United Nations Nippon Foundation established the fully funded Critical Needs fellowship in 2017 as one of three core activities under the foundation’s Sustainable Ocean Programme. The Fellowship aims to assist developing States, particularly least developed countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries. Moreover, it aims to address identified critical needs in the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related instruments, as well as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 and other related SDGs.
Further, through the targeted building of human capacity, the Critical Needs Fellowship addresses needs-based capacity gaps at the national level. This helps to overcome critical capacity barriers to enable the most vulnerable States to better address strategically important and time-sensitive ocean affairs and the law of the sea issues.

The United Nations Nippon Foundation aims to achieve this specific purpose through the delivery of critical capacity assistance. Hence for that purpose, it offers a Fellowship Program to Government officials from developing States with limited background in ocean affairs and the law of the sea. Moreover, these officials are filling key positions in their Administration to address identified critical needs in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 and other related SDGs.

Fully Funded United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship

Under the fully funded Critical Needs Fellowship scheme, the United Nations Nippon Foundation will cover the return ticket for the fellow. Further, the foundation will provide a monthly stipend to cover the fellows’ expenses. However, it is the responsibility of the fellows to procure a visa. The foundation can provide the necessary documentation for the visa process.

Cigna International Health Services BVBA, Belgium will cover the fellow’s medical insurance during the program. However, the fellows are responsible for their medical clearance.

The United Nations Nippon Foundation, however, will not cover the accommodation of the fellows. The fellows are responsible to cover their own accommodation.

Eligibility for the United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship

To be eligible for the fully funded Critical Needs Fellowship, the candidates must be:

• Between the ages of 25 and 40;
• Have successfully completed a first university degree;
• A Government officials from developing countries dealing directly with critical issues related to the sustainable development of oceans and seas; including the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; national and/or regional ocean policy; establishment of maritime zones as well as 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;
• A Government official must complete the “nomination and recommendation form”. Moreover, the official must be able to attest to the nature of your work with respect to the Government’s ocean affairs and the law of the sea-related activities, and indicate how an Award would directly contribute to these activities;
• Furthermore, the proposed study program must contribute directly to the State’s formulation and/or implementation of ocean affairs and law of the sea policies and programs;
• Must be free of all non-Fellowship obligations during this entire period.

How to apply for United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship?

The application process for the fully funded United Nations Nippon Foundation Critical Needs Fellowship is two folds.

First, the candidates applying for the program should fill up the personal history and proposed research form. While filling up this form, the candidates must answer all the questions, taking special care to sections 18, 19, and 20.

Next, the nomination and recommendation form, filled and signed by the official nominating entity and must clearly identify the time-sensitive strategic needs of the State. Further, this form should describe how the candidate will be in a position to directly affect positive change with respect to these needs.

The applicant may deliver the form or email (preferable) to the address [email protected]

To deliver by post:

The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Critical Needs Fellowship Programme
Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea
Office of Legal Affairs
United Nations, Room DC2-0450
New York, N.Y. 10017, U.S.A.

Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Fully Funded United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship is 13 until September 2019.