Call for Applications: UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship Programme – 3 Positions Available

Deadline: 03 August 2025
Announcement No.: 25/FP04/M
Location: Bonn, Germany
Duration: One year (with the possibility of a one-year extension)
Expected Start Date: As soon as possible

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is pleased to announce three Fellowship opportunities under its CAPACITY Fellowship Programme, hosted within the Markets and Non-Markets Support and Stakeholders Interaction Subdivision, part of the Mitigation Division. These roles support implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, focusing on carbon markets, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory development.

This prestigious programme is designed to enhance capacity among mid-career professionals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It equips fellows with practical experience, global networks, and strategic knowledge, strengthening both individual and institutional capacity to address climate change challenges.

About the CAPACITY Fellowship Programme

The CAPACITY Programme aims to:

• Support innovative work at the intersection of climate change and sustainable development.
• Cultivate a global network of emerging leaders and technical experts.
• Build institutional capacity through applied learning in real-world UNFCCC processes.

Fellowships are awarded to individuals but must align with the developmental needs of the applicant’s home government or institution. Fellows are expected to return to their institutions and contribute to national climate strategies after completion.

Fellowship Streams and Responsibilities

Fellows will be assigned to one of the following functional areas within the Markets and Non-Markets Subdivision:

1. Article 6 Capacity Building Unit

• Support strategy implementation and work plan delivery for Article 6 capacity building.
• Co-develop digital learning tools and modules for governments and stakeholders.
• Facilitate partnerships with multilateral institutions, development banks, UN bodies, and NGOs.
• Organize regional consultations, technical workshops, and outreach events.
• Contribute to knowledge products, training materials, and strategic communications.

2. Article 6.2 Review Unit

• Support Article 6 technical expert review processes and documentation.
• Maintain review-related content on UNFCCC communication platforms.
• Assist in developing training and capacity-building materials for review experts.
• Contribute to the Article 6.2 Reference Manual and annual synthesis reports.

3. Article 6 Regulatory Development and Carbon Pricing

• Support drafting and revision of regulatory texts under Article 6.4 and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
• Analyze global carbon pricing trends and assess implications for NDC implementation.
• Assist in stakeholder engagement strategies to promote use of markets and non-market mechanisms.
• Conduct technical research, contribute to policy papers, and support events and dialogues.

Who Should Apply?

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a national of an LDC or SIDS country (UN-recognized list only).
• Be currently employed by a government, ministry, or public institution (including universities or research centres).
• Be under 40 years of age at the time of application deadline.
• Hold at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., climate change, environmental science, economics, policy, development, international relations). A bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted.
• Have at least three years of professional experience related to climate change or environmental issues.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

What Fellows Will Gain

Successful fellows will benefit from:

• Direct mentorship from UNFCCC staff.
• Professional development in international climate policy, regulation, and implementation.
• Networking with high-level climate negotiators, technical experts, and stakeholders.
• Experience working within the structures of the Paris Agreement, especially on Article 6 implementation.
• A broad skill set in strategy, communications, digital tools, and stakeholder coordination.

The monthly stipend is EUR 4,500, including allowances. The UNFCCC will cover the cost of travel to and from Bonn.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit applications via the UNFCCC recruitment portal.

Deadline: 03 August 2025 (23:59 CET)

Shortlisted applicants will undergo:

• A technical knowledge assessment.
• A final interview evaluating skills, motivation, and suitability.

Important: If selected, applicants must obtain official permission from their employer to take leave for the fellowship and commit to return for at least six months post-fellowship. Institutions must also confirm the relevance of the training to their climate objectives.

Please Note

• This programme is not open to students or candidates seeking funding for a degree.
• Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

Join the UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship Programme and help shape the future of global climate governance—while building your leadership skills, expanding your network, and supporting your country’s climate ambitions.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding