Apply now for the UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship Programme for mid-career professionals in Bonn (EUR 4,500 monthly stipend)

Ednah Carrick May 6, 2026

0 1,825 4 minutes read

Closing Date: 8 June 2026

Apply now for the UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship Programme for mid-career professionals in Bonn (EUR 4,500 monthly stipend)

Overview

Thanks to funding from the Government of Portugal, the UNFCCC secretariat is launching a new round
of the Capacity Award Programme to Advance Capabilities and Institutional Training in one Year
(CAPACITY) Fellowship Programme, with the aim of developing the capacity of negotiators and thereby
increasing the level of implementation of the Paris Agreement. The UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship Programme contributes to building capacity for addressing climate change in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) through the development of local professional expertise by:

a. Supporting innovative analytical work on climate change in the context of sustainable development;
b. Promoting a network of experts who can bring creative and innovative options to bear on questions of climate change;
c. Encouraging the leadership potential of young and promising professionals in their fields.

One fellow will be selected from the target group of mid-career professionals who are already employed by a government or national educational institution and who are nationals of, and working in, a Lusophone SIDS or LDC Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Principe, Angola, Mozambique or Timor-Leste.

While fellowships are awarded to individuals, the need for development/training, as described below,
must occur within the context of the organization for which an applicant works. The training must help the organization develop its capacity.

Where will you be working?

This fellowship is located in the UNFCCC secretariat in Bonn, Germany, in the Adaptation Division, and more specifically in the Response Subdivision, which supports developing country Parties, in particular LDCs and SIDS, in assessing impacts, risks and vulnerability and in developing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on national adaptation plans, policies and actions.

The UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship is in the LEG/NAP Unit of the Response Subdivision. Reporting directly to the Unit Team Lead (P-4), you will be accountable for supporting the Unit in achieving its goals. The overall purpose of the Unit is to support the provision of technical support and assistance to developing countries on adaptation planning and implementation

What will you be doing?

Supporting intergovernmental processes on matters relating to Least Developed Countries and national adaptation plans:
a) Prepare substantive technical analyses and documentation to support the negotiations;
b) Compile, analyze and/or draft technical studies on climate change adaptation issues.
Supporting the work under UN4NAPs in relation to Least Developed Country Parties and Small Island Developing States on national adaptation plans:
a) Support provision of guidance to Least Developed Country Parties and Small Island Developing States on the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans, including by supporting the work of the LDC Expert Group (LEG) and its working groups;
b) Support preparation of outreach and training materials, as necessary;
c) Organize and/or make presentations of a general technical nature at training workshops and/or in-country events to engage relevant stakeholders.
Supporting the monitoring and record keeping of adaptation plans:
a) Maintain existing database and develop requirements for the design, testing and operation of the NAP Central web system;
b) Support interaction with national focal points to facilitate data and document submissions on NAPs;
c) Conduct data analysis and oversee the operation of interactive data systems linking to national and local government reporting systems;
d) Under the guidance of the Team Lead, conduct regional, country and/or sectoral research and analyses on climate change adaptation issues and policy developments relevant to the concerns of the secretariat; and
e) Compile and synthesize any relevant information communicated by Parties in the context of assessing progress relating to NAP formulation and implementation, support provided and received, possible needs and gaps as well as information relevant to means of implementation, including for consideration at meetings of LEG.
Performing any other job-related activities required to achieve the goals and objectives of the division and/or secretariat.

What is offered

The fellow will acquire knowledge and experience in the UNFCCC intergovernmental process, including multilateral climate negotiations; support to a constituted body (the LEG); and the development and
implementation of adaptation plans under the Convention and the Paris Agreement for developing
country Parties.

What UNFCCC is looking for?

Educational background

Required: Master’s degree in environmental science, economics, engineering, development studies, or related discipline. A combination of a first-level university degree and an additional two years of relevant work experience may also be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience

Required: At least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the area of climate change, including on issues relating to preparation of adaptation plans and implementation of adaptation actions.

Language skills

Required: Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Desired: Knowledge of another UN official language.

Other requirements

The Fellowship Programme is open to individuals who are
a. Currently employed in a governmental organisation (national, regional, provincial or local), including educational institutions, research institutes and ministries.
b. Nationals of, and working in, a Lusophone SIDS or LDC Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Principe, or Timor-Leste.
c. Maximum of 40 years of age at the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
The secretariat will consider candidates only from Lusophone SIDS or LDC Parties with a view to ensuring gender balance in the selection of candidates

Please note:

This Programme is not intended for students and does not provide financial support for an advanced
degree, such as fieldwork for a PhD degree.
UNFCCC will confirm receipt of your application. However, only candidates who have been confirmed for an interview will receive notice of the outcome of the selection process.
The fixed monthly stipend, including allowances, is EUR 4,500.
The UNFCCC secretariat will organize and pay for travel to Bonn and back to the home country
upon completion of the fellowship