The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) was created to reinforce the institutional, operational and knowledge capacities of civil society as well as enhance knowledge on civil society in the region. WACSI serves as a resource hub for training, research and documentation, and experience sharing and policy dialogue for organised civil society in West Africa.
The institute contributes to identifying and honing the skills of young researchers through a three to six months research fellowship programme. The goal of the research fellowship is to offer young and passionate researchers a wide range of opportunities to develop their research skills, while also contributing to the work of the Institute. Fellows will work with experienced professionals to explore key issues, trends and challenges affecting the civil society ecosystem.
The fellowship enables fellows to gain valuable experience working in the civil society sector, build their professional networks and develop skills that will be useful throughout their professional lives. They will have a better understanding of the needs and concerns of communities and contribute to developing effective strategies and policies that address these issues.
Fellows will also contribute to the collation and documentation of best practices and models that can be replicated to foster development within the region. In this year’s fellowship, priority will be given to the documentation of indigenous knowledge within the biodiversity and conservation sector, including contributions that highlight the efforts of organisations in promoting environmental conservation in their respective countries.
Indigenous knowledge refers to the unique, traditional knowledge systems, practices, beliefs and innovations that have been developed and passed down through generations within indigenous communities. For civil society, indigenous knowledge can play a significant role in informing and enriching the work of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs). Fellows will explore ways in which CSOs can enhance their advocacy efforts and positively influence the fight against climate change.
This year’s fellowship aims to cultivate well-trained researchers who understand the intersection between academia and CSOs operating in the biodiversity and conservation sector. Such expertise will facilitate future collaborations, ensuring the continued documentation of knowledge related to civil society efforts in the biodiversity and conservation sector across participating countries and beyond.
RESEARCH FOCUS
The focus of this year’s research is on documenting best practices and models that can be replicated to promote development in the region. Candidates interested in working on topical issues related to biodiversity and conservation are highly encouraged to apply.
The institute welcomes applications and contributions related to but not strictly limited to topics such as:
- Leadership and Governance for civil society organisations o Technology for development.
- Resource mobilization.
- Civil society sustainability.
- Working Practices and Internal Systems.
- Human Resource Management.
- Enabling environment for civil society.
- Community Engagement.
- Equitable partnerships between civil society organisations in West Africa and their donors and/or international non-governmental organisations.
- Capacity strengthening for civil society in West Africa.
ELIGIBILITY
The fellowship is open to young researchers from the following countries:
- Ghana
- Guinea Conakry
- Liberia
- Nigeria
- Senegal
Current staff of organisations that are part of the capacity strengthening programme for organisations in the biodiversity sector are encouraged to apply.
Those interested in honing their research skills and who may not necessarily be among the organisations in the above-mentioned programme are also encouraged to apply.
Contributors must show a strong correlation between their intended topic of interest and its relevance and or applicability within the biodiversity and conservation sector.
Applicants must demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to perform independent research.
Applicants must be able to communicate fluently either in English and/or French.
BENEFITS
Active participation in this fellowship offers fellows with a keen interest in biodiversity and conservation access to a wide range of benefits to help successfully conduct their research or engage in a knowledge documentation project. Some specific benefits include but are not limited to the following:
- Opportunity to publish in a well-read and globally acclaimed platform dedicated to research on civil society in West Africa.
- Production of at least one publishable research report or policy document on biodiversity and conservation. This can be either an Issue Paper, an Op-Ed and/or blog articles.
- Fellows will be assigned to mentors who will guide them throughout the fellowship.
- The research findings and the fellows’ experience will be used to promote good practices in West Africa and beyond.
- Research fellows will receive monthly stipends and a research allowance from the institute.
- Fellows are provided with a wealth of opportunities, skills and knowledge to better plan for or advance their future careers.
- Candidates would develop at least one WACSeries publication that will be published on the institute’s website.
- Free access to WACSI’s publications.
DELIVERABLES
- Contribution to ongoing research conducted and/or commissioned by the institute.
- At least one article published on best practices, case studies and/or success stories within the biodiversity and conservation sector.
FELLOWSHIP DURATION
The fellowship duration is six months (May – October 2026). This will be based on the alignment of the fellowship goals with the applicant’s current academic, career and/or research interests. However, applicants can be selected on a case-by-case basis.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- A motivation letter stating their duration and theme of interest.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A synopsis of not more than one page on the specific theme of interest to the potential fellow. This should articulate how the candidate intends to complete the fellowship and meet up with all deliverables within the fellowship duration.
- Sample of an authored article or paper. Provide evidence of any published works if available.
- Applications should be submitted via email to research@wacsi.org and recruitment@wacsi.org
- All applications must be submitted on or before 13 March 2026
TIMELINES
23 February 2026: Application opens.
13 March 2026: Deadline for receipt of applications.
27 March 2026: Shortlisted applicants are notified by email.
02 April 2026: Interview with shortlisted applicants.
09 April 2026: Selected candidates will receive feedback on their applications.
04 May 2026: Beginning of the research fellowship.
