United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fully Funded 9-Month Ocean Fellowship Mid-level government officials and ocean affairs professionals from developing countries have an opportunity to strengthen their expertise through the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNNF OALOS Fellowship) 2027. The United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), under the Office of Legal Affairs, is accepting applications for the prestigious fellowship programme, which provides advanced training and research opportunities in ocean governance, marine science, and international law. The programme aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to support their countries in implementing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and advancing sustainable ocean management. Fellowship Supports Future Ocean Leaders The UNNF OALOS Fellowship is designed for professionals working directly in ocean-related fields who want to deepen their understanding of international maritime frameworks and strengthen national capacity. The programme focuses on helping participants develop expertise in areas such as: Ocean governance and policy development. Implementation of UNCLOS and related international agreements. Sustainable management of marine resources. Protection of the marine environment. Maritime security. Coastal zone management. Marine scientific research. Maritime transport and shipping. Establishment of maritime zones and boundary delimitation. Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). Through advanced academic training and research, fellows gain practical skills that can support better ocean management decisions in their home countries. Nine-Month Programme Combines Training and Research The fellowship is structured into two major phases, combining professional training with specialised academic research. Phase One: United Nations Training Programme The first three months will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York. During this period, fellows will participate in training activities organised by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. The training phase will run from: 24 March to 30 June 2027 Participants will gain exposure to international ocean governance processes and develop a deeper understanding of legal and policy frameworks affecting marine affairs. Phase Two: Research Placement at Academic Institution The second phase involves a six-month research stay at a participating academic host institution selected according to the fellow’s research interests and field of expertise. The research phase will take place from: 1 July to 17 December 2027 This stage allows fellows to conduct specialised research while working with academic experts in relevant fields. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is open to qualified professionals from developing countries who meet the programme requirements. Eligible applicants must: Be between 25 and 45 years old. Be citizens of a developing State. Hold at least a first university degree or equivalent qualification. Demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic research. Work as a mid-level government official or professional in ocean affairs or related fields. Have a strong command of spoken and written English. Applicants should have professional involvement in areas connected to ocean governance, marine management, law of the sea, or related disciplines. Ideal Candidates Include Ocean and Marine Policy Professionals The fellowship is particularly relevant for professionals involved in: National or regional ocean policy. Marine conservation. Fisheries management. Coastal development. Maritime boundaries. Marine environmental protection. Maritime security. Ocean science. Sustainable development planning. Participants should demonstrate how their work connects to improving ocean management and supporting their country’s implementation of international marine frameworks. Fully Funded Fellowship Opportunity The UN–Nippon Foundation Fellowship provides financial support to selected participants, enabling them to participate in the nine-month programme. Since its establishment in 2004, the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building Programmes have trained more than 350 professionals from around the world. For the 2027 session: 14 fellowships will be awarded. The programme also promotes: Gender balance among participants. Geographic diversity. Inclusion of professionals from different regions and backgrounds. Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. In-Person International Learning Experience The fellowship is delivered as an in-person programme, and selected participants are expected to attend all activities at the designated locations. The programme offers participants the opportunity to: Learn directly from United Nations experts. Build international professional networks. Exchange knowledge with ocean specialists from different countries. Develop research skills. Strengthen their ability to advise governments and institutions on ocean-related issues. Application Deadline and Process Applicants must submit their applications electronically through the Indico.UN platform. The application process requires candidates to: Create an Indico.UN account or use an existing account. Complete the online application form. Upload all required supporting documents. Submit the application before the deadline. Important deadline: Application deadline: 13 September 2026 Only complete applications submitted through the official online platform will be considered. Applications sent by email or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. ALSO SEE: USIU-Africa Opens Applications for 2026 Scholarships and Financial Aid Programmes Opportunity to Shape the Future of Ocean Governance The United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship provides a pathway for professionals from developing countries to gain advanced knowledge in ocean affairs and international maritime law. By supporting experts who work directly with ocean policy and management, the programme contributes to stronger national capacity, sustainable marine resource use, and global efforts to protect the world’s oceans. Qualified professionals passionate about ocean governance, marine science, and sustainable development are encouraged to apply for the 2027 fellowship session. 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