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2027 United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNNF OALOS Fellowship)
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Publish Date 7/26/2026 Application Deadline 9/13/2026 Opportunity Type Fellowships Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries The Arab World, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros Description

The United Nations, in partnership with the Nippon Foundation, offers the 2027 United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNNF OALOS Fellowship), a specialized fellowship designed to strengthen the capacity of government officials and professionals from developing countries working in the fields of ocean affairs and the law of the sea.

The fellowship aims to enhance participants’ knowledge, research skills, and professional expertise, enabling them to conduct advanced academic research and contribute to the implementation of international frameworks related to oceans, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 on life below water.

The program consists of specialized training at United Nations Headquarters in New York, followed by a research placement at an academic host institution where fellows will conduct research related to their area of expertise.
Details
  • Organizer: United Nations in partnership with the Nippon Foundation.
  • Fellowship name: United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNNF OALOS Fellowship).
  • Program year: 2027.
  • Fellowship duration: 9 months.
  • Program structure:
  • Phase One: A 3-month training program at the Office of Legal Affairs / Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (OLA/DOALOS), United Nations Headquarters, New York, from 24 March to 30 June 2027.
  • Phase Two: A 6-month research placement at an academic Host Institution participating in the UNNF Programmes, from 1 July to 17 December 2027.
  • Research and specialization areas include:
  • Implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related instruments.
  • Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
  • Maritime zones and maritime boundary delimitation.
  • National and regional ocean policies.
  • Coastal zone management.
  • Conservation and sustainable management of marine living resources.
  • Maritime transport and shipping.
  • Maritime security.
  • Protection and preservation of the marine environment.
  • Marine science and related fields.
  • Language requirements:
  • English is the main language of all fellowship activities.
  • Applicants must have a strong command of spoken and written English.
  • Training materials in French and Spanish are available upon request, depending on availability.
  • Research projects may be conducted in English or French if the Host Institution can provide supervision in the selected language.
  • Application process:
  • Download and complete the 2027 UNNF OALOS Application Form – Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme.
  • Complete and sign the 2027 UNNF OALOS Fellowship Nomination Form, signed and stamped by the nominating authority.
  • Prepare a valid national passport copy.
  • Upload all required documents in Word or PDF format through the Indico.UN platform.
  • Create an account on Indico.UN and submit the online application before the deadline.
  • All application documents must be completed clearly and fully to ensure successful processing.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Applicants must be between 25 and 45 years old.
  • Must hold at least a first university degree or an equivalent qualification.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic research and study.
  • Must be a national of a developing country.
  • Must be a mid-level government official or mid-level professional working directly on ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea.
  • Professional experience should be related to areas such as:
  • Ocean governance.
  • Maritime law.
  • Marine policies.
  • Coastal management.
  • Marine environmental protection.
  • Maritime security.
  • Shipping and maritime transport.
  • Marine sciences.
  • Must have a strong command of spoken and written English.
  • Must be able to participate in all fellowship activities in person.
  • Must submit a research project related to their professional field.
Opportunity Benefits
  • Participation in a specialized United Nations training program on ocean affairs and the law of the sea.
  • Opportunity to receive training at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
  • Opportunity to conduct academic research under the supervision of a specialized Host Institution.
  • Development of expertise in international ocean governance and maritime law.
  • Access to an international network of experts, professionals, and policymakers.
  • Improvement of research, analytical, and professional skills.
  • Practical experience in implementing international maritime policies and agreements.
  • Opportunity to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 14 and global efforts to protect oceans and marine resources.
  • Exposure to international cooperation and policy development in ocean affairs.