Deadline: January 20, 2026
The AWF-Wall Policy Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for young African professionals seeking to build expertise in international environmental governance and biodiversity policy. The fellowship is implemented by the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
This competitive programme is designed to strengthen Africa’s representation in global environmental policy spaces by equipping emerging leaders with the skills, exposure, and networks required to influence multilateral environmental agreements and biodiversity-related decision-making processes.
The AWF-Wall Policy Fellowship 2026 combines virtual learning, in-person engagements, and hands-on policy exposure to prepare fellows for impactful careers in environmental policy and governance.
Fellowship Overview
The fellowship focuses on building policy capacity among young professionals working at the intersection of environment, biodiversity, sustainability, and international governance. Participants are trained to understand, engage with, and contribute meaningfully to global environmental policy processes, including multilateral environmental agreements.
The programme blends theoretical learning with practical policy engagement, ensuring fellows gain both knowledge and real-world experience.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a national of an African country
- Be currently living and working in Africa
- Be between 20 and 35 years old
- Demonstrate a strong interest in environmental policy, particularly international environmental governance and biodiversity
- Have relevant professional or academic experience in one or more of the following fields:
- Environmental sciences
- Social sciences
- Agricultural sciences
- Indigenous knowledge systems
- Resource mobilisation
- International relations
- Gender studies
- Biotechnology
- Other disciplines related to multilateral environmental agreements
- Be able to communicate in English
- Applications are accepted in English only
- Basic English proficiency is acceptable for Francophone and Lusophone applicants
Fellowship Benefits
The AWF-Wall Policy Fellowship 2026 is fully funded. Selected fellows typically receive:
- Coverage of international and local travel costs
- Accommodation for in-person programme activities
- A data or stipend package to support virtual participation
- Personalised coaching and mentorship throughout the fellowship
- Participation in a major international environmental policy conference
- Structured exposure to global environmental governance processes, often based in Nairobi, Kenya
These benefits ensure fellows can participate fully without financial barriers.
Programme Focus Areas
The fellowship is centred on:
- International environmental governance
- Biodiversity conservation policy
- Multilateral environmental agreements, including frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity
- Policy research, advocacy, and negotiation skills
- Leadership development for environmental decision-making spaces
The programme structure includes virtual sessions, in-person workshops, and policy engagement activities that culminate in participation in a high-level environmental policy process.
Application Deadline
- 20 January 2026
Late applications will not be considered, and applicants are encouraged to submit well before the deadline.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must complete an online application through the official application platform. Applicants are expected to provide accurate information and demonstrate clear motivation for participating in the fellowship.
Need Support With Your Application?
We offer professional support services for fellowship and grant applicants, including:
- Proposal drafting
- Proposal refining and editing
- Application review and strategic feedback
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your chances of success.
