Deadline: 31-Oct-2025
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.
Applicants should display an interest in the interface between international climate policy and research and should be highly motivated to work and learn in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment. Strong written and spoken English skills are essential to participate in the programme, and knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
The fellowship will last between twelve months to two years, during which Early Career Climate Fellows will work in designated divisions at UNU-EHS/VIE and UNFCCC. Fellows will have the opportunity to deploy their experience and insights in their home countries or internationally after completion of the programme.
Applicants must demonstrate key competences in line with the UN Values and Behaviours Framework, including inclusion, integrity, humility, and humanity, and behaviours such as connecting and collaborating, analysing and planning, delivering results with positive impact, learning and developing, and adapting and innovating.
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, in order to be eligible to apply, 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 years.
Fellows will be selected based on their skills and backgrounds vis-à-vis the needs of UNU and UNFCCC. Academically outstanding young graduates from developing countries who are in the early stages of their career, especially women from least developed countries, are encouraged to apply.
Candidates do not require international work experience in order to be eligible to apply. Furthermore, candidates who have graduated from countries in the Global South are actively encouraged to apply. Experience of studying or working in the Global North is not a requirement nor an advantage.
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. 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, including internships or research assistantships, can be considered.
Applications will only be accepted during open calls. A complete application package consists of a one-page cover letter, an up-to-date CV of no more than two pages, a completed and signed UNU Personal History Form (P11), and copies of all academic transcripts and degree certificates compiled into a single PDF file. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a competency-based interview via Zoom or telephone, and successful applicants will be offered a fellowship under a UNU Personnel Service Agreement (PSA).
The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025.
For more information, visit UNU.