Deadline: March 22, 2026
The UNNF Strategic Needs Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded international fellowship jointly organised by the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) and The Nippon Foundation. The programme is designed to strengthen national capacity in ocean affairs and the law of the sea, particularly for officials from developing countries.
The UNNF Strategic Needs Fellowship 2026 offers selected fellows a unique opportunity to receive tailored, in-depth training at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, enabling them to contribute more effectively to ocean governance, marine policy development, and sustainable use of ocean resources in their home countries.
Fellowship Overview
The UNNF Strategic Needs Fellowship focuses on addressing specific strategic needs identified by participating States in the area of ocean affairs and the law of the sea. The programme equips fellows with practical and policy-oriented knowledge aligned with national priorities and international legal frameworks.
Following the fellowship, participants are expected to return to their official roles and apply the knowledge and skills gained to strengthen national and regional ocean governance systems.
Key Focus Areas
The fellowship programme covers, but is not limited to, the following thematic areas:
- The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its implementation
- International legal frameworks governing ocean affairs
- Sustainable ocean governance and marine resource management
- Coastal zone management
- Marine environmental protection and conservation
- Maritime transport and maritime security
- Ocean-related policy formulation and institutional development
- Contribution to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water)
Fellowship Structure and Activities
The UNNF Strategic Needs Fellowship 2026 typically includes:
- A customised training curriculum conducted at the United Nations Headquarters
- Expert-led sessions on international ocean law, policy frameworks, and governance mechanisms
- Practical assignments and policy-oriented exercises
- Preparation of a research paper
- Development of an ocean governance matrix designed to support implementation upon return to the fellow’s home country
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the UNNF Strategic Needs Fellowship 2026 must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 25 and 45 years of age
- Hold at least a first-level university degree
- Be a government official from a developing country
- Be directly involved in ocean affairs, maritime policy, or related areas
- Demonstrate a strong command of English, as the fellowship is conducted in English
- Be free from all other professional obligations during the fellowship period
- Show clear evidence that the fellowship will support their country’s strategic needs in ocean affairs
Special consideration is given to applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and Landlocked Developing Countries.
Fellowship Benefits
The UNNF Strategic Needs Fellowship 2026 is fully funded and includes:
- A monthly stipend for the duration of the fellowship
- Round-trip economy airfare between the fellow’s home country and New York
- Medical insurance coverage during the fellowship period
- Access to specialised training, professional development, and UN resources
Important Note:
Fellows are responsible for arranging their accommodation in New York and covering any initial visa-related costs.
Application Deadline
- Application Deadline: 22 March 2026
Early preparation is strongly encouraged, as the application process is competitive and requires careful documentation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official UN-Nippon Foundation application platform. Applicants are advised to carefully review all eligibility requirements and prepare a strong application aligned with their country’s strategic ocean governance needs.
Need Support With Your Application?
We offer professional support services to help you stand out, including:
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