The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has launched a new round of its CAPACITY Fellowship Programme. This initiative aims to build climate skills among professionals, especially from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), with a focus on Lusophone nations.
This one-year fellowship, based in Bonn, Germany, has a deadline of June 8, 2026. It offers mid-career professionals a chance to shape global climate policy while boosting their home institutions’ abilities. The fellowship is expected to start soon after candidates are selected.
The UNFCCC secretariat plays an essential role in climate action, supporting global agreements like the Paris Agreement. The CAPACITY Fellowship, funded by Portugal, seeks to:
- Enhance negotiation skills for climate professionals
- Encourage innovative climate research
- Build a global expert network for sustainable development
- Nurture leadership among new climate professionals
This program emphasizes transferring knowledge back to the fellow’s home institution, fortifying national climate systems.
Selected fellows will work in the Adaptation Division, specifically within the Response Subdivision’s LEG/NAP Unit. This unit assists developing countries with:
- Identifying climate risks
- Creating National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)
- Evaluating adaptation strategies
- Reporting under international frameworks
The hands-on fellowship experience covers:
- Preparing analyses for climate negotiations
- Supporting technical guidance to LDCs and SIDS
- Maintaining databases on adaptation plans
- Engaging in research and policy analysis
This fellowship not only offers experience with international climate negotiations but also involves working with the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) and implementing the Paris Agreement.
Fellows receive a monthly stipend of EUR 4,500 and travel expenses are covered, providing valuable exposure to a leading international organization.
To apply, candidates must have:
- A master’s degree in a relevant field or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience
- At least three years of climate change-related work
- Proficiency in English, with knowledge of another UN language being a plus
- Employment in a government or national institution
- Citizenship in a Lusophone SIDS or LDC, such as Angola or Mozambique
- Be no older than 40 by the application deadline
The selection process involves assessing candidates’ expertise and a final interview. Shortlisted individuals must provide approval for a leave of absence and confirm their reintegration into their institution.
Applications should be submitted through the UNFCCC online recruitment system. It’s key that candidates align their experience with the fellowship’s goals.
In a world facing climate challenges, this fellowship presents an important chance for professionals from Lusophone developing countries to engage in global discussions. By participating, they help strengthen both national and international efforts against climate change.
For further insights on climate change today, explore more on IPCC’s official website, which provides comprehensive reports and data on global climate trends.
