Objectives
The purpose of the United Nations - Portugal Ocean Fellowship Programme is to:
Provide high-level ocean policy officials from UN Member States classified under UN-DESA’s methodology, as published annually in the statistical annex of the WESP, as Developing economies with access to a capacity-sharing programme tailored to the needs of decision-makers, as well as empowering a new generation of leaders with the knowledge and skills to address pressing Ocean-related issues.
Build capacity in developing countries with the view to assisting in the driving of innovative solutions to protect and preserve our marine ecosystems, while promoting economic growth and equity.
Equip participants with further expertise to be an effective ocean policy decision-maker at the national and international level via a unique inter-disciplinary curriculum integrating the key domains of Ocean Governance, Marine Conservation, Sustainable Blue Economy and the Continental Shelf regime.
Facilitate international cooperation and information sharing on ocean-related issues by providing a platform for national high-level officials to network and build relationships with their foreign counterparts, leveraging the expertise of both Portuguese and international experts.
- Support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Number of Fellowships
Up to a maximum of 30 (thirty) Ocean Fellowships will be awarded this year.
Qualifications
The desired qualifications of nominees include:
The UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship is intended for high-level officials, namely heads/deputy heads of national agencies overseeing and responsible for Ocean Policy and/or Ambassadors or their equivalents holding decision-making responsibility in the areas of ocean policy, governance and management.
Candidates should have demonstrable experience in ocean policymaking and governance for their respective national authorities. All candidates, including female and indigenous candidates referred below, should be currently employed in the service of their respective Governments with plans to stay in the related role for a medium to long-term period.
Candidates must have a good working knowledge of English as the Fellowship will be conducted only in this language.
The nomination of women candidates is highly encouraged with a view to achieving the equal, full, inclusive, and effective participation of all genders. The United Nations prioritizes the equal participation of women and men in all its sponsored activities, including this Fellowship.
The nomination of indigenous candidates is highly encouraged with a view to achieving the equal, full, inclusive, and effective participation of communities most affected by the challenges posed by the climate/ocean crisis. The United Nations prioritizes the equal participation of all communities in all its sponsored activities, including this Fellowship.
- Priority will be given to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), considering an equitable geographic distribution.
Procedure for Submission of Nominations
To nominate a candidate to participate in the Fellowship Programme, the following documents must be sent by email to desa-ocean-fellowships@un.org, copying oceanfellowship@mne.pt:
1) Official communication (i.e., Note Verbale) from the respective Permanent Mission to the United Nations listing all nominations from the Member State (if more than one nomination is made, these should be ranked by order of priority). Please note that that only applications endorsed and transmitted through the Permanent Missions will be considered.
2) Nomination Form must be submitted for each individual candidate.
Deadline for Nominations
All nominations must be received by 27 February 2026. Nominations received after this date will not be considered.
Dates and duration of Programme
The third edition of the Ocean fellowship will take place from 17 – 22 May 2026, spanning a total of 5 (five) teaching days (from 18 to 22 May ). and a welcome reception on Sunday, 17 May. Participants are required to attend the whole duration of the Fellowship as the sessions will build on each other. All transportation, accommodation and subsistence costs will be supported by the organizing entities. Further details will be communicated upon selection.
