Apply for the UNFCCC–UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme 2025/26 (Funded to Bonn, Germany)
Launch Your Climate Policy Career on the Global Stage
The UNFCCC–UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme provides an exceptional opportunity for young professionals from developing countries to gain first-hand experience at the intersection of international climate policy and academic research.
Jointly offered by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the United Nations University (UNU), this fellowship is designed to equip early-career talent with the skills, networks, and insights needed to shape climate action at both national and global levels.
Programme Overview
Fellows selected for the UNFCCC–UNU programme will be hosted in Bonn, Germany, working within the UNFCCC Secretariat and/or UNU. The fellowship offers a professional and multicultural environment where policy meets science and innovation.
- Duration: 12 to 24 months
- Location: Bonn, Germany
- Host Institutions: UNFCCC Secretariat and United Nations University (UNU)
Fellows contribute to UNFCCC or UNU workstreams related to climate change mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, data and technology, loss and damage, capacity-building, and other priority areas aligned with global climate policy processes.
What Fellows Can Expect
- Immersive professional experience within the UN system
- Opportunities to contribute to global climate negotiations and processes
- Mentorship from seasoned experts in climate policy and research
- Capacity building and training tailored to international climate governance
- Post-fellowship career prospects in home countries, UN agencies, international organizations, or climate-focused institutions
The programme is structured to serve as a launchpad for impactful careers in the climate sector.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is open to early-career professionals from developing countries, with a strong academic background and demonstrated interest in climate and sustainability issues. The programme strongly encourages women, especially from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), to apply.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a national of a developing country
- Hold at minimum a master’s degree in a climate-related discipline (e.g., environmental science, policy, economics, law, engineering, social sciences)
- Have no more than three years of professional experience in a relevant field
- Demonstrated interest in international climate policy, negotiations, or climate research
- Proficiency in English (additional UN languages are a plus)
- Strong analytical, communication, and intercultural skills
Candidates will be assessed based on the alignment of their skills and experience with the specific needs of the UNFCCC and UNU work programmes.
Application Process
Fellowship applications are accepted only during open calls, which are announced on the official programme website. Interested candidates should:
- Check for open calls on the UNU-EHS or UNFCCC websites.
- Prepare required documents, which typically include:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Submit the application online through the designated portal during the open call period.
Unsolicited applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after each call closes.
When to Apply
There is no rolling admission for this fellowship. Calls for applications are periodically announced, and each cohort has specific selection timelines. All prospective applicants are advised to regularly monitor the official website for the latest updates, deadlines, and application instructions.
Apply here (link opens in a new tab)
Contact & Further Information
For general inquiries regarding the fellowship, applicants may contact:
[email protected] or visit official website
Due to the high volume of applications, individual feedback or updates on application status cannot be provided.
Why This Fellowship Matters
As the global climate crisis intensifies, inclusive, skilled, and visionary leadership is more critical than ever. The UNFCCC–UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme invests in the next generation of climate leaders from the Global South—those who will shape more equitable and sustainable futures for their communities and the world.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official 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.
