importance of note-taking and documentation; emphasize your organizational skills and attention to detail in your application.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: August 21, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to INHR!

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