FULLY FUNDED TO BONN, GERMANY: Apply for the UNFCCC – UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme (stipends available) Deadline: 31 October, 2025

Applications are open for the UNFCCC – UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme, offering a distinctive opportunity for young professionals from developing countries to launch their careers at the intersection of international climate policy and research. This programme encourages academically exceptional graduates from developing nations who are in the early stages of their professional journeys to apply. Special consideration will be given to women, with the highest priority given to those from Least Developed Countries.

The fellowships are set for a duration of one year, with the potential for a one-year extension depending on performance. Selection will be based on candidates’ skills and backgrounds in relation to the specific focus areas of UNU-EHS/VIE and UNFCCC. Upon completing the programme, fellows will be able to apply the knowledge and insights gained either in their home countries or internationally, leveraging the experience from their time in Bonn.

Applications will be accepted between 1 October 2025 and 31 October 2025, and a maximum of twelve fellowships will be awarded per cohort. Applicants must be from developing countries and be no older than 32 at the time of application. For candidates holding dual nationality, eligibility requires that one nationality is from a least developed country and that they have resided there for at least six years.

Candidates should have completed or be in the final stage of an advanced university degree, such as a master’s or doctorate, with excellent academic performance in fields relevant to UNU-EHS/VIE and UNFCCC. Fluency in English is mandatory, while additional UN official languages are advantageous. Professional experience is not a requirement, though applicants with up to two years of relevant experience, including internships, research assistantships, or part-time work, are eligible. Experience gained in countries of the Global South is equally valued, and studying or working in the Global North is neither required nor confers advantage.

Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in the connection between climate policy and research, as well as motivation to operate in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment. They should exhibit key competencies aligned with the UN Values and Behaviours Framework, including inclusion, integrity, humility, humanity, collaborative skills, analytical planning, results-oriented performance, commitment to learning, and adaptability.

To apply, candidates must submit a complete package including a cover letter of up to one page detailing how their qualifications and career objectives align with the programme and preferred working areas at UNU-EHS/VIE and UNFCCC, a CV of up to two pages, a completed and signed UNU Personal History Form (P11), and copies of all academic transcripts and degree certificates compiled into a single PDF. The application must be submitted through the Recruitee platform, responding to specific questions for the position and indicating one preferred UNU-EHS/VIE division and one UNFCCC division where they wish to be placed. Incomplete submissions or failure to use the official P11 form will not be considered.

Following the application period, shortlisted candidates will be invited to a competency-based interview conducted via Zoom or telephone. Successful candidates will receive notification of selection and be offered a fellowship contract under a UNU Personnel Service Agreement.