Fully Funded UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship 2025

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Fully Funded UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship 2025. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) offers the CAPACITY Fellowship Programme, a prestigious fully funded opportunity for mid-career professionals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This program aims to enhance the capacity of these countries to address climate change by providing hands-on experience and training within the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany.

Please note: While several application windows for 2025 have already closed (e.g., March 23, 2025), there is a new call for applications with a deadline of August 3, 2025, for three new positions within the Markets and Non-Markets Support and Stakeholders Interaction Subdivision, Mitigation Division. This indicates a rolling or multiple application period for 2025, so continuous monitoring of the official UNFCCC careers page is highly recommended.

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Background & Job Description

The UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship Programme is designed to equip mid-career professionals with the tools, skills, and networks to drive meaningful change in their home countries’ climate action efforts. Fellows work within the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, gaining a deeper understanding of the UN system and the international climate change governance process. The program lasts for one year, with a possibility of extension for another year (maximum two years). The development and training received by the fellows are intended to be applied within the context of their home organization, thereby strengthening institutional capacity to tackle climate change issues and support the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Tasks

Fellows are fully integrated members of the UNFCCC teams and contribute to innovative analytical work on global climate challenges. Specific tasks vary depending on the assigned division (e.g., Markets and Non-Markets, Transparency, Adaptation, Means of Implementation) but generally include:

Supporting the implementation of strategies and work plans related to climate change.
Co-developing digital learning tools and modules.
Organizing regional consultations, technical workshops, and outreach events.
Contributing to knowledge products, training materials, and strategic communications.
Supporting technical expert review processes and documentation (e.g., for Article 6.2).
Maintaining review-related content on UNFCCC communication platforms.
Analyzing global carbon pricing trends and assessing implications for NDC implementation.
Assisting in stakeholder engagement strategies.
Receiving in-house training in substantive mandates, digital skills, and leadership competencies.
Participating in and supporting global climate negotiations and discussions.

Fully Funded UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship 2025

Qualifications

Education and Certification

Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as international relations, climate change, environmental studies, engineering, economics, finance, management, development studies, social sciences, or a related discipline.
A Bachelor’s degree combined with an additional two years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
Knowledge of another UN official language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) is an asset.

Experience

A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in climate change, environmental development, research, or related fields.
Candidates must be currently employed in a governmental organization (national, regional, provincial, or local), including educational institutions, research institutes, and ministries.
Must be a national of an eligible Least Developed Country (LDC) or Small Island Developing State (SIDS) (UN member countries only).
Maximum age of 40 years at the closing date of the Fellowship Opportunity notice.
Must obtain permission from their employer for a leave of absence for the term of the Fellowship and provide written certification that they will return to the Party’s governmental institution for at least six months after the Fellowship.
Employer must provide a written letter of intention that the new knowledge acquired during the fellowship will be integrated into the climate change activities of the government.
This program is not intended for students or to provide support for an advanced degree (e.g., PhD fieldwork).

Additional Information

The UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship is fully funded. Benefits include:

A monthly stipend of EUR 4,500 (including allowances).
The UNFCCC Secretariat organizes and covers the return trip to Bonn, Germany.
Fellows receive direct mentorship from UNFCCC staff.
Opportunities for professional development in international climate policy, regulation, and implementation.
Networking with high-level climate negotiators, technical experts, and stakeholders.
Experience working within the structures of the Paris Agreement.

Application Deadlines and Process: As of July 2025, a new application window for the CAPACITY Fellowship Programme (3 posts in Markets and Non-Markets Support and Stakeholders Interaction Subdivision, Mitigation Division) has opened with a deadline of August 3, 2025 (23:59 CET).

The selection process typically involves:

Assessment of technical/professional knowledge.
An interview to assess skills and aptitudes. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Links to the Programme:

UNFCCC Careers Portal – Fellowship Opportunities: This is the primary official source for all UNFCCC fellowships. Look for current “Fellowship” vacancies.
- Link: https://unfccc.int/secretariat/employment/recruitment
UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship Programme Official Page: Provides general information about the program.
- Link: https://unfccc.int/capacity-fellowship-programme

Keywords:

Fully Funded UNFCCC Fellowship 2025, UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship, climate change fellowship, international climate policy, LDC SIDS fellowship, Bonn Germany, UN climate jobs, climate action, paid fellowship, environmental policy, sustainable development.