United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (2027)

↪

Publish Date 8/7/2026 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 Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), in partnership with The Nippon Foundation, offers a fully funded international fellowship designed to strengthen the capacity of government officials and professionals from developing countries working in ocean affairs and the law of the sea. The program combines academic and practical training on ocean governance, marine policy, international law of the sea, and sustainable ocean management. Fellows also undertake an independent research project under the supervision of a host academic institution. Upon completion, participants are expected to return to their home countries and apply the knowledge and skills gained to support national implementation of international ocean-related policies and sustainable development.

Details

Duration: 9 months.

Phase 1: Three months of training at the United Nations Headquarters in New York (24 March – 30 June 2027).

Phase 2: Six months of advanced research at a selected host academic institution (1 July – 17 December 2027).

Location: United Nations Headquarters (New York, USA) and a host institution in another country.

Funding: Fully funded.

Application Process:Complete the fellowship application form.
Submit the official nomination form signed by the employer.
Upload a copy of a valid passport.
Apply through the UN Indico online application system.

Language Requirement: English proficiency is required. Research may be conducted in French if the host institution can provide appropriate supervision.

Expected Results Announcement: Mid-December 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be between 25 and 45 years old.

Hold at least a first university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent).

Be capable of conducting advanced academic research.

Be a national of a developing country.

Be a mid-level government official or professional directly involved in ocean affairs or the law of the sea.

Work in a field related to:

Law of the Sea
Ocean governance
Marine policy
Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water)
Marine environmental protection
Coastal zone management
Maritime security
Maritime transport
Marine science

Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English.

Opportunity Benefits

Full financial support throughout the fellowship.

Monthly living allowance.

Round-trip international airfare.

Medical insurance.

Training at the United Nations Headquarters.

Academic supervision for an independent research project.

International networking opportunities with experts and fellows from around the world.

Certificate upon successful completion of the fellowship program.