Applications Open for the 2026–2027 Sullivan Climate and Ecological Security Fellowship
Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Gordon R. Sullivan Climate and Ecological Security Fellowship, a professional development opportunity for early-career professionals interested in the growing connection between climate change, environmental challenges and national or international security.
The fellowship is offered by the Center for Climate and Security (CCS), an initiative of the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR). It is designed to help emerging public servants strengthen their knowledge, develop professional networks and engage with experts working at the intersection of climate and security.
Applications close on September 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
About the Sullivan Fellowship
Named in honour of General Gordon R. Sullivan, a former U.S. Army leader and an early advocate for incorporating climate and environmental considerations into national security planning, the fellowship focuses on emerging challenges that increasingly affect governments, communities and international institutions.
The programme will run from October 2026 through July 2027 and will be conducted on a part-time, virtual basis.
The fellowship is unpaid, making it primarily a professional development and networking opportunity rather than a funded employment programme.
Participants will take part in monthly two-hour virtual sessions featuring guest speakers, small-group activities and structured discussions. Fellows will also receive curated readings and participate in learning activities focused on current and emerging climate-security issues.
Key Areas of Learning
The fellowship will expose participants to a broad range of topics connected to climate and ecological security.
Topics are expected to include:
- Food and water security
- Climate migration
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- The role of militaries and intelligence services
- Disinformation and democracy
- Energy transition
- Technology and artificial intelligence
- Strategic competition
- Climate intervention and geoengineering
This multidisciplinary approach can help fellows understand how environmental changes interact with political, economic, technological and security challenges.
Who Is Eligible?
The fellowship is aimed at professionals in the early stages of their careers.
Applicants must:
- Be based in the United States.
- Have between one and five years of post-undergraduate professional experience in climate change, environmental issues and/or national or international security.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career related to climate, environment and security.
- Be able to participate actively in the required virtual sessions.
Special consideration will be given to applicants whose public service careers have been affected by federal job cuts, budget reductions or policy changes since 2025.
The eligibility requirements mean that applicants should carefully assess their professional background before applying.
Fellowship Attendance Requirements
Active participation is an important part of the programme.
Fellows are expected to attend and participate in at least seven fellowship sessions to be eligible to use the credential “2026–2027 Sullivan Fellow” after completing the programme.
Sessions are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The scheduled dates are:
- October 15, 2026
- November 19, 2026
- December 17, 2026
- January 21, 2027
- February 18, 2027
- March 18, 2027
- April 15, 2027
- May 20, 2027
- June 17, 2027
- July 15, 2027
Applicants should ensure they can accommodate these sessions before submitting their applications.
Application Requirements
The application process is relatively straightforward.
Applicants are required to complete an online application form containing:
- A one-page resume
- Brief written responses to three application questions
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so interested candidates are encouraged not to wait until the final deadline.
The closing date is September 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Climate change is increasingly viewed not only as an environmental issue but also as a factor influencing migration, food and water security, political stability, economic resilience and international relations.
Professionals working in public policy, environmental affairs, international development and security therefore need the ability to understand these overlapping challenges.
The Sullivan Fellowship provides an opportunity for early-career professionals to explore these connections through expert-led sessions and peer discussions. Participants can gain exposure to different perspectives while building relationships with others interested in climate and security.
For professionals considering careers in public service, climate policy, environmental security, international affairs or related fields, the programme can provide valuable professional development.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants should review the full fellowship requirements and complete the online application before the deadline.
Fellowship: Gordon R. Sullivan Climate and Ecological Security Fellowship
Programme: 2026–2027
Location: United States / Virtual
Duration: October 2026–July 2027
Format: Part-time and virtual
Compensation: Unpaid professional development fellowship
Deadline: September 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Early-career professionals interested in the intersection of climate change, environmental challenges and security are encouraged to consider this opportunity and prepare their applications well before the closing date.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
