UNFCCC – UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme

OPPORTUNITY: UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme

LOCATION: Bonn

CLOSING DATE: 31 October 2025 (23:59 CET)

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. Academically outstanding young graduates from developing countries who are in the early stages of their career are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to women, amongst whom those from Least Developed Countries will be given the highest priority.

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.

Applications timeframe

1 October 2025 - 31 October 2025

Fellowship capacity

A maximum of 12 fellowships will be awarded per call/cohort.

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, 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 two years of relevant professional experience can be considered. All work experience to date will be considered in reviewing eligibility.

Note: Candidates do not require international work experience to be eligible. Graduating from countries in the Global South is encouraged; experience of studying/working in the Global North is not a requirement nor an advantage. Selection will be based on merit, not on geographic location of the awarding degree institution or (former) employer.

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

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

Values:

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, geography, language, nationality, race, religion, sex, or any other aspect of identity
• Integrity — act ethically and uphold UN standards
• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships and work as One UN
• Analyse and plan — use data to understand problems and inform decision-making
• Deliver results with positive impact — be accountable for delivering results
• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and contribute to the learning of others
• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility and the ability to think and act creatively

The Application Process

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

A complete application package consists of the following mandatory documents:

1) A cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining how qualifications, experience and career goals match the requirements and preferred working areas at UNU-EHS/VIE and UNFCCC

2) An up-to-date CV (maximum 2 pages)

3) A completed and signed UNU Personal History Form (P11)

4) Copies of all academic transcripts/degree certificates saved in one PDF file

Stage 1 — Application Submission

To apply, you will need to:

• Complete a UNU P11 form
• Write a 1-page cover letter indicating how qualifications and experience match the requirements and your preferred area of work
• Prepare and submit an up-to-date CV (max. 2 pages)
• Compile copies of academic transcripts into a single PDF
• Apply via Recruitee and upload copies of the documents

Please note that incomplete P11 forms or non-compliance with stipulations will not be considered. An uploaded CV will not substitute a completed P11.

Once the call closes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Stage 2 — Shortlisting

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview via Zoom or telephone. The interview will be competency-based.

Stage 3 — Selection Notification

All candidates invited to interview will be informed of the outcome. Successful candidates will be offered a fellowship and contracted under a UNU Personnel Service Agreement.

Contact

For more information, please contact: climatefellows at ehs.unu.edu