Apply for the UNDP CAFI Fellowship 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland and gain fully funded international experience in climate change, forest protection, sustainable development, and environmental policy.
Overview
UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) has opened applications for the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) Fellowship 2026, a fully funded international fellowship based in Geneva.
This fellowship is designed to strengthen African expertise in:
- Climate change mitigation
- Forest conservation
- Sustainable development
- Environmental governance
The programme supports young professionals from Central African countries committed to protecting the Congo Basin rainforest and advancing sustainable development goals.
UNDP CAFI Fellowship 2026 — Fully Funded Climate & Forest Protection Opportunity
Fellowship Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | CAFI Fellowship Programme |
| Organization | UNDP |
| Location | Geneva |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Practice Area | Nature, Climate and Energy |
| Application Deadline | 20 May 2026 |
| Language Required | French |
| Fellowship Type | Full-time International Fellowship |
About CAFI
The Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) is a major international climate and forest protection partnership focused on preserving the Central African rainforest.
CAFI works with six partner countries:
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Republic of Congo
Its mission is to:
- Protect forests
- Reduce deforestation
- Support sustainable economic development
- Mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss
Main Objectives of the Fellowship
The fellowship aims to:
- Build national climate expertise
- Support environmental leadership development
- Expose young professionals to international policy environments
- Promote sustainable forest governance
The programme also helps fellows gain:
- Professional experience
- International exposure
- Technical climate and forestry skills
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Hold nationality from one of the six CAFI partner countries
- Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field
- Demonstrate interest in sustainable development and climate work
Eligible Study Fields
Relevant backgrounds include:
- Environment
- Forestry
- Climate change
- Sustainable development
- Rural development
- Natural resource management
Professional Experience Requirements
Candidates should have:
- At least one year of professional experience
Experience may come from:
- Government institutions
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Environmental organizations
Preferred Areas of Experience
Advantageous experience includes:
- REDD+ programmes
- Payment for Environmental Services (PES)
- Forest governance
- GIS and remote sensing
- Climate policy
Language Requirements
Required
- Fluency in French
Advantage
Knowledge of:
- English
- Spanish
is beneficial.
Main Fellowship Responsibilities
Fellows will support:
- Climate and forest portfolio monitoring
- Programme evaluation and reporting
- Sustainable finance and PES systems
- GIS and remote sensing platforms
- Climate data analysis
- AI integration for environmental monitoring
- Knowledge management and policy coordination
Technical Skills Valued
UNDP highlights skills in:
- PowerBI
- Dashboard development
- GIS tools
- Remote sensing technologies
- Digital monitoring systems
Benefits of the Fellowship
1. International Experience
Work within a major UN climate and forest initiative.
2. Professional Development
Gain exposure to:
- Environmental governance
- International climate policy
- Sustainable development programming
3. Networking Opportunities
Collaborate with:
- Governments
- Donors
- UN agencies
- Climate experts
- International partners
4. Climate Leadership Skills
Build expertise in:
- Forest protection
- Climate resilience
- Sustainable land management
Why This Fellowship Is Important
The Congo Basin rainforest is one of the world’s most important ecosystems for:
- Carbon storage
- Biodiversity protection
- Climate stability
This fellowship helps develop the next generation of African environmental leaders capable of addressing:
- Deforestation
- Climate risks
- Sustainable development challenges
Application Requirements
Applicants may need:
- CV/resume
- Recommendation letters
- Academic certificates
- Proof of nationality
- Motivation materials
Recommendation letters must come from:
- Government representatives; or
- National/international academic institutions in the applicant’s country.
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Ensure all documents are updated and professionally prepared.
Step 2: Submit Through UNDP Careers Portal
Applications must be completed online before:
- 20 May 2026
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Young environmental professionals
- Climate researchers
- Forestry specialists
- Sustainable development practitioners
- GIS and climate data experts
from eligible Central African countries.
Final Thoughts
The UNDP CAFI Fellowship Programme is one of the top international climate and forest protection fellowships available in 2026.
With:
- International UN experience
- Environmental leadership training
- Climate policy exposure
- Sustainable development work
the programme offers an outstanding opportunity for emerging African professionals committed to protecting forests and advancing climate action.
Keywords
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