Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship (AWARD)

A new 24‑month Fellowship is open for applications to support African women agricultural scientists working to advance climate‑resilient agriculture. The program builds leadership, technical excellence, and mentoring partnerships so Fellows can influence research, policy, and practice across agrifood systems.

Who the Fellowship targets

• African women scientists with a minimum of seven years’ experience in agriculture, agrifood systems, gender, climate, or related fields.
• Candidates must hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., agriculture, agricultural economics, extension, natural resources, food science and nutrition, climate science).
• Applicants must be nationals of the target countries and reside in Africa. Target countries include Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Senegal.
• Applicants must demonstrate experience in design, development, dissemination, implementation, or advocacy of climate‑resilient agricultural research and show clear motivation to drive gender‑responsive, climate‑smart research in their organisations.

What Fellows will gain (program benefits)

• Leadership development: training in negotiation, leadership, and science communication.
• Mentoring partnerships: each Fellow is matched with a mentor and will also mentor a junior colleague.
• Technical training: courses on gender integration in climate adaptation, science publishing, and related topics.
• Network access: entry into the AWARD ecosystem, collaboration with Meryl Williams Fellowship alumni, and AWARD Country Chapters.
• Career influence: strengthened capacity to lead and shape climate‑responsive agricultural research and policy in national and regional institutions.

Program model and duration

• Duration: 24 months, modeled on the AWARD Fellowship approach.
• The program combines individual mentoring, cohort learning, and practical leadership assignments to increase Fellows’ influence within NARIs, universities, ministries, and international research organisations.

Selection and assessment

• Applications are reviewed by a panel of experts.
• Selection focuses on demonstrated technical experience, leadership potential, and the applicant’s ability to advance gender‑responsive, climate‑resilient research that can transform agrifood systems.

How to apply (important notes)

• Application deadline: 26 April 2026, 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3). Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.
• Application channels: Applications are submitted via the program’s online portals for English‑ and French‑speaking candidates.
• No fees: There is no application fee or registration fee.
• Accessibility: If you live with a disability and require reasonable adjustments for the application process, email T.Wangaya@cifor-icraf.org.
• General enquiries: email awardqueries@cifor-icraf.org.

Why agricultural researchers should apply

• The Fellowship is designed to amplify women’s leadership in climate‑smart agriculture, enabling Fellows to scale research that improves farmer resilience, strengthens local food systems, and integrates gender‑sensitive approaches into adaptation strategies.
• Successful Fellows return to their institutions better equipped to lead research programs, influence policy, and mentor the next generation of women scientists.

Quick checklist before you apply

• Confirm eligibility: 7+ years’ relevant experience; master’s degree or higher; national of a target country and resident in Africa.
• Prepare evidence: CV, examples of past research or projects, and a clear statement of how you will influence gender‑responsive, climate‑resilient research.
• Language: Be ready to apply in English or French as required.
• Note the deadline: 26 April 2026, 23:59 EAT — submit early to avoid technical issues.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Agri-web. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official websites and portals of this opportunity for complete program details and verified application instructions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to exercise due diligence before submitting any personal or sensitive information.