Application Deadline: April 30, 2024, 23:59 EAT
The African Leadership Center is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Peace and Security Fellowship targeting young African women, particularly those from conflict-affected contexts. This fully-funded fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing careers in research, policy, and practice within the fields of peace, security, and development.
Program Overview: The fellowship program aims to expose African women to various approaches in security and peacebuilding, utilizing leadership studies to analyze these methods. It is designed to develop expertise that fosters African-led ideas and processes of change, rooted in integrity and the pursuit of excellence. Aligned with key regional and global peace and development frameworks, including UNSCR 1325 and 2250, SDGs 5 and 16, and the African Union Agenda 2063, the program seeks to empower fellows to challenge mainstream narratives on conflict and security matters.
Phases: The Fellowship consists of two main phases:
Phase 1:
- A 12-month training program based at King’s College London.
- Regular group mentoring sessions with distinguished academics, policy analysts, and practitioners.
- Completion of a taught Master’s program in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding at King’s College London.
- Research and paper delivery on peace, security, and development in Africa at the African Leadership Centre (ALC) in Nairobi and the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Nairobi.
- Institutional visits to academic, policy, and research institutions focusing on peace, security, and development.
Phase 2:
- A 6-month attachment to select partner universities or Centres of Excellence in Africa.
- Fellows will work as faculty members, contributing to academic and policy research.
- Conduct a research project on a key aspect of peace, security, and development, culminating in a research report and policy brief.
- Publication and dissemination of research outputs through relevant academic and policy platforms.
Mentoring: Throughout both phases, fellows will have access to the program’s network of mentors, including group mentoring sessions and training on key thematic issues. One-on-one mentoring sessions will also be available to guide fellows through the program.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Female citizens of African countries, with preference given to candidates from conflict-affected contexts.
- Possession of valid travel documents prior to acceptance.
- Hold a master’s or bachelor’s degree, with additional professional experience being valued.
- Knowledge of or experience in women’s rights, gender, and development issues.
- Demonstrate a commitment to contributing to peace, security, and development in Africa.
- Capacity to undertake research on issues related to peace, security, and development.
- Commitment to the core values of the program: African-led change, independent thinking, integrity, pursuit of excellence, recognition of youth agency, and respect for diversity.
- Have a clear plan for utilizing knowledge gained through the Fellowship upon return to their countries or organizations.
- Fluency in spoken and written English, as the program is conducted in English. An English Language Proficiency test will be required for unconditional acceptance onto the MSc.
How to Apply: All interested candidates should visit the Official Fellowship Page to access the application portal and submit required documents before the deadline.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2024, 23:59 EAT
For more detailed information about the African Leadership Center Peace and Security Fellowship for African Women, please visit the Official Fellowship Page.
