ACONA Fellowship 2026-2027

📖 About ACONA Fellowship

The Arms Control Negotiation Academy (ACONA) is a 12-month, high-level professional development program designed for a competitively selected cohort of rising international security experts and practitioners.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Training Curriculum: Focuses on critical historical case studies, technological know-how, and advanced negotiation skills in the realm of arms control.
• Negotiation Boot Camps: Participants attend three intensive boot camps.
• Certificate in Arms Control Negotiation: Earn a prestigious certificate upon completion.
• Networking Opportunities: Become part of the ACONA network of next-generation arms control negotiators.

🎁 Benefits of ACONA Fellowship

• Covered Costs:

  • Domestic and international travel (economy class) and double-room accommodation during the third boot camp.
  • Course materials and some expenses during boot camps.

• Not Covered:

  • Visa application costs and fees.
  • Personal, incidental, and miscellaneous expenses.

Note: The first two boot camps will be held virtually, eliminating travel expenses for those sessions.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

ACONA welcomes applications from highly qualified candidates of all nationalities who demonstrate 3-5 years of advanced professional or research experience in one of the following fields:

1. Arms control and nuclear issues.
2. Negotiation and mediation.
3. International peace, security, and global affairs, particularly U.S.-Russia-China-EU relations.

Ideal Candidate:

• Several years of professional or research experience in their field.
• International experience.
• An advanced degree.
• Public recognition of achievements.

📝 Application Process

Required Documents:

1. Motivation Letter (1-2 pages):

   • Document your passion for arms control, negotiation, and/or international peace and security.
   • Confirm that you have reviewed the curriculum and requirements (including adherence to a camera-on policy during virtual sessions).
   • State your commitment to participate in all parts of the 10-month program.
   • Explain what you would bring to the ACONA community.

2. CV/Resume (max. 5 pages):

   • Reflect relevant experience.

3. Letter of Recommendation:

   • Highlight exceptional relevant work.

📅 Application Deadline

31 May, 2026

🌐 Opportunity Application

For more details, visit the official ACONA Fellowship website.

To apply, complete the application on the ACONA Fellowship application page.

This fellowship is a unique opportunity to develop advanced skills in arms control negotiation and join a global network of experts. Don't miss out!

• ACONA aims to cover the cost of domestic and international travel (economy class) and double room accommodation during the third boot camp for all ACONA participants.
• Also covered: course materials, some during boot camps.
• Not funded: visa application costs and fees, other personal, incidental and misc. expenses. Note that the first two bootcamps will be held virtually, and there will thus be no travel expenses associated with participation.