Hey future climate leader! 🌍 Ready to make a real difference in global climate policy and research? The **UNFCCC-UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme 2026 Bursary** is a truly unique opportunity that could fast-track your career at an international level. This incredible fellowship is designed to help talented young people from developing countries, including South Africa, gain hands-on experience at the heart of climate action in Bonn, Germany.
Imagine working at the intersection of climate policy development and cutting-edge research. This fellowship offers you the chance to dive deep into crucial climate issues, contribute to global negotiations, and learn from experts within the United Nations system. It’s more than just a job; it’s a launchpad for your career in environmental sustainability!
Who Can Apply?
So, who’s eligible for this fantastic opportunity? If you fit the bill, this could be your moment!
- You need to be a national of a developing country. (Psst… South Africa counts!) There’s a special preference for women from least developed countries.
- You should be an academically outstanding young graduate, especially if you’re a woman from a least developed country.
- You must have recently graduated with an advanced university degree (Master’s, doctorate, or equivalent) or be in your final semester. Your field should be related to climate change, environment, communications, international relations, or similar.
- You’ll need to show evidence of top academic performance – think scholarships, graduating with honours, etc., from your graduate programme. (Sorry, Bachelor’s degree holders who haven’t started or aren’t in their final Master’s semester won’t be considered.)
- No professional experience is strictly required, but if you have up to two years of work experience, that’s totally fine too!
What Does It Cover?
While the original content doesn’t detail every single financial aspect, this programme is described as ‘Funded’ and offers an immersive professional experience within the UN system. This implies a comprehensive support package to allow you to focus on your work in Bonn. You can expect:
- An immersive professional experience within the UN system, working directly on climate initiatives.
- Incredible opportunities to contribute to global climate negotiations and processes, putting you at the forefront of change.
- Mentorship from seasoned experts in climate policy and research, guiding your career development.
- Capacity building and training specifically tailored for international climate governance.
- Excellent post-fellowship career prospects, whether you choose to work in your home country, with UN agencies, international organizations, or other climate-focused institutions.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in? Here’s what you need to do to apply for the 2026 UNFCCC-UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme. Make sure you submit a complete application package during the open call:
You’ll need these mandatory documents:
- A **cover letter** (maximum 1 page) explaining how your qualifications, experience, and future career goals align with the programme’s requirements and your preferred working areas at UNU-EHS/VIE and UNFCCC.
- An up-to-date **CV** (maximum 2 pages).
- A **completed and signed UNU Personal History Form (P11)**. You can find it here.
- Copies of all your **academic transcripts/degree certificates** to date, saved as a single PDF file.
For all the detailed information and to submit your application, head over to the official webpage:
Visit the Official Webpage of the UNFCCC-UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme
If shaping the future of our planet through international climate policy sounds like your dream job, then don’t wait! Apply for the UNFCCC-UNU Early Career Climate Fellowship Programme 2026. This incredible opportunity could be the start of something amazing. And remember, Bursaries Room is always here to help you find more funding opportunities to fuel your future!
