A major challenge for AOSIS members in the UNFCCC process is finding the resources necessary to allow for representatives to engage in substantive training focused on the complex climate negotiations. This reality puts AOSIS members at a potential disadvantage in the negotiations, and prevents valuable experience from being transferred from the international arena to domestic government work, and vice versa.

To address this challenge and to build lasting capacity in AOSIS member governments, the AOSIS Climate Change Fellowship Program was established. Fellows receive comprehensive training in climate change issues, and it is expected that they will return to their home country and continue to engage on these issues and in the UNFCCC process.

Each fellow will receive:

• • A roundtrip economy airfare ticket (up to $3,000) to New York City;
• A fixed settling-in allowance of $2,000;
• A laptop computer and cell phone for use while an AOSIS fellow;
• A monthly stipend of $4,000 USD per month (housing costs are to be covered by the stipend);
• A travel budget to cover the costs of attending major UNFCCC meetings;
• Training on relevant issues of law, policy, and science to build fundamental knowledge and understanding of climate change;
• Media training to learn the skills necessary to carry information beyond policy- making circles to a broader international  audience;
• Real-world negotiation experience at the United Nations to bring back to governments in their countries of origin; and
• Opportunities to participate in important international climate change conferences.

Appendix – Terms
This appendix includes fellowship terms, minimum qualification requirements for candidates, preferred qualifications, and the obligations of the sponsoring Mission.

Candidate Requirements

The candidate must:

• Be a national of an AOSIS country;
• Be age 25 to 35;
• Hold a degree in a relevant field (environment, climate change, international relations, law, sustainable development, fisheries, oceans, finance, etc.);
• Demonstrate discretion and sound judgment in dealing with politically sensitive issues in a diplomatic environment; and
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred candidates should:

• Intend to work in the national government following the completion of the Fellowship Program;
• Demonstrate excellent academic record and writing skills; and
• Have 1-3 years of experience working in national government (maximum 5 years); or
• Have 1-3 years of experience in a regional or international organization (maximum 5 years).

Sponsoring Mission Requirements

Sponsoring Missions will be responsible for:

• Accreditation of the fellow to their Mission and to their National UNFCCC delegation;
• Securing a US visa for the fellow; and
• Providing a suitable workspace in their respective Mission in New York.

The 2019 AOSIS Climate Change Fellowship Program is supported by the Government of Italy.

Application Instructions

2019 AOSIS Climate Change Fellowship Application Form

All applications must be submitted by the applicant’s Country Mission based in New York. To apply, please send this application form to Ismail Zahir ([email protected]) along with the following materials:

1. A Note Verbale from the respective Permanent Mission endorsing the candidate;
2. Applicant’s cover letter;
3. Applicant’s CV; and
4. A writing sample of 1 to 2 pages addressing the following questions:
   1. What unique background, experience, or expertise will you bring to the AOSIS Fellowship Program?
   2. What work do you hope to pursue following the Fellowship to continue to support your government’s engagement on climate change?

The application deadline is 7 December 2018 .

Applicants should be available for a phone or Skype informational call in December.

The Fellowship Program will begin in New York in February 2019.