Have you ever wondered how the legal order of the world’s oceans is maintained? How can mid-level professionals from developing states contribute to sustainable ocean governance? What opportunities exist for advanced training in ocean affairs and the law of the sea? The United Nations – The Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme for 2025 offers answers to these questions and more.

The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship applications are open to international candidates for 2025. This fellowship program provides Government officials and mid-level professionals from developing countries with cutting-edge training on the law of the sea and ocean affairs. The program also includes training in related disciplines, such as marine science, supporting management frameworks.

By participating in the United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship, fellows will learn about global legal frameworks, main issues, and best practices in ocean affairs. They will learn, become familiar with the United Nations’ works, and develop professional skills.

Furthermore, fellows will conduct individual research and develop a thesis on a selected topic under academic supervision.

Upon completing the Fellowship program, fellows should return to their countries. They should help formulate comprehensive ocean policy and implement the legal regime outlined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Important Details

• Application Deadline: 15 September 2024
• Result Announcement Dates: December 2024
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Organizer/Host Institution: United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (OLA/DOALOS) and The Nippon Foundation
• Eligible Countries: Developing States
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Mid-level government officials and professionals in ocean affairs or the law of the sea
• Focus Area: Ocean affairs, law of the sea, marine science
• Study Level: Advanced training
• Number of Opportunities: 14 fellowships
• Duration: 9 months (March to December 2025)
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: United States (New York) and various academic institutions worldwide

Phases of United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship

The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship is a 9-month Program comprising two consecutive phases. Throughout these phases, Fellows will undertake advanced research and training opportunities in their chosen fields:

• Phase One: 3 months of research and training at the UN Headquarters in New York, usually between mid-March to June 2025.
• Phase Two: 6 months of Advanced Academic Research and Study, typically conducted between July and December 2025 at one of the participating Host Institutions and guided by subject matter expert(s) with acknowledged in-depth expertise in the Fellows’ selected field of study.

Fellowship Benefits

The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship will cover the following costs:

Stipend and Book Allowance

• Fellows receive a monthly stipend throughout the Fellowship period.
• The stipend covers lodging, board, local transport, and other essentials.
• Rates are based on United Nations standards and vary by location.
• A Book Allowance of US$100 per month is provided during the second phase.

Method of Payment

• Fellows must open a local bank account upon arrival for stipend transfers.
• The initial stipend was paid by check; subsequent payments were made via direct bank transfer.
• Specific arrangements are possible if unable to open a bank account initially.

Travel

• Economy class airfare provided:
  • Return ticket from home country to Fellowship location(s).
  • Travel between home country, New York (DOALOS), and host institution(s) for 9-month Fellows.
• The United Nations travel agency manages travel bookings.

Visa(s)

• Fellows are responsible for promptly obtaining required visas.
• The United Nations provided a visa support letter upon confirmation.
• The first month’s stipend is higher to offset initial visa costs.

Housing

• Fellows arrange and cover costs for accommodations.
• Host institutions may assist in some cases, but responsibility rests with Fellows.

Insurance

• Cigna Health Insurance coverage is provided during the fellowship.
• Medical expenses are reimbursed upon submission of claims.

Family Members

• Fellows are advised against bringing family members.
• Stipend rates are designed for single-person living expenses.
• Medical insurance does not cover accompanying family members.

Medical Clearance

• Mandatory medical clearance is required before travel approval.

Fellows’ Obligations

• Fulfill mandatory reporting requirements.
• Non-compliance may result in denial of Fellowship confirmation.

Note: Fellows are responsible for housing and family member costs. Also, please note that each country’s stipend rates are varied and in compliance with the UN stipend rates for each country. For further information about the country vice rate of this Fellowship amount, please click the official link here.

Eligibility Criteria for United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship

All applicants should meet the following criteria:

• The fellow’s age must be between 25-40 years;
• Applicants must have finished their first university degree successfully
• Demonstrate the capability of undertaking independent advanced academic research and study
• The candidate must be a mid-level professional from a national government organ of a developing country or other governmental or non-governmental agency in such a State. In such a case, applicants should deal directly with ocean affairs issues, and their position must allow them to assist their country now.
• Propose a research and study program that must directly contribute to the formation or implementation of the law of the sea policies, ocean affairs, and programs in their home country;
• Be free of all non-Fellowship obligations throughout their Fellowship period unless otherwise, the Division has authorized them;
• A Government or other official who can confirm the nature of the applicant’s work concerning the Government’s ocean affairs should complete the Nomination and Recommendation Form.

United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship’s Deliverables and Materials

The Fellowship Program’s deliverables are as follows:

• Copy of passport
• 2025 UNNF Fellowship Application Form
• 2025 UNNF Nomination and Recommendation Form

Note:

• Please answer the questions clearly and thoroughly;
• Pust consideration on sections 18, 19, and 20;
• Candidates should not attach more than one additional page of the same size if necessary;
• The recommendation letter form must be completed and signed by the official authority.

How do I apply for the United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship?

Please follow these steps to apply successfully for the United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship program 2025:

Submission Email: DOALOS@un.org

Please visit the United Nations official website for further information about the United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship.

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