The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) was established to strengthen the institutional, operational, and knowledge capacities of civil society in the region and to enhance understanding of civil society in West Africa. WACSI acts as a resource hub for training, research, documentation, experience sharing, and policy dialogue for organized civil society in the region.
The fellowship is offered to young researchers from West Africa. Young researchers from outside the region who want to examine and document civil society processes in West Africa may also be considered.
Benefits:
- Active participation in this fellowship provides fellows with access to numerous benefits to aid in their research or knowledge documentation projects.
- Fellows will be assigned mentors to guide them throughout the fellowship.
- Research findings and fellows’ experiences will be used to promote good practices in West Africa and beyond.
- The Institute will provide Fellows with a monthly stipend as well as a research allowance.
- Fellows will gain valuable opportunities, skills, and knowledge to advance their future careers.
- Fellows are expected to develop at least one WACSeries publication that will be published on the Institute’s website.
- Official recommendation from WACSI.
- Free access to WACSI’s publications.
Requirements:
- The fellowship is open to young researchers from West Africa, as well as those from outside the region interested in civil society practices in West Africa.
- Candidates with an interest in civil society issues are encouraged to apply, particularly those interested in:
- Local philanthropy
- Technology for development
- The localization agenda
- Decolonization of aid
- Resource mobilization
- Civil society sustainability
- Shift the power
- Leadership and succession
- Strategic partnerships
- Capacity building for West African civil societies
- Current master’s or PhD students, or graduates who completed their master’s or PhD within the last two years.
- Applicants must demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to conduct independent research.
- Interested applicants should be prepared to cover all costs related to the fellowship.
- Applicants must be fluent in English and/or French, with a strong encouragement for French-speaking candidates to apply.
Selection Process
Deliverables:
- Produce at least two publishable research reports or policy documents, such as an Issue Paper, Op-Ed, or blog articles.
- Contribute to ongoing research conducted or commissioned by the Institute.
- Document best practices, case studies, and/or success stories.
Fellowship Duration: The fellowship lasts six months (July – December 2024) and will align with the student’s current academic, career, and/or research interests. Selections may be made on a case-by-case basis.
Timelines:
- 6 May 2024: Application opens.
- 31 May 2024: Application deadline.
- 7 June 2024: Shortlisted applicants are notified via email.
- 19 June 2024: Interviews with shortlisted applicants.
- 25 June 2024: Feedback provided to selected candidates.
- 1 July 2024: Fellowship begins. Start dates can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Application Documents: Interested candidates should submit:
- A motivation letter stating their preferred duration and theme of interest.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A one-page synopsis on the specific theme of interest for the fellowship.
- A sample of an authored article or paper, with evidence of any published works if available.
Method of Application:
For More Information:
Application Deadline: May 31, 2024.
