RFAs: The Club of Rome Communications Fellowship Programme

The Club of Rome Communications Fellowship 2026–2027 is a paid, remote fellowship for early-career communications professionals from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. The fellowship offers hands-on experience in science and sustainability communications, a modest stipend, work-related travel support, and one in-person team meeting. Two fellows will support global communications activities from 1 July 2026 to 31 January 2027.

Fellowship Overview

The Club of Rome Communications Fellowship is a professional development opportunity for early-career communicators interested in systems thinking, sustainability, and global challenges.

The fellowship is offered as a remote placement, enabling fellows to work from their home country while collaborating closely with the Club of Rome’s international communications team.

The programme is designed to strengthen global representation in sustainability communications by prioritizing applicants from Most of the World, including Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

About the Club of Rome

The Club of Rome is a global think tank known for its work on:

• Systems thinking

• Sustainability and planetary boundaries

• Long-term economic, social, and environmental challenges

The organization works with scientists, policymakers, civil society, and communicators to translate complex research into actionable insights for global audiences.

Fellowship Structure and Duration

• Fellowship period: 1 July 2026 to 31 January 2027

• Working schedule: Monday to Friday, 36 hours per week

• Total positions available: 2 fellows

• Paid leave: 10 days during the fellowship period

• Work mode: Fully remote, with one in-person trip to meet the Club of Rome team

What the Fellowship Offers

Selected fellows receive:

• A modest stipend to support living costs (amount varies by location)

• Coverage of work-related travel expenses

• One funded trip to meet the Club of Rome team

• Hands-on experience in international science and sustainability communications

• Exposure to global research, events, and high-level policy discussions

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Fellows will work closely with the communications team and support a wide range of activities, including:

• Web publishing and website content management

• Preparing media and press outreach materials

• Covering events and meetings

• Creating multimedia content such as videos, visuals, and photography

• Managing and supporting social media channels

• Assisting with other communications and outreach tasks as needed

The role is particularly suited to candidates who enjoy working across multiple communication formats and platforms.

Who Is Eligible?

Geographic Eligibility

Applicants must be based in or originally from Most of the World, including:

• Africa

• Latin America and the Caribbean

• Middle East

• Asia-Pacific

Educational Background

Applicants should ideally meet one of the following criteria:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in science, journalism, or a related field

• Be current students or recent graduates of a science journalism or related programme

Equivalent professional experience may also be considered.

Skills and Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience writing about sustainability, systems thinking, or scientific research for non-specialist audiences

• Or experience producing relevant multimedia content

• Fluency in written and spoken English

• Ability to understand and communicate complex scientific or systems-based concepts

• Experience with or strong interest in social media, video, photography, or multimedia storytelling

Why This Fellowship Matters

Effective communication is critical to advancing sustainability and systems thinking.

This fellowship matters because it:

• Builds communications capacity in underrepresented regions

• Bridges the gap between complex research and public understanding

• Supports diverse voices in global sustainability discourse

• Provides early-career professionals with international exposure and mentorship

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

• Fill out the official application form provided by the Club of Rome

• Ensure all sections are completed in English

Step 2: Prepare Your Work Sample

• You may include links to a full portfolio

• You must select one writing or multimedia sample that best represents your skills and is most relevant to the fellowship

Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline

• Applications must be complete, submitted in English, and received before the stated deadline

• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting multiple work samples instead of selecting one strong example

• Providing samples unrelated to sustainability, science, or systems thinking

• Incomplete application forms

• Missing the submission deadline

• Underestimating the importance of clear, accessible communication for non-specialist audiences

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the Club of Rome Communications Fellowship remote?

Yes. The fellowship is primarily remote, with one in-person trip included to meet the team.

2. How many fellowship positions are available?

There are two positions available for this fellowship cycle.

3. Is the fellowship paid?

Yes. Fellows receive a modest stipend, which varies depending on the fellow’s location.

4. Do I need a science degree to apply?

A science or journalism background is preferred, but relevant experience in sustainability or science communication is also valued.

5. Is English proficiency required?

Yes. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.

6. Can students apply?

Yes. Current students or recent graduates of science journalism or related programmes are eligible.

7. What is the time commitment?

The fellowship requires 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday, from July 2026 to January 2027.

Conclusion

The Club of Rome Communications Fellowship 2026–2027 offers a valuable entry point into global sustainability communications for early-career professionals from Most of the World. Through remote collaboration, multimedia storytelling, and exposure to systems thinking research, fellows gain practical experience and international visibility.

For aspiring communicators passionate about sustainability, science, and global impact, this fellowship provides a structured, paid, and mission-driven opportunity to grow and contribute meaningfully.