The United Nations (UN) 2026 Global Pulse Accelerator Programme

Job Description

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Applications are now open for the UN Global Pulse Accelerator Programme 2026, a United Nations initiative designed to help scale innovative solutions that have been piloted successfully and demonstrate tangible positive outcomes. The programme supports UN-led teams in developing sustainable, realistic, and impactful scaling strategies for their innovations. The most compelling projects will receive a grant and tailored mentoring to implement their scale-up plans.

Application Deadline: 11 February 2026, 11:59 PM EST

Who Can Apply

The programme is open to UN-led teams or collaborations between multiple UN agencies and/or external partners. Eligible projects must:

• Demonstrate readiness to transition to scale
• Show tangible results in development or humanitarian contexts
• Leverage data, digital technologies, and/or AI as enabling components
• Align with the UN’s outcomes for people and planet, UN80 priorities, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Innovation Requirements

Applications will be considered if your project:

• Is led by a UN entity or co-led with a partner
• Addresses one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Has been piloted at least once in the local context with evidence of positive outcomes
• Integrates data, digital technologies, or AI effectively
• Demonstrates consideration for human rights, gender equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Follows a human-centered, co-creation approach in innovation design

Global Pulse Accelerator Programme Details

• Workshop Location: Finland
• Workshop Dates: 8 – 12 June 2026
• Travel arrangements will be provided for participants, including economy-class flights to arrive the evening before and depart the day after the workshop
• Note: DSA, terminal expenses, or additional costs are not covered

Team Requirements

Each participating team must:

• Consist of 3 members working directly on the project
• Commit to participating in the full workshop series in June 2026
• Ensure the project has organizational support and leadership endorsement
• If selected for the grant, be able to enter a UN-to-UN agreement and commit to a 6–8 month mentoring phase

Benefits

• Grant funding for selected projects
• Tailored mentoring and coaching for scale-up implementation
• Opportunity to enhance UN-led solutions impacting development and humanitarian outcomes