Earn a monthly stipend of EUR 4500 as a Fellow at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) offers a prestigious fellowship program designed to empower mid-career professionals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to become leaders in climate policy and negotiations. This program, known as the CAPACITY Fellowship Programme, provides a unique opportunity for individuals to enhance their expertise, build global networks, and contribute to the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Eligibility and Requirements

The UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship Programme is a fully funded initiative that aims to build the capacity of climate professionals from LDCs and SIDS. The program is hosted in Bonn, Germany, at the UNFCCC Secretariat, providing fellows with a platform to gain international experience, engage in policy development, and strengthen their contributions to national climate strategies . The fellowship typically lasts for one year, with the possibility of extension for a second year

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must be nationals of and employed by a government organization (including ministries, research institutions, or educational institutions) in an LDC or SIDS Party . Candidates must also hold a master’s degree in a relevant field such as international relations, climate change, environmental studies, engineering, economics, finance, management, development studies, or social sciences, or possess a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience . Furthermore, applicants should have at least three years of research and writing experience in climate change, environmental development, or related fields and be proficient in English . The age limit for applicants is under 40 years old by the application deadline .

The UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship offers a range of benefits to successful applicants. This fully funded fellowship includes a monthly stipend of EUR 4500 . Additionally, the UNFCCC Secretariat organizes and covers the return trip to Bonn . Fellows receive in-house training in UNFCCC substantive mandates, digital skills, and leadership competencies, along with mentorship and coaching tailored to their professional development goals . By the end of the fellowship, fellows will have built strong networks with global climate change stakeholders, gained expertise in carbon markets, mitigation policy, and Article 6 implementation, and acquired experience in project development, management, and partnership building . They will also understand UNFCCC processes and intergovernmental negotiations and enhance their skills in communication, digital tools, knowledge management, and international collaboration .

Application Process

Eligible mid-career professionals from SIDS and LDCs should apply via the UNFCCC online recruitment portal before the deadline, which is August 3, 2025

The selection process involves an assessment of technical and professional knowledge, followed by a final interview to evaluate competencies and aptitudes . Shortlisted candidates must provide their employer’s permission for a leave of absence during the fellowship and written certification of their intention to integrate acquired knowledge into governmental work and return for at least six months after the fellowship .