Fully Funded United Nations Climate Change CAPACITY Fellowship Programme: Empowering Climate Leaders
The United Nations Climate Change CAPACITY Fellowship Programme is a prestigious initiative designed to empower mid-career professionals from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This fully funded opportunity provides hands-on experience and specialized training in global climate action, strengthening institutional capacity in climate governance.
Programme Overview
The Capacity Award Programme to Advance Capabilities and Institutional Training in One Year (CAPACITY) is a structured fellowship that allows professionals from SIDS and LDCs to gain first-hand experience within UN Climate Change in Bonn, Germany. The fellowship lasts up to two years and aims to equip participants with the expertise needed to drive climate action in their home countries.
Thanks to recent funding from Portugal and Italy, the programme has expanded, enabling more professionals to participate. Portugal’s contribution focuses on supporting Portuguese-speaking professionals within the Transparency Division, while Italy’s funding provides fellowship opportunities in the Means of Implementation and Adaptation Divisions.
Key Objectives of the CAPACITY Fellowship
The programme is structured around three core objectives:
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Strengthening Climate Action: Fellows contribute to innovative climate change initiatives within the framework of sustainable development.
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Building a Global Network: The fellowship fosters a network of professionals working collaboratively to address climate challenges.
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Developing Leadership Skills: Participants gain leadership experience, enhancing their capacity to influence climate policies and implementation strategies.
Why Apply? Transformative Impact on Careers
Former fellows have highlighted the programme’s profound impact on their professional growth.
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Marie Stephania Perrine, a former fellow in the Means of Implementation Division (2023–2025), described the experience as a “milestone in my career, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to global climate action.”
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Milan Dhungana, a Transparency Division fellow (2023–2025), found the programme “enriching, offering invaluable learning opportunities that will advance climate transparency actions in my country.”
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Yiaser Arafat Rubel, a past fellow in the Means of Implementation Division, encouraged new participants to “share knowledge and collaborate, fostering a deeper understanding of global climate initiatives.”
Opportunities for CAPACITY Fellows
Fellows gain practical experience in key areas, including:
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Supporting the work of UN Climate Change’s constituted bodies.
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Engaging in intergovernmental climate processes.
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Drafting reports and policy briefs.
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Organizing meetings and high-level climate events.
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Representing UN Climate Change in international engagements.
This fellowship provides exposure to a dynamic, multicultural environment, deepens understanding of UN climate governance, and offers practical training, mentorship, and skill-building to drive effective climate action.
New Fellowship Vacancies – Apply Now!
With funding from Italy and Portugal, three new CAPACITY Fellowship vacancies are available:
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Transparency Division Fellowship
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Means of Implementation Division Fellowship
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Adaptation Division Fellowship
Application Process
Interested candidates can submit their applications through the UNFCCC vacancies portal.
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Application Deadline: 23 March 2025.
This is an exceptional opportunity for mid-career professionals from SIDS and LDCs to develop expertise in climate action and make a lasting impact in their home countries. Don’t miss out—apply today and join a network of global climate leaders!