Applications are now open for the UNFCCC-UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme for young people from developing countries

Ednah Carrick October 2, 2025

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Closing Date: 31 October 2025

Applications are now open for the UNFCCC-UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme for young people from developing countries

Overview

The UNFCCC-UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme offers young people from developing countries a unique opportunity to start their career at the interface between international climate policy development and research. Fellowships may last from twelve months to two years, and Fellows will be selected based on their skills and backgrounds vis-à-vis the needs of UNU and UNFCCC.

Upon completion of the UNFCCC-UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme, the Early Career Climate Fellows will be able to work in their home countries or internationally, deploying the valuable experience and insights they have gained in Bonn. Academically outstanding young graduates from developing countries who are in the early stages of their career, especially women from least developed countries, are encouraged to apply.

Fellowships will last for one year, with the possibility of an extension of one further year, subject to satisfactory performance. Fellows will be selected based on their skills and backgrounds vis-à-vis the respective purviews and foci of UNU-EHS/VIE and UNFCCC. Upon completion of the UNFCCC – UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme, the Early Career Climate Fellows will be able to work in their home countries or internationally, deploying the valuable experience and insights they have gained in Bonn. A maximum of 12 fellowships will be awarded per call/cohort.

Qualifications

Requirements

Applicants must originate from a developing country and be 32 years or younger at the time of application. In the case of applicants holding dual nationality, in order to be eligible to apply, one nationality must correspond to a least developed country, and the candidate must have lived in the least developed country for a minimum of six (6) years.
In addition, applicants must be enrolled in their final term, or have graduated from an advanced university degree (master’s, doctorate, or equivalent), with top marks in fields relevant to the work of UNU-EHS/VIE and UNFCCC .
Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Proven engagement in related extracurricular activities is an asset.
No professional experience is required, but candidates with up to, but not exceeding, two years of relevant professional experience can be considered (this includes experience acquired within the framework of, amongst others, internships, student assistant positions, research assistant positions and similar, be it full-time or part-time). All work experience acquired to date will be considered in reviewing a candidate’s eligibility for the programme.
Candidates should have recently graduated with an advanced university degree (Master’s, doctorate, or equivalent), or be enrolled in their final semester, in fields related to climate change and environment, communications, international relations, or a related field;
Candidates should provide evidence of top academic performance (i.e. scholarships, graduation with honors, etc.) from a graduate school programme (i.e. Master’s or doctorate).

N.B.: Candidates do not require international work experience in order to be eligible to apply. Furthermore, candidates who have graduated from countries in the Global South are actively encouraged to apply: experience of studying/working in the Global North is not a requirement nor an advantage – selection will be based on merit, not on the geographic location of the awarding degree institution/(former) employer.

Applicants should display an interest in the interface between international climate policy and research. Furthermore, applicants should be highly motivated to work and learn in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment. Strong written and spoken English skills are essential to participate in the programme. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Applicants should demonstrate they also possess relevant key competences required for this fellowship, in line with the UN Values and Behaviours Framework and the respective placements at both organizations.

The Application Process

Please note: applications will only be accepted during the open call.

A complete application package consists of the following mandatory documents:

A cover letter (maximum 1 page in length) setting out how the qualifications, experience and future career goals match the requirements of the programme and preferred working areas at UNU-EHS/VIE and UNFCCC
An up-to-date CV (maximum 2 pages in length);
A completed and signed UNU Personal History Form (P11); and
Copies of all academic transcripts/degree certificates to date saved in one PDF file.