2026 UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship Programme in Germany

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the focus of the political process to address climate change. The UNFCCC secretariat supports the Convention, its Kyoto Protocol and the historic Paris Agreement through a range of activities, including substantive and organizational support to meetings of the Parties and the implementation of commitments. It is a dynamic organization working in a politically challenging environment to help resolve one of the defining environmental issues of our time.

Thanks to funding from the Government of Portugal, the UNFCCC secretariat is launching a new round of the Capacity Award Programme to Advance Capabilities and Institutional Training in one Year (CAPACITY) Fellowship Programme, with the aim of developing the capacity of negotiators and thereby increasing the level of implementation of the Paris Agreement. The CAPACITY Fellowship Programme contributes to building capacity for addressing climate change in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) through the development of local professional expertise by:

• Supporting innovative analytical work on climate change in the context of sustainable development;
• Promoting a network of experts who can bring creative and innovative options to bear on questions of climate change;
• Encouraging the leadership potential of young and promising professionals in their fields.

One fellow will be selected from the target group of mid-career professionals who are already employed by a government or national educational institution and who are nationals of, and working in, a Lusophone SIDS or LDC Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Principe, Angola, Mozambique or Timor-Leste.

While fellowships are awarded to individuals, the need for development/training, as described below, must occur within the context of the organization for which an applicant works. The training must help the organization develop its capacity.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJune 8, 2026
• Study LevelPostdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• The fixed monthly stipend, including allowances, is EUR 4,500.
• The UNFCCC secretariat will organize and pay for travel to Bonn and back to the home country upon completion of the fellowship.

Requirements

• Educational background Required: Master’s degree in environmental science, economics, engineering, development studies, or related discipline. A combination of a first-level university degree and an additional two years of relevant work experience may also be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Experience Required: At least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the area of climate change, including on issues relating to preparation of adaptation plans and implementation of adaptation actions.
• Language skills Required:
  • Desired: Proficiency in written and spoken
  • English. Knowledge of another UN official language

The Fellowship Programme is open to individuals who are

• Currently employed in a governmental organisation (national, regional, provincial or local), including educational institutions, research institutes and ministries.
• Nationals of, and working in, a Lusophone SIDS or LDC Angola, Cabo Verde, GuineaBissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Principe, or Timor-Leste.
• Maximum of 40 years of age at the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

The secretariat will consider candidates only from Lusophone SIDS or LDC Parties with a view to ensuring gender balance in the selection of candidates.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Candidates from a Lusophone SIDS or LDC (Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, Angola, Mozambique or Timor-Leste) whose qualifications and experience match what we are looking for, should use the online application system available at http://unfccc.int/secretariat/employment/recruitment.

For more information, kindly visit UNFCCC Fellowship webpage.