The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations, announces the call for applications for the 2026 United Nations–The Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme (UNNF) on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea.
This prestigious programme aims to provide mid-level government officials and professionals from developing countries with advanced, fully funded training in ocean affairs, the law of the sea, and related disciplines, including marine science in support of ocean governance frameworks. The fellowship seeks to equip participants with the skills necessary to assist their States in implementing the legal frameworks under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while contributing to comprehensive ocean management strategies aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Programme structure:
- Phase One: 3-month training at the United Nations Headquarters, New York (March – June 2026).
- Phase Two: 6-month research placement at a renowned academic host institution (July – December 2026).
Eligibility criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be 25 to 45 years old
- Hold at least a first university degree or its equivalent
- Be nationals of developing countries
- Be mid-level government officials or professionals working directly in ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea
- Demonstrate capacity for advanced academic research
Application Process:
Applicants must:
- Complete the application package via the fellowship website Apply Now
- Email the completed forms along with a copy of passport to [email protected]
- Submit the online form via Online Application Form
Deadline for applications: 14 September 2025. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
Important notes:
- 14 Fellowships will be awarded for the 2026 session
- Successful candidates will be notified individually
- The list of Awardees and Reserves will be posted on the Fellowship website by December 2025
- The programme is committed to gender balance and geographical diversity
- Female applicants and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request.
For full details on eligibility, programme structure, and conditions, visit the fellowship website https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/UNNF.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
