UNFCCC Climate Fellowship 2026

UNFCCC Climate Fellowship 2026 (CAPACITY Programme)

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is offering a prestigious Climate Fellowship for 2026, providing mid-career professionals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in global climate policy, sustainability, and international negotiations.

This fellowship is part of the CAPACITY Fellowship Programme, funded by the Government of Portugal, and is designed to strengthen climate expertise in developing countries—particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Programme Highlights

•  Monthly Stipend: €4,500+ (including allowances)
•  Location: Bonn (UNFCCC Secretariat)
• Duration: 1 Year
• Travel: Round-trip travel covered
•  Deadline: 08 June 2026
• Start Date: As soon as possible

Fellows will work directly within the UN climate secretariat, contributing to real-world climate negotiations and adaptation initiatives.

About the Fellowship

The UNFCCC plays a central role in global efforts to address climate change, including supporting major agreements such as the Paris Agreement.

Through this fellowship, participants will gain:

• Practical exposure to multilateral climate negotiations
• Experience supporting the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG)
• Involvement in National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) development and monitoring
• Opportunities to collaborate with over 50 UN and intergovernmental organizations under the UN4NAPs initiative

Key Responsibilities

Selected fellows will:

• Support intergovernmental climate processes and negotiations
• Conduct technical research and analysis on climate adaptation
• Assist in developing training and outreach materials
• Contribute to data systems and reporting on national adaptation plans
• Engage with stakeholders across developing countries
• Support workshops, policy documentation, and climate programmes

Eligibility Criteria

Education

• Master’s degree in environmental science, economics, engineering, development studies, or related field
• OR a first degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ professional experience in climate change or related areas

Language

• Fluency in English (required)
• Knowledge of another UN language (advantage)

Other Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be currently employed in a government or public institution
• Be a national of a Lusophone SIDS or LDC, including:
  • Angola
  • Cabo Verde
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Mozambique
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Timor-Leste
• Be 40 years old or younger at the application deadline

What You Will Gain

•  International exposure in climate diplomacy and policy
• Advanced knowledge in climate adaptation planning and implementation
• Access to a global network of climate experts and policymakers
•  Career advancement in international development and sustainability

Selection Process

• Technical assessment of knowledge and experience
• Final interview for shortlisted candidates
• Additional employer documentation required (if selected), including:
  • Leave approval
  • Commitment to reintegrate knowledge into national institutions

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the official UNFCCC recruitment portal:

Apply for UNFCCC Climate Fellowship

Important Notes

• This fellowship is not for students and does not fund academic degrees
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• Fellows are expected to return and contribute to their home institutions after completion

This is a highly competitive global opportunity for professionals seeking to build a career in climate policy, sustainability, and international development while earning a strong monthly stipend.