UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship 2026 in Germany (Fully Funded) for Climate Change Professionals from Lusophone SIDS & LDCs

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has officially opened applications for the prestigious CAPACITY Fellowship Programme 2026 in Bonn, Germany. This fully funded international fellowship is designed to strengthen climate change adaptation expertise among professionals from Lusophone Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Funded by the Government of Portugal, the programme supports mid-career climate professionals working in government institutions and educational organizations to build technical capacity and contribute to the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

If you are a climate change professional from Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, or Timor-Leste, this is a major opportunity to gain hands-on experience with global climate negotiations and adaptation planning at the UNFCCC secretariat.

Fellowship Summary

• Host Organization: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• Programme: CAPACITY Fellowship Programme
• Location: Bonn
• Duration: One year
• Application Deadline: 8 June 2026
• Monthly Stipend: EUR 4,500
• Travel Support: Round-trip travel to Germany covered
• Target Countries: Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste
• Expected Start Date: As soon as possible

About the UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship Programme

The CAPACITY Fellowship Programme (Capacity Award Programme to Advance Capabilities and Institutional Training in One Year) aims to strengthen climate expertise in vulnerable countries by supporting young and mid-career professionals working on climate adaptation and sustainable development.

The fellowship focuses on:

• Building local climate expertise
• Supporting innovative climate adaptation research
• Strengthening institutional capacity
• Promoting leadership in climate negotiations and policy implementation
• Enhancing implementation of the Paris Agreement

The selected fellow will work within the Adaptation Division of the UNFCCC secretariat, specifically under the LEG/NAP Unit of the Response Subdivision.

Fellowship Location and Work Area

The fellow will be based in Bonn, Germany, and support the work of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) and the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) process.

The role focuses on:

• Climate adaptation planning
• Support for developing countries
• National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)
• Climate negotiations
• Monitoring adaptation implementation
• Technical assistance to LDCs and SIDS

The fellow will contribute to the UN4NAPs initiative, which provides technical support to countries through collaboration with more than 50 UN and intergovernmental organizations.

Fellowship Responsibilities

Selected fellows will support several important activities, including:

1. Supporting Climate Negotiations and Intergovernmental Processes

• Prepare technical analyses and documentation
• Support negotiations related to adaptation and LDCs
• Draft climate adaptation studies and reports

2. Supporting National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)

• Assist developing countries in NAP formulation and implementation
• Support technical guidance and training materials
• Participate in workshops and stakeholder engagement activities

3. Monitoring Adaptation Plans and Climate Data

• Maintain adaptation databases and web systems
• Support interaction with national focal points
• Conduct climate adaptation research and policy analysis
• Analyze adaptation progress and implementation gaps

4. Additional Technical Support

• Contribute to adaptation-related projects and initiatives
• Support the goals and objectives of the Adaptation Division

Benefits of the UNFCCC Fellowship

This fully funded fellowship offers substantial professional and financial benefits, including:

Financial Benefits

• Monthly stipend of EUR 4,500
• Travel expenses to and from Germany fully covered

Professional Benefits

• Exposure to UN climate negotiations
• Experience working within the UN system
• Hands-on involvement in global climate policy processes
• Networking with international climate experts
• Technical experience in adaptation planning and implementation

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must be nationals of and currently working in one of the following Lusophone SIDS or LDCs:

• Angola
• Cabo Verde
• Guinea-Bissau
• Mozambique
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Timor-Leste

Employment Requirements

Applicants must currently work in:

• Government institutions
• Ministries
• Educational institutions
• Research institutes
• Public organizations

Educational Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Master’s degree in:
  • Environmental Science
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Development Studies
  • Or related disciplines

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree plus two additional years of relevant experience may also qualify.

Professional Experience

Applicants must have:

• At least three years of professional experience in climate change
• Experience in adaptation planning and implementation

Language Requirements

• Strong written and spoken English is required
• Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

• Maximum 40 years old by the application deadline

Required Employer Commitments

Shortlisted candidates may later need to provide:

• Permission for leave of absence during the fellowship
• Commitment to return to their institution after the fellowship
• Confirmation that the fellowship aligns with institutional climate priorities
• Confirmation that acquired knowledge will support government climate work

Selection Process

The selection process may include:

• Technical assessment
• Professional evaluation
• Final interview

The UNFCCC secretariat also aims to ensure gender balance during selection.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates should apply through the official UNFCCC recruitment portal.

Application Link

http://unfccc.int/secretariat/employment/recruitment

Deadline

8 June 2026

Why You Should Apply

This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for climate professionals seeking to:

• Build international experience
• Contribute to global climate governance
• Strengthen adaptation expertise
• Expand professional networks
• Gain direct exposure to the Paris Agreement implementation process

For professionals passionate about climate resilience, adaptation policy, and sustainable development, the UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship can be a major career milestone.

Pro Tip for Applicants

Focus your application on demonstrating:

• Practical experience in climate adaptation planning
• Contributions to government or institutional climate initiatives
• Strong analytical and policy skills
• Clear alignment between your work and national adaptation priorities

Also emphasize how the fellowship will strengthen climate action capacity within your institution and country.

For more international fellowships and climate opportunities, visit:
https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=fellowship