The 2025 UNNF Strategic Needs Fellowship Application Process is Now Open! (Fully-funded)
UNNF Strategic Needs Fellowship 2025 – Call for Applications
The 2025 Strategic Needs Fellowship application process is now open, offering an exceptional opportunity for government officials from the most vulnerable States to enhance their capacity in ocean affairs and the law of the sea.
Application Deadline: 30 March 2025
Fellowship Objectives
The Strategic Needs Fellowship aims to support government officials from least developed countries, small island developing States, and landlocked developing countries by providing customized training on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related international frameworks. The training will focus on critical capacity gaps identified by the respective States, helping fellows address strategically important ocean-related issues, including SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and other relevant SDGs.
Upon completion, fellows are expected to return to their positions and apply the knowledge gained to advance their countries’ ocean governance and law of the sea policies.
Fellowship Conditions
The fellowship includes travel, stipend payments, visas, medical clearance, insurance, and housing. Detailed information on these conditions can be found on the Fellowship Conditions page.
Fellowship Structure
The program consists of a four-month training at the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The customized training will address the high-priority needs identified by the candidate’s State and build their capacity to assist in implementing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Fellows will participate in additional learning activities, undertake assignments, and develop an ocean governance matrix. Depending on needs, fellows may also have the opportunity to undertake a learning placement with the UN Secretariat or a specialized agency.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Between 25 and 45 years.
- Academic Background: A first-level university degree.
- Professional Experience: Government officials from developing countries directly dealing with ocean affairs, maritime policy, marine conservation, maritime security, and related issues.
- Study Programme: Must contribute to the State’s formulation or implementation of ocean affairs and law of the sea policies.
- Availability: Must be free of other obligations during the fellowship period, unless authorized.
Nominations must be submitted by a Nominating Authority (government official) who can attest to the candidate’s work and the direct relevance of the fellowship to their national priorities.
Gender and Geographical Diversity: The program is committed to a 50/50 gender balance and diversity in geographical representation, with female candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Government officials can be nominated for this fellowship by submitting the required Nomination and Recommendation Form and application documents. Applications must be received by 30 March 2025.
For more information and to apply, please visit the UNNF Strategic Needs Fellowship page.
Testimonials from Past Fellows
“The fellowship program provided me with invaluable insight into ocean governance and law of the sea. The exposure to experts and the opportunity to collaborate with peers has greatly enhanced my professional outlook and clarity on the path forward.” — Critical Needs Fellow, The Bahamas.
This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for emerging leaders in ocean policy to deepen their expertise and contribute to their countries’ efforts in addressing critical global ocean challenges.
