What is the aim of the fellowship?
This joint UNFCCC – UNU programme offers young people from developing countries a unique possibility to start their career at the interface between international climate policy development and research. Fellowships are awarded for an initial duration of one (1) year, with a possibility of extension of one (1) further year. The maximum duration of the fellowship is two (2) years. Selected candidates will work with UNFCCC and UNU-EHS/VIE in areas which match their individual interests and background. Upon completion of the programme, the Early Career Climate Fellows will be better prepared to work in their home countries or internationally, deploying the valuable experience and insights they have gained in Bonn.
Please note that the fellowship programme is an early career professionals’ programme, not a PhD programme.
Which UN organizations are involved?
The UNFCCC – UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme is offered as a collaborative initiative between the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the United Nations University, specifically the United Nations University Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-VIE) and the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS).
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the focus of the political process to address Climate Change, with the ultimate objective of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, in a time frame which allows ecosystems to adapt naturally and enables sustainable development. The Convention Secretariat supports the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement by a range of activities, including substantive and organizational support to meetings of the Parties. Further information may be found at unfccc.int.
The United Nations University (UNU) is the academic arm of the United Nations and acts as a global think tank. The mission of UNU-EHS is to unite science, policy and practice, to create a world where people are safe from environmental risks and prosper in harmony with nature. The institute’s research promotes policies and programmes to reduce these risks and explore sustainable pathways, while taking into account the interplay between environmental and societal factors. Further information may be found at unu.edu/ehs.
UNU-VIE is one of two Vice-Rectorates and the only one located outside Japan. UNU-VIE seeks to strengthen the presence of UNU in Europe and supports the worldwide institutional development of UNU by facilitating collaboration across UNU and the UN, and sharing knowledge and expertise through the development of joint activities and projects. In addition to its core mandate, it administers the central units providing service to both UNU-VIE and UNU-EHS, and hosts the Pan African Cooperation and Educational Technologies (PACET) programme. Further information may be found at unu.edu/vie.
What are the programme requirements?
Academically outstanding young professionals up to the age of 32 from developing countries, especially women from least developed countries (LDCs), are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must be enrolled in their final term, or have graduated from an advanced university degree (master’s, doctorate, or equivalent), with top marks in a discipline related to climate change, and environmental and human security (e.g. environmental science, adaptation, mitigation, sustainable development, geography, geoinformatics, development studies, urban/regional/land use planning, communication studies, economics, or a related field).
Applicants should also display a strong interest in the interface between international climate policy, development, and research. Applicants should be highly motivated to work and learn in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment.
No professional experience is required, but candidates with up to, but not exceeding, two years of relevant professional experience maximum can be considered. This includes experience acquired within the framework of, amongst others, internships, student assistant positions, research assistant positions and similar, be it full-time or part-time. All relevant work experience to date will be considered in reviewing a candidate’s eligibility for the programme.
As a dual national, am I eligible to apply?
Holders of two developing country nationalities are eligible to apply.
Holders of one developing country and one LDC nationality are eligible to apply.
Holders of one developed country and one LDC nationality are eligible to apply provided that they have lived for at least 6 years in the LDC country.
Holders of one developed country nationality and one developing country nationality are not eligible to apply.
Holders of two developed country nationalities are not eligible to apply.
What is the selection process?
Fellows will be selected based on their past academic performance, competencies, and relevance vis-à-vis the needs of UNFCCC and UNU-EHS/VIE. The exact application process is detailed in the vacancy announcement.
Please note that only candidates who submit complete applications – including all documents specified in the vacancy announcement and an online application form – will be considered further. Should any of the required application documents not be submitted as part of the application, the candidate will automatically be omitted from further consideration for a fellowship.
As part of the selection process, interviews will be conducted during the shortlisting phase.
What is the timeframe for the notification of results?
Once the call has closed, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted further. We regret that we are not able to respond to all enquiries and applicants individually, hence we ask for your understanding in this regard.
When will the fellowship start?
The exact start date of the fellowship will be discussed with the candidate once an offer has been made and will also be subject to the availability of the corresponding programme to which the candidate will be assigned.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
Fellowships are initially awarded for a duration of one (1) year, with the possibility of an extension of one (1) further year subject to satisfactory performance. The maximum total duration of any fellowship will be two (2) years.
What will the fellowship support be?
The fellowship remuneration is based on UNU’s Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract salary scale.
What type of contract will I receive?
Selected fellows will work under a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) for an initial period of one (1) year, with a potential extension of one (1) further year subject to satisfactory performance and institutional needs. The maximum duration of any fellowship is two (2) years. The duty station will be Bonn, Germany. Selected fellows will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor shall they be a “UN staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
Please note that during their first year of the fellowship, fellows are not eligible to apply for other positions at UNFCCC: this policy is envisaged in order to ensure that fellows are able to gain a comprehensive insight into, and immerse themselves fully in, the work of UNFCCC, thereby standing them in better stead to seek a position with UNFCCC, or any other international, or UN, organization in the future.
What are the expected working hours per week?
Fellows will be employed on a full-time basis (40hrs/week). Part-time employment is not possible within the framework of this programme.
What type of work can I expect to undertake during the fellowship?
Depending on the fellows’ placements, and the divisions to which fellows are assigned, working remits can differ greatly. Fellows may be assigned to specific projects, assist in conducting research or writing academic papers, provide support in regard to event management and annual conferences, liaise with partners, engage in communication and outreach activities, or assist in data analysis and reporting. Each fellowship placement is different, and efforts are taken to tailor the working areas to the fellows’ own academic and professional backgrounds.
As a non-EU citizen, will I receive assistance in obtaining a visa?
Yes, if selected as a fellow, UNU will facilitate the process of obtaining a visa and work permit for Germany.
Will health insurance be provided by the employer?
As per the envisaged contract type, group health insurance schemes may be made available to the fellows.
Can I bring my family/spouse/dependents with me?
Yes, you can bring family members with you to Bonn. The responsibility for arranging necessary paperwork and a visa lies with the fellow: UNU can, however, provide advice on what offices to contact.
Will you provide assistance in finding accommodation?
The responsibility for securing accommodation lies with the fellows. However, UNU can provide tips regarding how to find accommodation.
Where will I be placed for this fellowship?
The division to which you will be assigned will depend on each candidate’s individual profile. We will endeavor to align the chosen candidate(s) and their specific profile(s) with the appropriate division at UNFCCC and UNU-EHS/VIE, subject to availability.
Who will I report to?
Each candidate will be assigned to an individual supervisor at UNFCCC and UNU-EHS/VIE for the duration of their fellowship. Administrative support will also be provided by the Programme Coordinators at UNU and UNFCCC.