The UN-Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme stands as a distinguished initiative aimed at enhancing the expertise of mid-level professionals and government officials from developing countries in the field of ocean affairs and maritime law.
Launched through a collaboration between the United Nations and The Nippon Foundation, this fully funded fellowship offers an invaluable opportunity for recipients to gain advanced knowledge and practical skills crucial for advancing ocean governance and policy-making in their home countries. This fellowship represents a commitment to fostering global leadership in ocean conservation and sustainable development by equipping talented individuals with the tools needed to address pressing maritime challenges.
The fellowship experience is structured to provide a comprehensive learning journey over nine months. It begins with a three-month training phase at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where fellows will engage in intensive seminars and workshops designed to broaden their understanding of international ocean policies and legal frameworks.
Following this foundational phase, fellows will spend six months at a host institution conducting research and studying specific aspects of ocean affairs and maritime law. This dual-phase approach ensures that participants not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also apply it practically, facilitating meaningful contributions to their countries’ ocean management and legal systems.
Eligibility for the fellowship is designed to attract candidates with a robust background in ocean affairs or maritime law who are in mid-level positions within their governments or organizations. Applicants must be between 25 and 40 years old, hold a relevant university degree and demonstrate a record of advanced academic research.
By focusing on individuals from developing countries, the program aims to build a network of leaders equipped to tackle regional and global ocean-related issues. The application process requires careful completion of forms and submission by September 15, 2024, underscoring the program’s rigorous standards and commitment to excellence in ocean governance.
Degree Level
The UN-Nippon Foundation Fellowships for 2025 in the USA are available for those pursuing Fellowship-level programs at universities in the USA.
Available Subjects
The fellowship encompasses studies in the following subject areas:
- Ocean and Sea Sciences
Benefits
The fellowship covers all expenses, making it fully funded.
Eligible Nationalities
The fellowship is open to candidates of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between the ages of 25 and 40.
- Hold at least a first university degree or its equivalent.
- Demonstrate a solid track record in advanced academic research.
- Be a citizen of a developing country.
- Currently occupy a mid-level government or professional position related to ocean affairs or maritime law.
- Present a research or study proposal that will directly benefit their country’s ocean affairs and maritime law policies.
Application Procedure
To apply, follow these instructions:
- Download the Application Form: Save the form as either a Word or PDF document.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the form electronically, using sentence case (e.g., John Smith) for all entries. Include your electronic or handwritten signature where required.
- Answer All Questions Thoroughly: Ensure you provide clear and comprehensive responses, particularly for sections 18, 19 and 20. If necessary, attach an additional page of the same size.
- Submit Two Required Forms:
- Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme Form: Complete and sign this form yourself.
- Nomination and Recommendation Form: This form must be completed and signed by the nominating entity.
Submission:
Send both completed and signed forms electronically (Word or PDF format) to DOALOS at doalos@un.org by the deadline.
Deadline:
The deadline for submissions is September 15, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the fellowship cover?
The fellowship is fully funded, covering all associated costs, including travel, accommodation and living expenses during the fellowship period.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts for nine months. It begins with a three-month training phase at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and is followed by a six-month research and study phase at a designated host institution.
What are the key components of the fellowship program?
The fellowship program includes intensive training at the UN Headquarters, where participants gain foundational knowledge and a research phase at a host institution, where they work on a project related to ocean affairs or maritime law that benefits their home country.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for submitting applications is September 15, 2024.
Can applicants from any country apply?
Yes, the fellowship is open to applicants from all nationalities, provided they are from developing countries as defined by the program.
What types of research or study proposals are encouraged?
Proposals should focus on ocean affairs or maritime law and must demonstrate how the research or study will directly benefit the applicant’s home country’s policies and programs in these areas.
What are the selection criteria for the fellowship?
Selection is based on the applicant’s academic qualifications, professional experience, research proposal quality and the potential impact of their work on their country’s ocean affairs and maritime law. The application process also assesses the applicant’s commitment to contributing to international ocean governance and sustainable development.
