Are you passionate about making West Africa safer? Are you determined to help achieve democracies that deliver and governments that are accountable and respectful of all their citizens?

 

Join the ISS Junior Fellowship Programme – where hard-working young West Africans develop the skills to drive meaningful change and launch their careers in the policy field.

 

What is the programme about?

 

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Bosch Foundation are empowering West Africa’s next generation of policy leaders through a flagship programme on ‘Gender, human security and geopolitics’. Exceptional young West Africans (especially women) are invited to apply for the first intake of four fellows.

 
As a fellow, you will spend 10 months working with leading African experts in Dakar to understand the governance challenges preventing West Africa from reaching its full potential. You will gain rare access to top decision-makers and help craft policy solutions. Fellows have a unique opportunity to build connections that unlock various careers in human security policy making and practice.

What you’ll do:

• Research pressing security issues, including gender inequality and how political alliances in the region and world affect governance
• Attend workshops and seminars with policy makers and practitioners across the region
• Publish articles on your research, and collaborate with colleagues to write policy reports
• Debate problems and solutions with a multicultural team of leading analysts
• Present weekly updates on top political and security developments in West Africa
• Interact directly with government and other officials in decision-making positions

To join our fellowship programme, you need to:

• Be a citizen of any West African country
• Be under 30 years of age
• Hold a Master’s degree in international relations, political science, law, anthropology, sociology, or related fields
• Have a strong interest in security, gender, democracy, governance or geopolitics
• Be fluent in English or French; additional West African languages are a plus
• Be a confident communicator, self-motivated and eager to grow in a dynamic team

What you’ll gain:

• Monthly stipend plus health insurance
• Accommodation in Dakar
• Return flight to and from your home country
• Professional mentorship from experienced ISS researchers
• Access to a vibrant fellowship network and career opportunities across Africa 

Why apply?

This is your pathway to policy influence, your training ground in leadership, and your gateway to networks of professionals committed to improving Africa’s future. 

If you’re ready to become a voice for change and a builder of peace and prosperity, apply now!

 
How to apply

Email your complete application to Souleymane Ndiaye at [email protected] by 1 August 2025.

 

Your application must include:

• A motivational cover letter
• A detailed CV with three references
• A scanned ID or passport copy

 Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.