CFAs: United Nations-Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship Program

The UN–Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship and Ocean Governance Fellowship for SIDS support government officials from developing countries to strengthen ocean governance and implementation of UNCLOS. The 2026 programme offers a customized 3–4 month training at UN Headquarters in New York, focusing on SDG 14, climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable blue economies.

UN–Nippon Foundation Ocean Governance Fellowships 2026 Overview

The United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), Office of Legal Affairs, is accepting applications for the 2026 sessions of the UN–Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship and the Ocean Governance Fellowship for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These fellowships build national capacity in ocean affairs, law of the sea, and sustainable development.

Purpose and Strategic Objectives

The fellowships aim to:

Support effective implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
Advance implementation of related agreements, including the BBNJ Agreement
Address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution
Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
Promote sustainable blue economies, environmental protection, climate resilience, and gender-responsive ocean governance

Fellowship Structure and Duration

The programme consists of a three- to four-month in-person training hosted at:

Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea
Office of Legal Affairs, United Nations Headquarters, New York

The fellowship is typically conducted between September and December.

Customized Training Programme

Each fellow receives a tailored curriculum based on:

Strategic national needs identified in the application
Priorities endorsed by the Nominating Authority

Training components include:

Expert-led lectures by UN staff and visiting specialists
Scenario-based learning exercises
Group discussions and technical workshops
Possible learning placement with a UN entity or affiliated organization

Academic and Practical Deliverables

During the fellowship, participants must complete:

Assigned coursework
A research paper aligned with national ocean priorities
An ocean governance matrix linked to national policy and institutional needs

Fellows from Small Island Developing States participate in selected joint sessions with Strategic Needs Fellows to enhance peer learning and professional networking.

Who Is Eligible

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Be government officials from developing countries or Small Island Developing States
Hold positions related to ocean affairs, law of the sea, or ocean governance
Have limited prior formal background in the law of the sea
Be between 25 and 45 years of age
Hold at least a first-level university degree
Demonstrate strong written and spoken English proficiency
Be directly involved in UNCLOS implementation or related policy areas
Be fully available for the entire fellowship period
Receive formal nomination from a recognized Nominating Authority

Why This Fellowship Matters

The fellowship:

Strengthens national capacity in ocean governance and maritime law
Supports evidence-based policy development
Enhances implementation of international ocean agreements
Empowers officials from vulnerable coastal and island states
Builds a global professional network of ocean governance leaders

Fellowship Options Explained

Applicants may apply to:

UN–Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship
UN–Nippon Foundation Ocean Governance Fellowship for SIDS
Both programmes

However, selected candidates will be awarded only one fellowship.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the following steps:

Access the official UN–Nippon Foundation Programmes website
Complete the online application form
Prepare the Personal History and Proposed Research or Study Programme Form
Obtain and upload the Nomination Form from the Nominating Authority
Submit all required documents before the deadline

Incomplete or late submissions are not considered.

Application Timeline and Key Dates

Application deadline: 22 March 2026
Selection results announced: By the end of May 2026
Fellowship period: September to December 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting applications without formal nomination
Proposing research unrelated to national ocean priorities
Missing required forms or supporting documents
Applying without availability for the full programme duration
Submitting after the official deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the UN–Nippon Foundation Fellowships

Government officials from developing countries and Small Island Developing States working in ocean-related fields are eligible.

Where is the fellowship conducted

The fellowship takes place at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

How long does the fellowship last

The programme runs for three to four months.

Can applicants apply to both fellowship streams

Yes, applicants may apply to both but will be selected for only one.

Is prior expertise in the law of the sea required

No, the fellowship is designed for officials with limited formal background in the field.

What is the application deadline

All complete applications must be submitted by 22 March 2026.

Conclusion

The UN–Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs and Ocean Governance Fellowships provide a high-impact opportunity for government officials to strengthen national ocean governance capacity. Through customized training, applied research, and global networking, the programme supports sustainable ocean management and effective implementation of international maritime frameworks.