AWARD Leadership Program 2027 for Emerging African Women in Science

 

AWARD Leadership Program 2027 for Emerging African Women in Science

Applications are open for the AWARD Leadership Program 2027, a two-year non-residential fellowship for emerging African women in science under 35. Designed for mid-career women agricultural scientists, the program strengthens their capability, confidence, and influence to lead in climate-responsive agricultural research and agrifood systems. It targets women working in national research institutions, government ministries, universities, and international organizations in Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Senegal. Participants benefit from interactive training in leadership, mentoring, proposal writing, and communication, plus one-on-one coaching. Applicants must be under 35, hold at least a B.Sc. in an agricultural science discipline, have five years of full-time sector experience, reside in Africa, and be actively engaged in agriculture-related work. Candidates already holding another AWARD fellowship are not eligible.

Overview

Criteria	Details
Program	AWARD Leadership Program 2027 (Cohort 2)
Type	Two-year non-residential fellowship
Field	Agricultural science and agrifood systems
Eligible countries	Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal
Age limit	Under 35
Deadline	November 06, 2026 (23:59 EAT, GMT+3)

About the Program

The AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science is a customized learning experience for young African women scientists under 35. It equips participants with the skills and confidence to lead and innovate in the scientific world.

The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles affects progress toward sustainable development goals. This program addresses the specific challenges that hold young women back from growing into scientific leadership by giving them access to targeted learning opportunities.

The two-year non-residential fellowship strengthens the capability, confidence, and influence of African women scientists so they can lead and contribute to climate-responsive agricultural research and agrifood systems. It targets mid-career women agricultural scientists working in national agricultural research institutions, government ministries, universities, and international research organizations across the six eligible countries.

Women in law and journalism can explore comparable career-building opportunities such as the Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship for early-career women lawyers and the MSF Eastern Africa Media Fellowship for journalists.

Program Structure

The program combines highly interactive training sessions with one-on-one coaching. Sessions cover leadership, mentoring, proposal writing, and communication skills. Participants gain a deeper understanding of:

• Effective leadership styles and how to develop their own leadership potential
• How to define a career path and leverage networks to advance their careers
• How to build a personal brand and pitch research ideas to funding agencies and collaborators
• The tools and skills to manage teams, navigate organizational dynamics, build alliances, and take risks

Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Detail
Gender and age	Woman under 35
Sector	Working in science and agriculture
Experience	At least five years of full-time sector experience
Education	Minimum B.Sc. or equivalent in an agricultural science discipline from a recognized university
Residence	Must reside in Africa and be actively engaged in agriculture-related work
Commitment	Demonstrated commitment to growth, clear career goals, ability to take on leadership
Exclusion	Not a current Fellow or Laureate of any other AWARD Fellowship

Applicants residing in the eligible countries who work in fully funded postgraduate research may also review the ARC Ltd–GSSP Scholarship Program for further study opportunities in Africa.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the official AWARD Fellowships portal before the deadline. Review the eligibility criteria carefully, prepare your academic and professional documentation, and articulate your career goals and leadership commitment clearly in your application.

Resource	Link
Official webpage	AWARD Fellowships

The application deadline is November 06, 2026, at 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3).