Welcome to the Urban Climate Fellowship Program! We are excited to offer talented and passionate Red Cross Red Crescent National Society staff the opportunity to become urban climate fellows and strengthen their capacity to reduce urban risks in the context of climate change.
What is the Urban Climate Fellowship?
This three-month fellowship programme will focus on foundational knowledge on urban systems, climate change and variability, identification of risks and adaptation, and taking action. The fellowship will be organised in six modules, with one session each week. Each Session will be an hour long, and will include a mix of lecture, interactive discussion, and activities. There will be a midterm and final assignment that will challenge fellows to apply what they have learned in their own contexts.
Guest speakers from urban organisations around the world will join to share practical experience and lessons learned on working in different urban contexts, to inspire fellows to take their own actions. Classes will be responsive to the needs of the fellowship co-hort, adding optional discussion sections based on the interests of fellows. The Fellowship is supported by the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Climate Centre, the American Red Cross and RCRC National Societies.
Upon completion and submission of the final project, fellows will have a graduation (virtual) and will receive certificates. Fellows will be invited to join IFRC’s Urban Technical working groups where they will continue to receive technical support from IFRC and the Climate Centre urban teams.
Hear from previous Fellows
Francesca Alba, Italian Red Cross
Mike Odhiambo, Kenya Red Cross
Who is eligible for the Urban Climate Fellowship?
The fellowship is aimed at National Society staff and volunteers who work in urban branches. The requirements to apply are:
- An Affiliation to a Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) National Society. Applicants from Africa, Asia and Latin America are especially encouraged.
- A letter of recommendation letter by your National Society headquarters.
- An undergraduate degree
- Minimum two years experience in areas related to community resilience building, urban planning, climate change and urban disaster risk reduction.
- Experience in developing and delivering training programs for community based organizations.
- English language skills to be able to follow the course and carry out the assignments.
- Knowledge of and experience with RCRC networks is a plus.
- Ability to carry out independent work as well as working in and managing teams well.
Fellows must have access to the internet and a computer/ device to participate in the virtual training session to take place March - May 2025. They are expected to commit one hour to attend the sessions and half a day outside work per week.
In selecting fellows, we aim to have representation from different regions, National Societies and backgrounds
What will I learn?
Session 1: Urban systems and governance
Session 2: Urban development planning
Session 3: Understanding weather and climate
Session 4: Climate change in urban contexts
Session 5: Working with stakeholders in urban settings
Session 6: Exploring risk in the urban context
Session 7: Introduction to urban adaptation
Session 8: Adaptation around the world
Session 9: SPHERE standards in Urban
Session 10: Adaptation in response and recovery
Session 11: Coalition building and resourcing
Session 12: Taking action using the Urban Action Kit
Session 13: Graduation
Who are the instructors?
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us using the form below.
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