Climate Resilience Fellow @Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is inviting experienced climate adaptation professionals, sustainability experts, community leaders, and practitioners to apply as Professional Mentors for the prestigious King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP) Climate Resilience Fellowships.

Inspired by His Majesty King Charles III, this groundbreaking initiative aims to strengthen climate adaptation capacity across Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) by equipping frontline professionals with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and professional support to address some of the most urgent climate challenges facing vulnerable communities.

The ACU is currently seeking dedicated mentors who can provide expert guidance to Fellows undertaking applied climate adaptation projects as part of a one-year accredited postgraduate certificate programme in Climate Adaptation Practice.

About the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme Climate Resilience Fellowships

Climate change continues to disproportionately affect Small Island Developing States. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, extreme weather events, water insecurity, biodiversity loss, and threats to livelihoods have created an urgent need for locally driven adaptation solutions.

The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme Climate Resilience Fellowships were established to address this challenge by supporting professionals working directly on climate adaptation across Commonwealth SIDS.

The Fellowship provides participants with:

• Accredited professional development training
• Postgraduate certification in Climate Adaptation Practice
• Practical workplace-based climate adaptation projects
• Access to expert mentors and supervisors
• Opportunities to develop locally relevant climate resilience solutions
• Exposure to regional and international climate adaptation networks

As part of this programme, professional mentors play a critical role in helping Fellows successfully design, implement, and report on their climate adaptation projects.

Why Professional Mentors Are Important

The Fellowship recognizes that practical expertise is essential for creating meaningful climate adaptation outcomes.

Mentors provide valuable support by helping Fellows:

• Strengthen project design and implementation strategies
• Align activities with national climate priorities
• Navigate technical and operational challenges
• Engage relevant stakeholders effectively
• Ensure projects generate sustainable and measurable impact
• Develop locally relevant solutions that enhance climate resilience

Through mentorship, Fellows can better connect academic learning with practical action, increasing the effectiveness of adaptation initiatives within their communities.

Role of Professional Mentors

Professional mentors will guide Fellows as they complete practical, workplace-based climate adaptation projects.

Mentors are expected to provide:

1. Project Planning Support

During the project planning phase, mentors will:

• Review project concepts and plans
• Provide technical guidance
• Offer feedback to improve project quality
• Ensure alignment with National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)
• Suggest relevant stakeholders and partnerships

2. Project Delivery Support

During implementation, mentors will:

• Provide ongoing advice
• Help address emerging challenges
• Support project management and execution
• Encourage best practices in climate adaptation

3. Project Reporting Support

At the conclusion of projects, mentors will:

• Review project reports
• Provide feedback on findings and recommendations
• Help strengthen reporting quality
• Support reflection on lessons learned and impact achieved

Who Should Apply?

The ACU is looking for experienced professionals who combine technical expertise with practical experience and local understanding.

Suitable Mentor Profiles Include

Climate Adaptation Practitioners

Professionals working within:

• NGOs
• Government agencies
• Environmental organizations
• Climate resilience initiatives
• National Adaptation Plan implementation programmes

Private Sector Leaders

Professionals involved in:

• Sustainable agriculture
• Climate-smart business solutions
• Water security
• Green infrastructure
• Environmental innovation

Indigenous and Community Leaders

Individuals with expertise in:

• Traditional resource management
• Community-based adaptation
• Coastal resilience
• Nature-based solutions
• Indigenous climate knowledge systems

Cross-Sector Experts

Professionals capable of bridging:

• Policy and implementation
• Research and practice
• Community engagement and technical solutions

Mentor Responsibilities

Successful mentors will:

• Build a productive mentoring relationship with Fellows.
• Participate in online meetings.
• Review project documents and plans.
• Provide technical and strategic guidance.
• Offer practical recommendations.
• Support alignment with local and national climate priorities.
• Help identify risks and opportunities.
• Encourage high-quality climate adaptation outcomes.

Time Commitment

The mentorship commitment is intentionally designed to be manageable while delivering meaningful support.

Estimated Time Requirement Per Fellow

April 2026

Relationship Building

• Initial introductions
• Project discussions
• Online meeting

Time commitment: 60 minutes

May – August 2026

Project Planning

• Project reviews
• Feedback and guidance
• Stakeholder recommendations
• Online consultations

Time commitment:

• 120 minutes document review
• Two 15-minute online sessions

September – December 2026

Project Delivery

• Ongoing support and advice

Time commitment:

• Four 15-minute online sessions

December 2026 – January 2027

Project Reporting

• Report review
• Feedback and recommendations

Time commitment:

• 120 minutes document review
• Two 15-minute online sessions

Total Estimated Commitment

Approximately 7 hours per Fellow across the entire Fellowship period.

Honorarium and Benefits

Successful mentors will receive:

• An honorarium of up to GBP 200
• Opportunities to contribute to climate resilience across Commonwealth SIDS
• Professional recognition through participation in a prestigious Commonwealth initiative
• Access to a global network of climate adaptation professionals
• Opportunities to support the next generation of climate resilience leaders

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Association of Commonwealth Universities is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of:

• Age
• Disability
• Sex
• Gender reassignment
• Sexual orientation
• Pregnancy and maternity status
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Marital or civil partnership status

The programme values diverse perspectives and encourages applications from professionals with varied backgrounds and experiences.

Application Process

Interested candidates should review the application requirements carefully before beginning the application process.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a remote interview conducted via an online meeting platform.

Apply Here

Important Deadline

Applications must be submitted no later than:

30 June 2026 at 16:00 UTC

Late applications may not be considered.

Why You Should Become a Mentor

Climate adaptation requires collaboration between practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and communities. By becoming a mentor through the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme, you will contribute directly to strengthening climate resilience in some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

This opportunity allows experienced professionals to share their expertise, support emerging climate leaders, and help develop innovative adaptation solutions that create lasting impact across Commonwealth Small Island Developing States.

For more information, please visit their website here

Discover more opportunities on OFY, here.