Call for Applications – UNNF Ocean Governance Fellowship for SIDS
The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations (“OLA/DOALOS”), is now accepting applications for the first session of the United Nations – The Nippon Foundation (UNNF) Ocean Governance Fellowship for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Tailored to address the distinct challenges concerning ocean affairs and the law of the sea in the context of the special circumstances of SIDS, the primary objective of this Fellowship is to enhance the capacity of SIDS government officials in effectively implementing international legal and governance frameworks, in particular the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and related instruments, such as the recently adopted BBNJ Agreement. This Fellowship also aims to support the development of ocean governance frameworks to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including SDG 14, focusing on the development of sustainable blue economies, while addressing environmental impacts, in particular the devastating impacts of ocean plastic, and building resilience to climate change.
SIDS government officials who have positions in their Administrations relevant to ocean affairs and the law of the sea, but have limited background in this field, will receive a three-month customized training targeting the challenges highlighted in their applications and supported by their nominating authorities. The Fellowship curriculum, tailored to address the needs identified in the applications, comprises in-person training sessions, practical group exercises, scenario-based discussions, and workshops delivered by United Nations staff and visiting experts.
To qualify, candidates must:
- be between the ages of 25 and 45;
- have successfully completed a first-level university degree;
- be Government officials from SIDS actively working on ocean affairs and related disciplines, including: the implementation of UNCLOS and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; national and/or regional ocean policy; the development of blue economies; the establishment of maritime zones and the delimitation of maritime boundaries; coastal zone management; the conservation and management of marine living resources; maritime transport and shipping; maritime security; the protection and preservation of the marine environment; the impacts of climate change; and marine science;
In addition:
- Their proposed study programme must contribute directly to the State’s formulation and/or implementation of ocean affairs and law of the sea policies and programmes;
- Candidates must be free of all non-Fellowship obligations during this entire period unless otherwise authorized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs.
It is intended that 10 of these Fellowships will be offered in 2024.
Further information and details regarding the Fellowship conditions, required qualifications, curriculum, and application package, is provided on the Fellowship’s webpage: https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/content/unnf-ocean-governance-fellowship-sids
Candidates must complete the application package available by using the “APPLY NOW” button (https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/content/apply-now), including by transmitting the required documents to the following email address: doalos@un.org .
The deadline for submitting the complete application package is 29 March 2024. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the eligibility requirements and use only the application forms made available on the website to apply to the Programme. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Awards will be communicated individually to the successful candidates and then posted on the Fellowship website in May 2024. The Fellowship is scheduled to take place between September and December 2024 at the OLA/DOALOS, at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
OLA/DOALOS would appreciate it if this notification could be widely disseminated through relevant networks to ensure a large and diverse pool of candidates. Female candidates are strongly invited to apply, with a view to achieving gender balance in the selection process.
