Application Deadline: March 30, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 United Nations-Nippon Foundation Ocean Governance Fellowship. Tailored to address the special circumstances of SIDS, along with the diverse challenges, opportunities and needs across different regions, this Fellowship aims to increase the capacity of Government officials from SIDS to effectively implement ocean governance and international legal frameworks.
In particular, this Fellowship aims to strengthen human capacity to support the development of ocean governance frameworks necessary to:
1. effectively implement UNCLOS, its implementing agreements, including the BBNJ Agreement, and related instruments; 2. tackle the triple planetary crisis (climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution); and
3. implement the SDGs, especially SDG 14, with a focus on developing sustainable blue economies, addressing environmental impacts (particularly the devastating impacts of ocean plastic), building resilience to climate change, and giving consideration to gender aspects.
Fellowship Structure
The Fellowship consists of a three-month training programme at OLA/DOALOS, United Nations Headquarters in New York. A customized curriculum is developed for successful candidates, targeting the challenges highlighted in their applications and supported by their Nominating Authorities.
The curriculum comprises in-person training sessions, scenario-based exercises, group discussions and workshops delivered by United Nations staff and visiting experts. SIDS Fellows will be integrated into the training activities designed for Strategic Needs Fellows, offering them additional opportunities for learning and networking.
The deliverables of the Fellowship Programme include assignments, a research paper prepared by the Fellows, and the development of an ocean governance matrix. The Fellowship is scheduled to take place from early September to early December 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
Small Island Developing States are invited to nominate Government officials, who are filling relevant positions in their Administration and actively working on ocean affairs and related disciplines.
Nominated candidates must meet all the following criteria:
- Be between the ages of 25 and 45;
- Have successfully completed a first-level university degree;
- Be from a Small Island Developing State (SIDS); and
- Be Government officials from SIDS actively working on ocean affairs and related disciplines; including the implementation of the UNCLOS regime and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; national and/or regional ocean policy; establishment of maritime zones and the delimitation of maritime boundaries; coastal zone management; conservation and management of marine living resources; maritime transport and shipping; maritime security; the protection and preservation of the marine environment; and marine science.
In addition: - Their proposed study programme must contribute directly to the State’s formulation and/or implementation of ocean affairs and law of the sea policies and programmes;
- Must be free of all non-Fellowship obligations during this entire period unless otherwise authorized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs.
Benefits
- The Fellowship is fully funded and includes a monthly stipend, medical insurance, and round-trip economy class airfare.
Application Procedure:
Candidates must complete the application package available for this Fellowship in the “Apply Now” section on the UN-Nippon Foundation Programmes website (https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/content/apply-now). To apply, candidates must:
1. Complete the required application forms i. Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme Form ii. Nomination and Recommendation Form) iii. Online form
2. Submit the application forms, along with a copy of their passport, to the following email address: [email protected], with the email subject line “2025 SIDS Fellowship Application Package”. The deadline for submitting the complete application is 30 March 2025.
Applicants should familiarize themselves with the eligibility requirements and use the application forms made available on the website to apply for the Programme. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Awards will be communicated individually to the selected candidates and subsequently posted in the News section of the Fellowship website by the end of May 2025. Ten Fellowships will be offered for the 2025 session of the SIDS Fellowship.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the United Nations-Nippon Foundation Ocean Governance Fellowship