Deadline: 3rd February, 2023.
The Charles R. Wall Young African Policy Fellows Program aims to train young professionals who have a keen interest in policymaking, with a focus on biodiversity governance in Africa. The nine-month program is offered by the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The program is premised on the need to better organise and articulate the African voice in continental and international forums in pursuit of African Union Agenda 2063 “The Africa We Want,” whose aspirations emphasise the role of nature and biodiversity in transforming the continent’s sustainable development.
The overall objective of the Charles R. Wall Young African Policy Fellows Program is to establish a pool of young professionals with sufficient knowledge and negotiation skills on international environmental governance capable of contributing to policy formulation, negotiation, and review processes at country, regional, and international levels.
The nine-month highly experiential and blended learning experience consists of modules that are delivered through diverse formats, including:
• Knowledge development workshops,
• Intentional networking activities, and
• Learning-by-doing activities that include a simulation and attending international policymaking processes
• Knowledge development workshops,
• Intentional networking activities, and
• Learning-by-doing activities that include a simulation and attending international policymaking processes
Sessions will take place once a month with leadership dialogue sessions in between and will be led by a faculty of experts and practitioners.
Benefits
- Air travel to and from home country and ground transport for the in-
person workshop in Nairobi and for one policy making conference you are selected to attend. - Accommodation during in-person workshops and attending international policy-making processes.
- Stipend to cover data bundles for the virtual sessions.
- Personalised coaching support duringthe program to deliver the policy brief.
Eligibility
- Interest: Applicants must demonstrate a clear interest in biodiversity and related matters.
- Nationality: Nationals of any of the African countries living and working in Africa.
- Age: 20-35 years.
- Academic: At least 1st university degree in environmental sciences, social sciences, agricultural sciences, indigenous knowledge systems, resource mobilization, international relations, gender studies, bio-technology, or any other sector that is relevant in international environmental governance. In lieu of a degree, experience may suffice.
- Experience: Two years experience in conservation and/or management of biodiversity through practice by way of employment, activism, and volunteering.
- Commitment: Applicants MUST commit themselves to a) Attend the full course, b) Be available for travel to policy conferences, and c) Provide support to negotiators where relevant.
- Language: The training is open to candidates from francophone countries in the continent but should have basic English writing and speaking skills. Some training materials and sessions may be translated to French
Application Process
All supporting documents required in the application. These are a Curriculum Vitae and a letter of recommendation from the university/employer/senior person you have worked with. The application includes essays that are mandatory.
For more information and application.