The AWF–Wall Policy Fellowship is a flagship track under the AWF–Wall Youth Leadership Program, designed to strengthen Africa’s next generation of environmental policy leaders. The fellowship equips young African professionals with the skills, confidence, and exposure needed to influence international environmental governance, with a strong focus on biodiversity policy and multilateral processes.
The programme is implemented by the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
About the AWF–Wall Youth Leadership Program
The AWF–Wall Youth Leadership Program offers two complementary fellowship tracks, each targeting a different dimension of conservation leadership:
- AWF–Wall Policy Fellowship
- For young professionals seeking to deepen expertise in environmental and biodiversity policy
- Focuses on governance, negotiations, and policy influence
- AWF–Wall Leadership & Management Fellowship
- For practitioners leading on-the-ground conservation work
- Strengthens leadership, management, and project implementation capacity
Together, these tracks are building a connected, skilled, and diverse pipeline of African conservation leaders.
Why the Policy Fellowship Exists
- Africa’s youth make up over 70% of the population, yet are underrepresented in policy decision-making
- The median age of Africans is 19, while the median age of political leaders is 60
- Young professionals are often excluded from high-level environmental negotiations despite being most affected
The AWF–Wall Policy Fellowship was created to change this narrative by equipping youth not just to participate—but to lead in global and regional environmental policy spaces.
This Fellowship Is for You If You Want To
- Influence international environmental governance
- Amplify Africa’s priorities in global policy discussions
- Strengthen your voice in biodiversity and environmental decision-making
- Engage confidently in multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs)
What Fellows Gain
As an AWF–Wall Policy Fellow, you will:
- Join a pan-African network of young professionals shaping policy across the continent
- Learn directly from experienced policy experts and negotiators
- Build practical skills in:
- Policy analysis and advocacy
- Intergovernmental negotiations
- Strategic writing (policy briefs, op-eds, research outputs)
- Gain firsthand exposure to global environmental decision-making spaces
The Learning Journey (9 Months)
The fellowship follows a structured, immersive learning pathway:
1. Onboarding & Community Building (Mid-March)
- Virtual welcome and orientation
- Peer connection and cohort formation
2. Module 1: Foundations of Conservation (April–May | Virtual)
- Africa’s biodiversity landscape
- Conservation challenges and opportunities
- Conflict-sensitive conservation
- Collective African voice in policy
3. Module 2: How the World Protects the Environment (May | Virtual)
- International environmental governance (IEG)
- Multilateral Environmental Agreements (CBD, etc.)
- Africa’s engagement in global platforms
4. Module 3: How the World Makes Decisions (June | Virtual)
- Intergovernmental negotiation processes
- Negotiation principles, stages, and terminology
- Interactive simulations
5. Module 4: Negotiation Simulation (July | In-person, Nairobi)
- Five-day CBD COP-style negotiation simulation
- Role-play as national negotiators
- Real-time feedback and skills refinement
6. Policy Conference Participation (August–December)
- Each fellow attends one major policy conference as part of the AWF delegation
- Past conferences include:
- CBD COP
- UNFCCC
- CITES
- Ramsar
- AMCEN
7. Module 5: The Power of Writing (September–November | Virtual)
- Writing policy briefs, op-eds, and research outputs
- Developing and delivering a policy influencing project
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following:
- Nationality: African nationals living and working in Africa
- Age: 20–35 years
- Education:
- At least a first university degree in a relevant field or
- Equivalent relevant experience
- Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years in conservation, biodiversity, or policy work
- Experience may include employment, activism, volunteering, or advocacy
- Interest: Demonstrated commitment to environmental governance and biodiversity
- Language:
- Basic English writing and speaking skills required
- Applications must be submitted in English
Time Commitment
- Duration: 9 months (April–December)
- Modules: 5
- Policy Conferences: 1 per fellow
- Weekly Time: Approximately 4–6 hours
- Capstone: One policy influencing mini-project
Fully Funded Opportunity
The fellowship covers:
- Round-trip airfare and ground transport (Nairobi workshop + policy conference)
- Accommodation during in-person activities
- Data stipend for virtual participation
- Ongoing personalised coaching and mentorship
Application Details
- Deadline: January 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM EAT
- Slots Available: 15 fellows per cohort
- Applications: 3,000+ annually
Application Requirements
- Complete all required essays
- Submit through the official application platform only
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered
Priority Consideration
- Applicants affiliated with:
- Government institutions
- NGOs
- Academic institutions
- Youth networks
- Enterprises or community organisations
Important Note
- Responsible use of AI is acknowledged
- Applications must reflect your authentic voice and experience
Application Timeline
- December 2025: Applications open
- January 20, 2026: Applications close
- February: Eligibility screening and detailed review
- March: Interviews and final selection
- Mid-March 2026: Welcome session for selected fellows
How to Apply
Submit your application online at:
awfchuckwallprogram.submit.com
In Summary
The AWF–Wall Policy Fellowship is an intensive, fully funded, and highly competitive opportunity for young African professionals ready to shape the future of environmental policy on the continent. It demands commitment, curiosity, and courage—but offers unmatched exposure, skills, and impact.
If you are ready to step into global policy spaces with confidence and purpose, this fellowship is for you.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
