UNFCCC – UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship 2025

About the Fellowship

The UNFCCC – UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme offers exceptional young graduates from developing countries the chance to begin their careers at the intersection of climate research, policy, and international cooperation. Hosted in Bonn, Germany, this fellowship provides a transformative experience within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS/VIE). Fellows engage in cutting-edge research, policy analysis, and capacity-building on global climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation. The programme nurtures emerging scholars dedicated to advancing sustainable development, empowering them to bring their expertise back to their home countries or international organisations, contributing to global climate action and equity.

Fellowship / Details

Position Title: UNFCCC – UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme
Host Institution: United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS/VIE)
Administering Body / Funding Agency: United Nations University (UNU) in collaboration with UNFCCC Secretariat
Location: Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
Research Field(s): Climate policy, environmental science, sustainability, adaptation and mitigation, climate governance
Fellowship Type: Full-time Research Fellowship
Level: Early-career
Fellowship Duration: 12 months (extendable by one additional year based on performance)
Expected Start Date: 2026 (following completion of selection process)
Working Hours: As per United Nations institutional norms
Funding/Compensation: Fellowship-based remuneration with support for living expenses in Bonn
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s, Doctorate, or equivalent advanced degree

Supported Research Fields / Areas

Main Subjects:

Climate change policy
Resilience
Environmental risk
Sustainability governance

Interdisciplinary Fields:

Sustainable development
Climate adaptation
Climate mitigation
Transparency
Global mobility
Environmental communication

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Applicants must be nationals of a developing country and 32 years or younger at the time of application
Completion or enrolment in the final term of a Master’s or Doctorate degree with top academic performance
Fluency in English (spoken and written)
Demonstrated interest in international climate policy and research

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience (up to 2 years) in research, policy, or environmental projects (internships, assistantships, etc.)
Participation in climate-related extracurricular or community initiatives
Knowledge of another UN official language

Not Eligible:

Applicants exceeding 32 years of age
Those without a developing-country nationality or residency

Fellowship / Job Benefits

Monthly stipend for living expenses in Bonn
Health and accident insurance coverage
Relocation and visa assistance
Access to professional training, workshops, and international conferences
Networking opportunities with UN climate and research professionals
Institutional office space and research facilities

Key Responsibilities

Contribute to research and policy initiatives within assigned UNU-EHS and UNFCCC divisions
Support data analysis, report preparation, and policy recommendations on climate adaptation and mitigation
Collaborate with international teams on cross-disciplinary research
Participate in meetings, conferences, and communication activities promoting UN climate goals

Application Process

How to Apply:

Submit a complete application through the official Recruitee portal during the open call period.

Required Documents:

Cover letter (1 page) outlining qualifications, research interests, and preferred divisions
Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
Completed and signed UNU Personal History Form (P11)
Copies of all academic transcripts and degree certificates (in one PDF file)