Fully Funded United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 for Mid-Career Professionals in Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea – Apply Now

About the Fellowship

The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship supplies mid-level professionals from growing international locations with superior coaching on ocean affairs and the legislation of the sea, together with marine science to help efficient administration frameworks. This absolutely funded fellowship equips professionals with in-depth data of worldwide authorized frameworks, key ocean governance points, and greatest practices.

Fellowship Objectives

Through this fellowship, members will:

• Gain superior understanding of ocean affairs and the legislation of the sea

• Learn about worldwide authorized frameworks, coverage points, and UN ocean governance work

• Conduct particular person analysis below tutorial supervision and develop a 100-page written thesis on a specific subject

• Develop skilled abilities in analysis, coverage formulation, and implementation

Upon completion, fellows are anticipated to return to their home international locations to contribute to formulating complete ocean insurance policies and implementing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and associated devices, together with designing and evaluating enchancment tasks.

Fellowship Structure and Curriculum

The 9-month fellowship consists of two phases:

Phase One: Research and Training

• Duration: 3 months (March/April to June)

• Location: Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), United Nations Headquarters, New York

• Activities embrace structured coaching, assignments, and preparation for tutorial analysis.

Phase Two: Advanced Academic Research and Study

• Duration: 6 months (July to December)

• Location: One of the prestigious taking part host establishments

• Fellows will conduct superior tutorial analysis below the steering of consultants in their chosen subject.

Fellowship Deliverables

Fellows are required to finish:

• A 100-page written thesis on their analysis subject

• A presentation of their analysis findings

• An ocean governance matrix outlining key insights and functions

• Additional assignments throughout the coaching curriculum in Phase One

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be aged 25 to 45 years

• Hold a minimum of a first college diploma and exhibit capability for unbiased superior tutorial analysis

• Be a mid-level skilled from a authorities ministry, company, or NGO in a growing State dealing straight with ocean affairs, marine science, or coverage implementation

• Have knowledgeable place that permits direct contribution to nationwide ocean affairs insurance policies or programmes

• Submit a Nomination and Recommendation Form accomplished by a authorities official testifying to their function and confirming how the fellowship will improve nationwide capability

• Have a proposed analysis subject straight contributing to nationwide ocean affairs and legislation of the sea coverage formulation or implementation

• Be free of all non-fellowship obligations throughout the total interval, except in any other case approved by the Division

The programme is dedicated to attaining 50/50 gender steadiness and geographical variety. Female candidates are strongly inspired to apply. Reasonable lodging is accessible upon request for candidates with disabilities.

Fellowship Conditions and Funding

This is a absolutely funded fellowship masking:

• Return journey prices to host establishments

• Monthly stipend funds

• Visa and medical insurance coverage preparations

• Accommodation help throughout each phases

For detailed fellowship circumstances, go to the Fellowship Conditions page.

Application Process

Applications are accepted solely throughout open calls. Interested candidates should guarantee they meet all eligibility standards and submit:

1. A accomplished application kind

2. A proposed analysis and study programme

3. A Nomination and Recommendation Form from their employer

Visit the Host Institutions page for the record of taking part universities and analysis centres.

Testimonials

“UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship not only gave me the opportunity to understand how UN General Assembly, high-level meetings, and negotiations are conducted but also allowed me to meet and interact with other fellows and ocean experts from around the globe.”
— UNNF Fellow, The Gambia

Important Links and Documents

Why Apply

This fellowship supplies an unparalleled alternative to:

• Gain knowledgeable data in ocean affairs, marine science, and worldwide legislation

• Enhance your nation’s capability in implementing UNCLOS and associated devices

• Join a worldwide community of ocean governance professionals and consultants

• Advance your profession in worldwide ocean coverage and environmental administration

For full particulars and to apply, go to the UN Nippon Fellowship Application Portal earlier than the time limit as soon as the 2026 name for functions is introduced.