Application Deadline: 29 March 2024.
The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations (“OLA/DOALOS”), is now accepting applications for the first session of the United Nations – The Nippon Foundation (UNNF) Ocean Governance Fellowship for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Tailored to address the distinct challenges concerning ocean affairs and the law of the sea in the context of the special circumstances of SIDS, the primary objective of this Fellowship is to enhance the capacity of SIDS government officials in effectively implementing international legal and governance frameworks, in particular the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and related instruments, such as the recently adopted BBNJ Agreement. This Fellowship also aims to support the development of ocean governance frameworks to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including SDG 14, focusing on the development of sustainable blue economies, while addressing environmental impacts, in particular the devastating impacts of ocean plastic, and building resilience to climate change.
Requirements
Small Island Developing States are invited to nominate Government officials, who are filling relevant positions in their Administration and actively working on ocean affairs and related disciplines.
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 SIDS actively working on ocean affairs and related disciplines; including the implementation of the UNCLOS regime and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; national and/or regional ocean policy; 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; and marine science.
In addition:
- 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;
- Must 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.
Fellowship structure, curriculum and deliverables
Fellowship structure, curriculum and deliverables
The Fellowship consists of a three-month training programme at the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat, at United Nations Headquarters in New York. A highly customized curriculum is developed for successful candidates, based on the specific national and/or regional challenges and opportunities linked to the special circumstances of their States, as outlined in their applications and supported by their nominating authorities. Substantive activities include in-person training sessions, discussions and workshops delivered by United Nations staff and visiting experts in the field, and complemented by practical group exercises, scenario-based discussions and other assignments.
In addition, the Fellows will be integrated into the training activities developed for the UNNF Strategic Needs Fellows, thereby being exposed to opportunities for additional learning and networking.
The deliverables of the Fellowship Programme include a number of assignments related to the training curriculum to be completed in the context of the training curriculum; a research paper prepared by the Fellows on topics of specific interest to their country; and the development of an ocean governance matrix.
More Info: United Nations Nippon Foundation (UNNF) Ocean Governance Fellowship
