Description
The AWARD Climate Action Fellowship empowers African women to lead gender-responsive climate solutions for smallholder farmers in agri-food systems. This non-residential, two-year program blends virtual and in-person training (including a weeklong session in Nairobi) to strengthen leadership, negotiation, and technical skills. Fellows design collaborative Climate Research and Innovation Projects (CRIPs), engage in global dialogues, and mentor emerging professionals. Backed by the UK government and Canada’s IDRC under the CLARE programme, the fellowship bridges science and action to combat climate inequality in Africa.
Eligibility
This fellowship is tailored for African women deeply committed to advancing climate resilience while addressing systemic gender disparities. To qualify, applicants must be female citizens of Benin, Cameroon, Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, or Malawi and currently reside in any African country throughout the fellowship period. Academic qualifications are stringent: candidates must hold a master’s degree in fields directly related to gender studies, climate science, agriculture, or sustainable development.
Professionally, applicants should demonstrate at least two years of hands-on experience in climate action, whether through fieldwork, research, policy advocacy, or community mobilization. This experience must align with addressing challenges faced by smallholder farmers, particularly women, in agri-food systems. The fellowship prioritizes women working in national or international organizations, including government agencies, NGOs, academia, or the private sector, provided their roles actively contribute to climate adaptation or mitigation.
A critical exclusion applies: current beneficiaries of other AWARD fellowships are not eligible, ensuring equitable access to opportunities.
Benefits
Selected fellows gain transformative opportunities to elevate their impact in climate action. The program begins with world-class leadership training, where participants refine skills in negotiation, gender integration, and project management through workshops led by global experts. A cornerstone of the fellowship is the structured mentorship journey: each fellow is paired with an experienced mentor for a year, fostering personalized guidance to navigate career challenges and amplify their influence.
Beyond mentorship, fellows transition to becoming mentors themselves, nurturing the next generation of African women in climate science. The fellowship funds Climate Research and Innovation Projects (CRIPs), collaborative initiatives that address real-world challenges like enhancing women small holders’ adaptive capacities or tracking gender commitments in national policies. These projects are supported by coaching and peer feedback, ensuring practical application of learned skills.
Participants also join a pan-African network of climate leaders, gaining visibility through international conferences and platforms to publish research. While the fellowship does not provide salaries, it covers costs for in-person training in Nairobi, Kenya, and virtual masterclasses, minimizing financial barriers.
How to Apply
1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet all criteria, including nationality, education, and experience.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather proof of academic qualifications and institutional endorsement details.
3. Submit Online: Complete the bilingual (English/French) application form on the AWARD Fellowship Portal before June 30, 2025.
4. Post-Selection Requirements: Successful applicants must submit academic certificates, a passport copy, and sign AWARD’s code of conduct.
Contact the AWARD team at awardinfo@cifor-icraf.org For more information, visit the official website.
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