UNNF Thematic Fellowship
Objectives
Under the theme “The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through UNCLOS and ocean governance frameworks”, the Thematic Fellowship aims at increasing the capacity of States to formulate and implement ocean policies and regulatory frameworks for sustainable development. The Fellowship provides Government officials and other mid-level professionals from developing and developed States with advanced training on ocean affairs and the law of the sea, as well as related disciplines, including marine science in support of management frameworks. With a focus on the thematic area of concern, Fellows will learn about the international legal framework under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and related instruments, key issues and best practices in ocean affairs, become familiar with the work of the United Nations, and develop professional skills
For further details on the Fellowship objectives see this document.
Turtle beneath colourful fish and coral. Photo: Hoarau, UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition
Fellowship conditions
For the conditions of the Fellowship, including regarding travel, stipend payments, visas, medical clearance, insurance and housing, please see the Fellowship Conditions page.
Island with internal lake. Photo: Ogata, UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition
Key Documents
Fellowship structure, curriculum and deliverables
The Fellowship consists of a four-month training programme for 12 ocean professionals to build their knowledge and capacity on a specific theme. The training programme consists of:
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three months of in-person training at the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, at United Nations Headquarters in New York; and
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either one-month placement with relevant UN System organizations or a New York-based programme of briefings and activities aimed at providing first-hand knowledge and insight into the implementation of ocean affairs frameworks and building a network of resource persons to assist them, as appropriate, in the future.
The programme is offered annually, usually between the months of August and December.
The deliverables of the Fellowship Programme include a number of assignments to be completed in the context of the training curriculum and the development of an ocean governance matrix. For further details on the Fellowship curriculum, see this document.
News
Divers and coral restoration project. Photo: Palfrey, UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition
Application process and eligibility criteria
Candidates must meet all the following criteria:
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Must be between the ages of 25 and 40;
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Must have successfully completed a first university degree, and demonstrate a capacity to undertake independent advanced academic research and study;
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Must be Government officials or other mid-level professionals from developing States or developed States who demonstrate a solid background in ocean affairs and a need for further in-depth training in this year’s specialized thematic area.
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Must be free of all non-Fellowship obligations during this entire period unless otherwise authorized by the Division.
Satisfaction of the above criteria must be clearly demonstrated by the candidate through the application forms. The "Nomination and Recommendation Form" must be completed by an employer who can attest to the nature of your work with respect to ocean affairs and law of the sea related activities, and indicate how an Award would directly contribute to these activities.
Women candidates are strongly invited to apply, with a view to achieving gender balance in the selection process.
Applications are welcome only when a call for applications is open.
In 2021, the UNNF Thematic Fellowship was delivered in a hybrid format as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with in-person activities resuming in 2022. Please note that this Fellowship is not currently available.