NLUD X UNICEF Justice for Children Research Fellowship 2025-26

If you are an early-career lawyer, legal researcher, or law graduate passionate about child rights and justice, the NLUD Justice for Children Research Fellowship 2025-26 (in collaboration with UNICEF) is a compelling opportunity to transform your interest into meaningful scholarship and advocacy.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: National Law University, Delhi, India

• Collaborator: NLUD Chair on Justice for Children (NLU Delhi) in collaboration with UNICEF

• Position: Research Fellowship (for law graduates / early researchers)

• Target group: Young law graduates / early-career professionals interested in child rights and justice

• Focus: Child rights law; access to justice for children in conflict / protection; POCSO Act; juvenile justice; litigation research

• Timeline: 9 months, starting 15 December 2025 

• Deadline to Apply: 15 November 2025

• Start Date: 15 December 2025

• Coverage / Award Value: (Not publicly specified in call)

⚖️ Fellowship Overview

The NLUD-UNICEF “Justice for Children” initiative is anchored under the newly established Chair on Justice for Children at NLU Delhi, launched in August 2025. The Chair aims to build knowledge, strengthen practice, and enhance access to justice for children across India by combining research, litigation, and advocacy.

As part of its pilot phase, the Chair will run a flagship program comprising 4 research fellows and 4 litigation fellows. The Research Fellowship stream (this call) is for the research fellows.

✏️ Key Deliverables

During the course of the fellowship, selected research fellows will:

• Contribute to the NLUD Chair Quarterly Newsletter supported by UNICEF, including:

  • Updates on legal developments, policy changes, judicial decisions

  • Opinion pieces, interviews with experts, “notes from the field” drawing on litigation and ground experiences

• Produce White Papers (NLUD Chair White Paper Series) on the implementation of the POCSO Act, 2012, by analyzing judgments/orders, identifying challenges, and recommending best/practice strategies

• Engage in legal research, policy analysis, and possibly field data or case studies in the domain of child rights and juvenile justice

Thus, the Fellowship is not merely observational but expects substantive research contributions intended for publication and policy influence.

🎁 Benefits & Support

While the official call does not clearly specify a stipend or financial support amount, the following benefits and support are likely or implied (or areas to clarify with the organizers):

• Access to the academic, institutional, and network resources of NLU Delhi and the newly formed Chair

• Mentorship, guidance, and supervision on research and publication

• Visibility and prestige associated with being part of a UNICEF-affiliated legal initiative

• Publication and dissemination opportunities via newsletters, white papers, and possibly policy forums

• Possibility of networking with child rights experts, legal practitioners, judges, activists, etc., via interviews and outreach components

• Potential (though not guaranteed) coverage of research-related expenses or modest monthly allowance (to be confirmed)

You should verify with the organizers whether the Fellowship includes a stipend, travel support, or other cost reimbursements.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Essential Requirements

To qualify, you must typically meet:

1. Educational Qualification: Law graduate (LL.B. or B.A. LL.B.)

2. Knowledge & Experience:

   • Strong understanding of child rights law, procedural and substantive (e.g. POCSO, Juvenile Justice Act)

   • Demonstrable experience or interest in child rights research or related work

3. Skills:

   • Excellent legal writing in English

   • Proficiency with MS Word, PowerPoint

   • (Desirable) Familiarity with Excel, AI / data / graphic design / social media tools

Desirable (but not mandatory)

• A higher degree (LL.M. or equivalent) in Law, Social Sciences, or related fields

• Skills in data analysis, visualization, design, social media outreach

• Past advocacy, litigation, or field exposure in child rights domain

📝 Application Procedure

1. Online Application: Applicants apply through this Google Form 

   • Do not submit materials by post or e-mail unless explicitly requested.

2. Shortlisting: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a further interview or assessment stage.

📃 Documents / Components Generally Required

Though the detailed list is in the official call, typical requirements include:

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume

• Cover letter / statement of purpose (explaining interest in child justice research)

• Writing sample / legal research paper or published work (if any)

• Academic transcripts and proof of degree

• References or recommendation letters (if asked)

• Possibly a short research proposal or idea in child rights domain

Be sure to check the official call PDF (hosted by NLUD) for the precise list.

💫 Important Tips & Considerations

• Clarify Stipend / Allowances: Since the call does not clearly mention the financial support, inquire via the contact email (e.g. unicefchair@nludelhi.ac.in) whether there is any monthly stipend, travel grant, or research cost reimbursement.

• Showcase Relevant Experience: Emphasize past research, internships, casework, or writing in child rights, juvenile justice, or related legal fields.

• Propose Impactful Research Ideas: A strong research proposal or idea (aligned with POCSO implementation, case law analysis, field challenges) may help distinguish your application.

• Be mindful of deadlines: Application closes 15 November 2025, so prepare materials well in advance.

• Engage with stakeholders: If possible, speak informally to experts, NGOs, or academics in child rights to sharpen your research questions.

• Use multi-modal skills: If you can combine legal writing, data/AI tools, graphics, or social media outreach, your application will stand out (these are noted as desirable in the call).

🔗 Apply Now

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