United Nations-Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship Program 2026

Get latest opportunities sent your Inbox

---

Join our Telegram Channel Follow us on WhatsApp

About United Nations-Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship Program

The United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), Office of Legal Affairs, is accepting applications for the 2026 sessions of the UN–Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship and the Ocean Governance Fellowship for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These fellowships build national capacity in ocean affairs, law of the sea, and sustainable development.

• Sponsor Organisation: United Nations

Benefits of United Nations-Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship Program

Each fellow receives a tailored curriculum based on:

• Strategic national needs identified in the application

• Priorities endorsed by the Nominating Authority

Training components include:

• Expert-led lectures by UN staff and visiting specialists

• Scenario-based learning exercises

• Group discussions and technical workshops

• Possible learning placement with a UN entity or affiliated organization

United Nations-Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship Program Requirements

Nominated candidates must meet all the following criteria:

• Be between the ages of 25 and 45;
• Have successfully completed a first-level university degree;
• Be Government officials from developing countries dealing directly with critical issues related to the implementation of UNCLOS and related instruments, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; national and/or regional ocean policies; establishment of maritime zones and the delimitation of maritime boundaries; coastal zone management; conservation and management of marine living resources; maritime transport and shipping; maritime security; the protection and preservation of the marine environment; ocean and climate change; and marine science;
• Have strong command of oral and written English (note: the activities of the Fellowship are delivered in English);
• Their proposed study programme must contribute directly to the State's formulation and/or implementation of ocean affairs and law of the sea policies and programmes; and
• Be free of all non-Fellowship obligations during this entire period unless otherwise authorized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs.

Application Date and Process

Applicants must complete the following steps:

• Access the official UN–Nippon Foundation Programmes website

• Complete the online application form

• Prepare the Personal History and Proposed Research or Study Programme Form

• Obtain and upload the Nomination Form from the Nominating Authority

• Submit all required documents before the deadline

Application Deadline

22 March, 2026

Scholarship Application Portal

View details of United Nations-Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship Program

Apply for United Nations-Nippon Foundation Strategic Needs Fellowship Program