Deadline: August 1, 2025
The ISS Dakar Junior Fellowship Programme 2025-2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious, fully funded 10-month fellowship offers young West African professionals a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in policy research and advocacy on issues of gender, human security, and geopolitics. Hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in partnership with the Robert Bosch Foundation, the programme provides direct access to West African policy networks and mentorship from seasoned experts in the field.
Whether you’re looking to launch your policy career or deepen your expertise in regional governance and security, the ISS Dakar Junior Fellowship Programme 2025-2026 could be your next big step.
About the Fellowship
- Location: Dakar, Senegal
- Duration: 10 months
- Fellowship Cohort: Four fellows selected for 2025–2026
- Thematic Focus: Gender, human security, and geopolitics in West Africa
- Language Requirements: Proficiency in either English or French; knowledge of West African languages is an advantage
- Priority: Strong encouragement for women applicants
Fellowship Responsibilities
Selected fellows will:
- Conduct independent and collaborative research on security-related themes
- Draft and publish policy briefs and articles
- Contribute to weekly political updates from the region
- Participate in high-level policy dialogues and events
- Engage in mentorship with ISS staff and peers
- Contribute to ISS’s research outputs and editorial activities
This role offers direct exposure to regional policymakers, civil society, and international organisations.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the ISS Dakar Junior Fellowship Programme 2025-2026, applicants must:
- Be nationals of a West African country
- Be under the age of 30 at the time of application
- Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as political science, international relations, sociology, anthropology, or law
- Demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills
- Be highly motivated and capable of working both independently and in teams
Benefits of the Fellowship
This is a fully funded opportunity, covering:
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
- Return airfare from the fellow’s country of residence
- Accommodation in Dakar (shared or private)
- Ongoing mentorship and professional development
- Access to ISS’s regional policy and research network
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit the following:
- A cover/motivation letter
- A detailed CV, including three referees
- A scanned copy of a valid ID or passport
📅 Application Deadline: 1 August 2025
📧 Submit your application via email to:
Souleymane Ndiaye at sndiaye@issafrica.org
Important Links
Why This Fellowship Matters
The ISS Dakar Junior Fellowship Programme 2025-2026 is more than just a research opportunity—it’s a gateway to professional influence. Fellows will engage deeply with regional policy issues and contribute meaningfully to shaping the security discourse in West Africa. Through mentorship, fieldwork, and regular interaction with decision-makers, fellows will emerge with sharper analytical skills, a richer understanding of governance dynamics, and stronger career prospects.
For assistance with proposal drafting, refining and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
