Fully-funded Mission 300 Fellowship Program 2025: Empowering Young African Professionals for Sustainable Energy Development

Mission 300 Fellowship Program – Empowering Young African Professionals for Sustainable Energy Development
The Mission 300 Fellowship Program is a transformative opportunity for young African professionals to contribute to a bold initiative aimed at electrifying 300 million Africans by 2030. This program is part of the Mission 300 (M300) effort, led by key global organizations such as the World Bank, Africa Development Bank, The Rockefeller Foundation, RF Catalytic Capital, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).
The program provides a unique chance for young professionals to work closely with African governments, helping design and implement strategies to achieve sustainable and inclusive energy access.
The fellowship places professionals in key government positions, including energy and finance ministries, or even within the President’s or Prime Minister’s office, to support the delivery of National Energy Compacts.
The program draws from the proven success of the ODI Fellowship Scheme, which has effectively embedded skilled professionals in public institutions to enhance long-term institutional strength and create lasting change.
Mission and Objectives of the Fellowship
The Mission 300 Fellowship places talented young professionals into government Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units (CDMUs) hosted by senior African government entities. These professionals will work alongside government staff, local energy stakeholders, and global partners to advance the implementation of National Energy Compacts, which are designed to:
- Expand energy infrastructure at competitive costs.
- Promote regional power integration.
- Accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and clean cooking solutions.
- Encourage private sector participation.
- Strengthen power utilities.
Fellows will actively contribute to coordinating efforts across multiple ministries and stakeholders, helping governments track and report progress towards meeting the ambitious energy access goals outlined in their National Energy Compacts.
Fellowship Role and Responsibilities
Mission 300 Fellows will be involved in a variety of activities, such as:
- Coordinating with Mission 300 Partners (World Bank, African Development Bank, Rockefeller Foundation, GEAPP, SEforALL) on reporting and progress tracking.
- Developing and implementing reform plans to support the goals of the National Energy Compact, focusing on project delivery and capacity building.
- Engaging with internal and external stakeholders across relevant sectors, such as energy, agriculture, health, and education, to ensure integrated solutions for clean cooking and productive energy use.
- Providing technical assistance and contributing to the development of policy papers, financial models, and documents for Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
- Analyzing energy systems, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing innovative solutions to advance electrification projects.
Compensation and Benefits
- Annual Compensation: USD 26,000 in the first year and USD 28,000 in the second year.
- Housing Allowance: Varies depending on the cost of living in the assigned country.
- Fellowship Duration: 24-month assignments, providing hands-on experience in tackling Africa’s energy challenges.
Fellows will gain invaluable insights into the energy sector, make meaningful contributions to advancing electrification efforts, and enhance their professional development in one of the most critical areas of Africa’s growth.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Mission 300 Fellowship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be from an African country.
- Educational Background: A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as economics, finance, energy, engineering, development, public policy, environmental science, geology, climate, sustainability, or related fields.
- Professional Experience: 2–4 years of relevant experience, with a solid understanding of energy systems, finance, public policy, or sustainability.
- Language Proficiency: Strong command of English; proficiency in French (for French-speaking countries) or Portuguese (for Portuguese-speaking countries) is an advantage.
- Personal Qualities:
- Resilience and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges and drive change.
- Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to work effectively within diverse teams.
- Ability to adapt to resource-constrained environments and be flexible in approach.
- Genuine passion for Africa’s development and commitment to sustainable progress.
How to Apply
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in energy, public policy, and development work, along with a commitment to solving Africa’s pressing energy challenges.
Application Requirements:
- Completed Application Form.
- Details of two professional references (references will only be contacted if selected for interview).
- No supporting documents (e.g., CVs or transcripts) are required at this stage.
Candidates are assessed solely based on their application forms. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.
Application Deadline
May 07, 2025
Why Apply for Mission 300 Fellowship?
The Mission 300 Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of policy, finance, and energy development, impacting Africa’s energy future. It empowers young professionals to make a tangible difference in electrification efforts, working directly with governments and international partners in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.
If you are passionate about Africa’s energy future, eager to contribute to meaningful policy change, and ready to take on the challenge of advancing electrification for 300 million people by 2030, the Mission 300 Fellowship is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.