With the International Climate Protection Fellowships, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables prospective leaders in academia and industry to implement a research based proposal in the field of climate protection or climate-related resource conservation during a one-year stay in Germany. The closing date for applications is 1 March 2019.

Up to 20 International Climate Protection Fellowships are granted annually, funded under the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety’s (BMU) International Climate Initiative. The fellowships target prospective leaders from non-European transition and developing countries (see list of countries). Candidates draw up their own research-based proposal which they then implement in collaboration with a host in Germany.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The global challenge posed by climate change can only be met by cross-border international collaborations. By enabling future decision-makers and multipliers to share knowledge, methods and techniques with specialist colleagues in Germany the programme promotes this objective, particularly by taking account of issues relating to practical applicability in the fellows’ own countries. In the spirit of the Agenda 2030 and the related Sustainable Development Goals, the programme seeks to contribute to the achievement of these goals by fostering prospective leaders with their undertakings and projects to combat climate change, to develop and implement adaptation strategies, to preserve ecosystems and biodiversity and to foster the sustainable use of the oceans and seas. Furthermore, it addresses sustainability topics relating to natural resources, resource-efficient consumption and urban development. The programme promotes the development of long-term contacts and collaboration with colleagues in Germany.

THE FELLOWSHIP
Successful candidates will receive: 

• Monthly fellowship of between €2,150 and €2,650, depending on your qualifications
• Individual mentoring during your stay in Germany
• Additional financial support for items such as family members accompanying you, travel expenses or a German language course
• A three-week introductory phase, during which you will have the opportunity to make contact with other climate protection fellows and visit companies, research institutions and cultural events in Germany
• Extensive alumni sponsorship, particularly to help you sustain contact with collaborative partners in Germany during your entire professional career

CANDIDATES
Those applying for this programme must be working in the field of climate protection or climate-related resource conservation; they should have proven leadership skills, which must be convincingly demonstrated in the application and supported by appropriate references. In addition to applicants with a background in the natural and engineering sciences, candidates who have been engaged in legal, economic, health-related and societal issues relating to climate change are encouraged to apply for this programme.

Candidates should have:  

• First university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent), completed less than 12 years previously.
• Leadership skills demonstrated by initial experience in leadership positions and/or appropriate references
• Extensive work experience (at least 48 months at the time of application) or a successfully completed doctorate in the field of climate protection or climate-related resource conservation
• Scientific publications (for postdoctoral applicants) in peer-reviewed journals according to international standards
• A detailed statement by a host in Germany, including a mentoring agreement; details of the proposal must be discussed with the prospective host prior to application
• Citizenship of a non-European transition or developing country which is also the applicant’s habitual residence and place of work
• Very good knowledge of English and/or German, documented by appropriate language certificates
• Two expert references by individuals qualified to comment on the candidate’s professional, personal and, if applicable, academic eligibility as well as his/her leadership potential

The closing date for applications is 1 March 2019.