West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship Programme 2026 for young Researchers. – Opportunities For Africans

Application Deadline: 13 March 2026

Applications at the moment are open for the 2026 West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship Programme. The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) invites young researchers from Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Nigeria and Senegal to apply for its 2026 Research Fellowship, working from May to October 2026. This six‑month programme strengthens the analysis, analytical and documentation expertise of rising students whereas contributing to WACSI’s mission of enhancing civil society in West Africa.

This 12 months’s fellowship prioritises indigenous information in biodiversity and conservation, encouraging analysis that highlights group practices, CSO contributions and replicable fashions that advance improvement throughout the area.

RESEARCH FOCUS
The focus of this 12 months’s analysis is on documenting finest practices and fashions that may be
replicated to advertise improvement within the area. Candidates fascinated with engaged on
topical points associated to biodiversity and conservation are extremely inspired to apply. The institute
welcomes functions and contributions associated to however not strictly restricted to matters reminiscent of:
o Leadership and Governance for civil society organisations
o Technology for improvement,
o Resource mobilisation,
o Civil society sustainability,
o Working Practices and Internal Systems
o Human Resource Management
o Enabling atmosphere for civil society,
o Community Engagement
o Equitable partnerships between civil society organisations in West Africa
and their donors and/or worldwide non-governmental organisations
o Capacity strengthening for civil society in West Africa.
ELIGIBILITY

• The fellowship is open to young researchers from the next international locations:
  o Ghana
  o Guinea Conakry
  o Liberia
  o Nigeria
  o Senegal
• Current workers of organisations which are part of the capability strengthening programme for
  organisations within the biodiversity sector are inspired to apply
• Those fascinated with honing their analysis expertise and who might not essentially be among the many
  organisations within the above talked about programme are additionally inspired to apply.
• Contributors should present a powerful correlation between their supposed subject of curiosity and its
  relevance and or applicability inside the biodiversity and conservation sector.
• Applicants should exhibit sturdy analytical expertise and the power to carry out impartial
  analysis.
• Applicants should be capable to talk fluently both in English and/or French.

  BENEFITS
  Active participation on this fellowship gives fellows with a eager curiosity in biodiversity and
  conservation entry to a variety of advantages to assist efficiently conduct their analysis or have interaction in a information documentation challenge. Some particular advantages embody however should not restricted to the next:

• Opportunity to publish in a well-read and globally acclaimed platform devoted to analysis on
  civil society in West Africa.
• Production of no less than one publishable analysis report or coverage doc on biodiversity and
  conservation. This might be both an Issue Paper, an Op-Ed and/or weblog articles.
• Fellows might be assigned to mentors who will information them all through the fellowship

The analysis findings and the fellows’ expertise might be used to advertise good practices in West
Africa and past.

• Research fellows will obtain month-to-month stipends and a analysis allowance from the institute.
• Fellows are supplied with a wealth of Opportunities, expertise and information to raised plan for or
  advance their future careers.
• Candidates would develop no less than one WACSeries publication that might be revealed on the
  institute’s web site.
• Free entry to WACSI’s publications.

DELIVERABLES

• Contribution to ongoing analysis performed and/or commissioned by the institute.
• At least one article revealed on finest practices, case research and/or success tales inside the
  biodiversity and conservation sector.

  FELLOWSHIP DURATION
  The fellowship period is six months (May – October 2026). This might be based mostly on the alignment of the fellowship objectives with the applicant’s present educational, profession and/or analysis pursuits. However, candidates might be chosen on a case-by-case foundation.
  
  APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE
  Interested candidates ought to submit the next:

• A motivation letter stating their period and theme of curiosity.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A synopsis of not multiple web page on the particular theme of curiosity to the potential fellow.
  This ought to articulate how the candidate intends to finish the fellowship and meet up with
  all deliverables inside the fellowship period.
• Sample of an authored article or paper. Provide proof of any revealed works if obtainable.
  Applications needs to be submitted through e mail to Mabel Shu ([email protected]) and cc Jimm Chick
  Fomunjong ([email protected]) and Nancy Kankam Kusi ([email protected]

TIMELINES

• 23 February 2026: Application opens.
• 13 March 2026: Deadline for receipt of functions.
• 27 March 2026: Shortlisted candidates are notified by e mail.
• 02 April 2026: Interview with shortlisted candidates.
• 09 April 2026: Selected candidates will obtain suggestions on their functions.
• 04 May 2026: Beginning of the analysis fellowship.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the West Africa Civil Society Institute Research Fellowship Programme