2018•02•05     Bonn

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 six months to two years, and fellows are selected based on their skills and backgrounds according to the needs of the United Nations University and the UNFCCC, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was set up in 1992 as a response to the problem of global warming.

Upon completion, the Early Career fellow will be well equipped able to work in their home countries or internationally, deploying the valuable experience and insights they have gained in Bonn, Germany, where this fellowship is based.

UNFCCC Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa said of the programme: “Young, qualified professionals from developing countries represent one of our best resources for building capacity for climate action. As we move with determination into the new era of implementation of the Paris Agreement, we need to equip young people with the skills to green economies and build resilience, and this initiative is an example of how organizations can prepare young people for the challenges of the future.”

Professor Dr. Jakob Rhyner, Director of UNU-EHS, said: “There are 1.8 billion young people in the world today, more than ever before in human history, and about nine out of ten live in developing countries. Efforts for sustainable development and climate protection must build on their enthusiasm and ideas. The UNFCCC-UNU-EHS Early Career Climate Fellowship Initiative offers young people from developing countries a unique possibility to start their career at the interface between international climate policy development and research.”

Academically outstanding young graduates from developing countries who are in early stages of their career, especially women from the least developed countries, are encouraged to apply.

Applications are accepted two times a year. In 2018, applications will be accepted within these two phases:
Phase 1: 1-28 February 2018
Phase 2: TBD

For inquiries, please contact climatefellows@ehs.unu.edu.