Applications are now open for the 2026 West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship Programme, a six-month capacity-building initiative for young researchers from selected West African countries.
The fellowship is designed to strengthen research, analytical, and documentation skills while advancing WACSI’s mission to enhance civil society development across West Africa.
For 2026, the programme prioritises research on indigenous knowledge in biodiversity and conservation, highlighting community practices, civil society contributions, and replicable development models.
Research Focus Areas
The fellowship focuses on documenting best practices and scalable models that promote development in West Africa, particularly within biodiversity and conservation.
Applicants are encouraged to explore topics including (but not limited to):
- Leadership and governance in civil society organisations
- Technology for development
- Resource mobilisation
- Civil society sustainability
- Organisational systems and working practices
- Human resource management
- Enabling environment for civil society
- Community engagement
- Equitable partnerships between CSOs and donors/INGOs
- Capacity strengthening for civil society
Applicants must demonstrate a clear link between their proposed topic and its relevance to biodiversity and conservation.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to young researchers from:
- Ghana
- Guinea Conakry
- Liberia
- Nigeria
- Senegal
Additional requirements:
- Strong analytical and independent research skills
- Fluency in English and/or French
- Clear relevance of the proposed research topic to biodiversity and conservation
Current staff of organisations participating in WACSI’s biodiversity capacity-strengthening programme are encouraged to apply. Independent researchers are also welcome.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Monthly stipend
- Research allowance
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Opportunity to publish on a respected civil society research platform
- Production of at least one publishable research report or policy document (Issue Paper, Op-Ed, or blog article)
- Development of at least one WACSeries publication
- Free access to WACSI publications
- Career development support and exposure
Research findings will contribute to promoting good practices across West Africa and beyond.
Deliverables
Fellows will be expected to:
- Contribute to ongoing research conducted or commissioned by WACSI
- Publish at least one article on best practices, case studies, or success stories within biodiversity and conservation
ALSO APPLY FOR:
Nordic Africa Institute’s African Scholarship Programme 2027 (Fully Funded for Early-Career African Researchers)
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit:
- Motivation letter (indicating fellowship duration and theme of interest)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- One-page research synopsis outlining:
- Proposed theme
- Methodology
- Plan to complete deliverables within six months
- Writing sample (authored article or paper)
- Evidence of published works (if available)
Submission Email:
Send applications to:
- Mabel Shu: mlum@wacsi.org
- CC:
- Jimm Chick Fomunjong: jcfomunjong@wacsi.org
- Nancy Kankam Kusi: nkusi@wacsi.org
Application Timeline
- February 23, 2026 – Applications Open
- March 13, 2026 – Application Deadline
- March 27, 2026 – Shortlisted Applicants Notified
- April 2, 2026 – Interviews
- April 9, 2026 – Final Selection Notification
- May 4, 2026 – Fellowship Begins
Why Apply?
The WACSI Research Fellowship offers:
- Financial support
- Mentorship and professional development
- Publication opportunities
- Regional exposure in civil society research
- Career advancement in biodiversity, conservation, and development policy
For young researchers passionate about strengthening civil society and promoting sustainable development in West Africa, this is a valuable opportunity.
Apply for the WACSI Research Fellowship
Author
Discover more from Leaving Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
