Fully Funded UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship 2025 for Mid-Career Professionals from LDCs and SIDS – Apply Now

Deadline: 3 August 2025
Duty Station: Bonn, Germany
Duration: One year, with the possibility of extension for another year (maximum two years)
Publication Date: 23 June 2025

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is inviting applications for its fully funded CAPACITY Fellowship Programme 2025. This prestigious fellowship targets mid-career professionals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to build their capacity as climate negotiators and enhance the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

About the UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship Programme

The fellowship programme aims to:

• Support innovative analytical work on climate change within sustainable development

• Promote a network of climate change experts to drive creative solutions

• Encourage leadership potential among promising mid-career professionals in climate policy and negotiations

Who Can Apply

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be nationals of and employed by a government organization (including ministries, research institutions, or educational institutions) in an LDC or SIDS Party

• Hold a master’s degree in international relations, climate change, environmental studies, engineering, economics, finance, management, development studies, social sciences, or a related field (or a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience)

• Have at least three years of research and writing experience in climate change, environmental development, or related fields

• Be proficient in English (spoken and written). Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable

• Be under 40 years old by the application deadline

What the Fellowship Offers

This fully funded fellowship includes:

• A monthly stipend of EUR 4500

• Return trip to Bonn organized by the UNFCCC Secretariat

• In-house training in UNFCCC substantive mandates, digital skills, and leadership competencies

• Mentorship and coaching tailored to the fellow’s professional development goals

Fellowship Responsibilities

Fellows will join the Mitigation Division in Bonn, working in the Markets and Non-Markets Support and Stakeholders Interaction Subdivision. Responsibilities include:

Article 6 Capacity Building

• Supporting strategies and work programmes for capacity building on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

• Developing digital tools, training modules, and e-learning products

• Strengthening partnerships with governments, UN agencies, regional bodies, development banks, academia, and private sector actors

• Facilitating global and regional climate events, workshops, and consultations

Article 6.2 Review

• Analyzing policy and methodological issues for Article 6 technical expert reviews

• Implementing technical reviews, updating reference manuals, and supporting training sessions

• Drafting technical papers and reports to inform climate negotiations and implementation

Article 6 Regulatory Development

• Drafting and revising regulatory documents for the Article 6.4 mechanism and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

• Ensuring consistency, managing document classification and versioning, and supporting editorial standards

Article 6 Engagement and Carbon Pricing

• Researching global and domestic carbon markets and non-market climate policies

• Preparing policy papers and analytical notes to support Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

• Designing and implementing stakeholder engagement activities with policymakers and technical partners

Benefits of the Fellowship

By the end of the fellowship, fellows will:

• Build strong networks with global climate change stakeholders

• Gain expertise in carbon markets, mitigation policy, and Article 6 implementation

• Acquire experience in project development, management, and partnership building

• Understand UNFCCC processes and intergovernmental negotiations

• Enhance their skills in communication, digital tools, knowledge management, and international collaboration

• Develop transferable competencies such as innovative thinking, diplomacy, and technological literacy

Selection Process

The process involves:

1. Assessment of technical and professional knowledge

2. Final interview to evaluate competencies and aptitudes

Shortlisted candidates must provide:

• Employer’s permission for leave of absence during the fellowship

• Written certification of intention to integrate acquired knowledge into governmental work and return for at least six months after the fellowship

How to Apply

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

Please Note:

• This fellowship is not intended for students or to support advanced degree fieldwork (e.g. PhD research)

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews

Why Apply for the UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship 2025

This fully funded fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity to:

• Strengthen your expertise in climate negotiations and carbon market mechanisms

• Advance your career in international climate policy and development

• Contribute meaningfully to the implementation of the Paris Agreement in your country and globally

For full details and to submit your application, visit Apply link or  the UNFCCC Fellowship Page