Fully Funded United Nations Opportunity for Mid-Level Professionals For Head of Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea Fellowship 2027 ·Level Professionals For Head of Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea Fellowship 2027

United Nations Fellowship Summary

Job Title: United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea 2027
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York (Phase One); Host Institution (Phase Two)
Closing Date: 13 September 2026
Contract: Fully funded, nine-month Fellowship

Job Summary

Applications are now open for the 2027 United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea.

This fully funded, nine-month Fellowship offers mid-level government officials and professionals from developing States the opportunity to enhance their expertise in ocean affairs and the law of the sea through advanced training and research.

The programme runs from 24 March to 17 December 2027, comprising a three-month training phase at UN Headquarters in New York and a six-month research placement at a designated academic institution.

About the Fellowship

The United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea Fellowship is designed to strengthen the capacity of mid-level professionals working on ocean-related issues, including but not limited to implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, sustainable development, maritime security, marine environment protection, and marine science.

Participants will gain comprehensive training, conduct research, and collaborate with leading experts in the field.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Age between 25 and 45 years
• Hold at least a first university degree or equivalent qualification
• Demonstrate ability to undertake advanced academic research and study
• Be a national of a developing State

• Be a mid-level government official or mid-level professional working directly on ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea, including areas such as maritime zones, ocean policy, coastal zone management, marine conservation, maritime transport, security, and marine science
• Possess strong command of spoken and written English (training conducted in English; materials in French and Spanish available upon request)

Programme Structure

Phase One: Training in New York

Duration: 3 months (24 March – 30 June 2027)
Participants will undergo intensive training at the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA)/Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), United Nations Headquarters.

Phase Two: Research Placement

Duration: 6 months (1 July – 17 December 2027)
Fellows will undertake research at an academic host institution specializing in their area of interest, selected based on their research focus and expertise.

Application Process

Interested candidates must:

• Download, complete, and sign the 2027 UNNF OALOS Application Form and Nomination Form
• Upload the completed documents along with a valid national passport in PDF or Word format via the Indico.UN platform
• Submit their application by the deadline: 13 September 2026

Further guidance and the application portal can be accessed at: Apply Now

A total of 14 fellowships will be awarded for the 2027 session. Results will be announced on the UN website by mid-December 2026.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 13 September 2026
• Fellowship Duration: 24 March – 17 December 2027
• Announcement of Award Results: Mid-December 2026

Contact and Further Information

For detailed information about the application process, eligibility, and programme details, visit: UN Ocean Capacity Building

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for mid-level professionals to contribute to sustainable ocean governance and international maritime law while advancing their careers in this vital field.