Call for Applications for the 2027 session of the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea
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 2027 session of the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNNF OALOS Fellowship).
Objectives:
The objective of the UNNF Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea is to provide mid-level Government officials and other mid-level professionals from developing States dealing directly with ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea with funded advanced training in the field of ocean affairs and the law of the sea, or related disciplines including marine science in support of management frameworks.
The aim is for participants to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to support their States in the implementation of the legal framework set out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and related instruments, while also enabling them to develop and support comprehensive ocean management regimes, including within the context of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Structure:
The UNNF OALOS Fellowship is structured as a 9-month Programme, divided into two phases:
- Phase One: A three-month training phase with OLA/DOALOS at United Nations Headquarters in New York (from 24 March to 30 June 2027).
- Phase Two: A six-month research stay at an academic Host Institution participating in the UNNF Programmes, selected for its expertise in the Fellow’s field of research (from 1 July to 17 December 2027).
Eligibility criteria:
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 25 and 45.
- Possess at least a first university degree or equivalent.
- Demonstrate ability to undertake advanced academic research and studies.
- Be from a developing State.
- Be a mid-level government official or mid-level professional dealing directly with ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea such as, but not limited to, the implementation of UNCLOS and related instruments, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG-14, including in relation to the establishment of maritime zones and the delimitation of maritime boundaries; sustainable development of oceans and seas; national and/or regional ocean policy; coastal zone management; conservation and management of marine living resources; maritime transport and shipping; maritime security; the protection and preservation of the marine environment, and marine sciences.
- Have a strong command of spoken and written English, as all training activities are delivered in English. Training materials in French and Spanish are available upon request, subject to availability. The thesis may be undertaken in English or French, provided that the Host Institution is able to offer supervision in the chosen language.
Please note that the Fellowship Programme is offered exclusively in person, and participants are expected to attend all activities on site.
Additional information on the UNNF OALOS Fellowship, including Fellowship conditions and financial support, is available on the Fellowship website: https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/UNNF.
Since 2004, the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building Programmes has successfully trained over 350 individuals. Fourteen Fellowships will be offered for the 2027 session.
Application process:
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Indico.UN platform. Applicants are required to create an Indico.UN account (or log in to an existing account), complete the online application form, and upload all required supporting documents before the application deadline of 13 September 2026.
For guidance on creating an Indico.UN account, please click here. Once an application has been submitted, applicants will receive an automatic confirmation email.
Only completed applications submitted through Indico.UN will be processed. Applications or supporting documents submitted by email will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the deadline to avoid any technical difficulties. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
For detailed information about the application process, please visit: Apply Now | Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea.
Awards will be communicated individually to successful applicants only. A list of Awardees and Reserves will be posted on the Fellowship website by mid December 2026.
The UNNF Programmes are committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity among participants. Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided, upon request, to applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the Programmes.
