Justice for Children Research Fellowship – Apply Now for November 2025 Opportunity
About the Organization / University
The Justice for Children Research Fellowship at National Law University Delhi (NLUD), in collaboration with UNICEF, is a prestigious opportunity for graduates passionate about advancing child rights within the justice system. The fellowship has been established under the aegis of the NLUD Chair on Justice for Children, a leading academic and research initiative that focuses on the protection, rehabilitation, and empowerment of children in need of care and protection, as well as those in conflict with the law.
NLUD is one of India’s premier law universities, known for its strong research focus and active engagement with justice reform, social policy, and rights-based frameworks. Through this collaboration with UNICEF, the university aims to strengthen child-centric research, policy advocacy, and documentation of promising practices that improve access to justice for children across India.
The Justice for Children Research Fellowship represents a critical step in nurturing a new generation of legal researchers committed to advancing child justice reform. This initiative provides participants with the opportunity to conduct empirical and policy-driven research on legal, procedural, and institutional aspects of child protection.
About the Fellowship / Opportunity
The NLUD–UNICEF Justice for Children Research Fellowship is a nine-month, full-time contractual position starting December 15, 2025, based at the National Law University Delhi campus. It offers selected candidates a monthly stipend of INR 50,000, providing both financial support and academic mentorship throughout the fellowship.
This program is ideal for law graduates seeking in-depth research exposure and practical engagement in the field of child rights and justice. Fellows will work closely with faculty, researchers, and field experts to produce accessible and evidence-based scholarship addressing key challenges faced by children in the Indian legal system.
The research fellows will contribute to:
- NLUD Chair Quarterly Newsletter (supported by UNICEF) – featuring legal updates, policy analyses, expert interviews, and “notes from the field.”
- NLUD Chair White Paper Series on Implementation of the POCSO Act, 2012 – a rigorous research publication analyzing judicial orders and identifying challenges and best practices in enforcing child protection laws.
The fellowship seeks to develop thought leadership and research competence in young professionals who aspire to contribute meaningfully to legal and policy discourse surrounding child rights.
Event Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | October 2025 |
| Application Deadline | November 15, 2025 |
| Fellowship Period | December 15, 2025 – September 15, 2026 |
Location and Mode
Mode: Offline (Full-time Research Fellowship)
Location / Address: National Law University Delhi, Sector 14, Dwarka, New Delhi – 110078
Format and Structure
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 months |
| Working Hours | Full-time commitment (as per NLUD schedule) |
| Supervisor / Mentor | NLUD Chair on Justice for Children (in collaboration with UNICEF) |
| Employment Type | Contractual |
| Stipend | INR 50,000 per month |
Eligibility & Requirements
Applicants must hold a Law degree (LL.B. or B.A. LL.B.) from a recognized institution. They should demonstrate an active interest in child rights, criminal justice, and policy research.
Essential Requirements:
- Updated knowledge of substantive and procedural child rights law, including POCSO Act and Juvenile Justice Act.
- Prior research experience in the field of child rights.
- Proven legal writing and research skills.
- Proficiency in English (written and verbal).
- Familiarity with MS Word and PowerPoint.
Desirable Requirements:
- LL.M. or equivalent Master’s degree in Law, Social Science, or related field.
- Proficiency in MS Excel, AI-based research tools, or graphic design software.
- Understanding of social media outreach and communication tools.
This fellowship is ideal for law graduates who wish to deepen their understanding of child rights law, develop research-based advocacy skills, and contribute to improving justice delivery mechanisms for vulnerable children.
Additional Highlights
• Stipend: INR 50,000 per month
• Certificate of Completion from NLUD and UNICEF upon successful completion
• Mentorship by leading child rights experts and legal researchers
• Exposure to cutting-edge policy and judicial research on child justice
• Publication opportunities in NLUD Chair’s Quarterly Newsletter and White Paper Series
• Professional networking with judges, lawyers, and human rights advocates
FAQs about Justice for Children Research Fellowship
1. Who can apply for the Justice for Children Research Fellowship?
Law graduates (LL.B. or B.A. LL.B.) from recognized universities who have an interest in child rights, legal research, and justice reform are eligible. Applicants should also have demonstrable experience in research or academic work in related areas.
2. Is the Justice for Children Research Fellowship paid or unpaid?
Yes, it is a paid fellowship. Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of INR 50,000 during the nine-month contractual term.
3. What is the last date to apply for the Fellowship?
The last date to apply is November 15, 2025. Applications must be submitted online through the provided Google form link. No applications sent via post or email will be accepted.
4. What is the selection process for the Fellowship?
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage, which includes an interview. The final selection will be based on academic background, research experience, and alignment with the objectives of the Justice for Children Fellowship.
5. Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes, participants who successfully complete the fellowship and fulfill all deliverables will receive a Certificate of Completion from the NLUD Chair on Justice for Children in collaboration with UNICEF.
Important Links
- Application Form: Apply Here
- Google Form Direct Link: NLUD UNICEF Fellowship Application
- Organization Website: NLU Delhi Official Website
Downloadables
• Poster
Contact Information
• Email: unicefchair@nludelhi.ac.in
• Address: National Law University Delhi, Sector 14, Dwarka, New Delhi – 110078
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