Apply Now for the Environmental and Economic Resource Centre (EERC) Fellowship Cohort III (Spring) 2026 (Fully Funded + Stipend Availabe)

Application Deadline: 27 February 2026

The Environmental and Economic Resource Centre (EERC) is inviting applications for its 2026 Fellowship Cohort III (Spring).

This fully supported visiting research fellowship is designed to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in Nigeria’s agri-food and environmental sectors.

Early-career researchers affiliated with Nigerian universities or research institutions are encouraged to apply for this competitive three-month residential fellowship.

About the Environmental and Economic Resource Centre (EERC)

The Environmental and Economic Resource Centre is a scientific research organisation working with local and international partners to advance:

• Inclusive agriculture
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Natural resource conservation
• Environmental management across Africa

EERC operates through four core programmes:

• Agriculture and Environmental Management (AEM)
• Natural Resource Conservation (NRC)
• Livelihood and Economic Development (LED)
• Human Resource and Capacity Building (HRCB)

Its research spans climate-smart agriculture, food systems, land and water governance, biodiversity, renewable energy, carbon markets, gender and social inclusion, conflict and migration, and rural livelihoods.

Fellowship Overview

The 2026 Cohort III (Spring) Fellowship aims to promote policy-relevant research that supports sustainable agricultural and environmental development in Nigeria. Selected fellows will be hosted at the EERC Headquarters for three months beginning 13 April 2026.

Research will be jointly supervised by senior academics from Nigerian universities, alongside direct mentorship from an in-house EERC researcher.

Applicants are expected to use high-quality regional or national secondary datasets. Candidates with strong primary data are encouraged to submit their datasets and descriptions with their application.

Research Themes

Applicants must propose research aligned with at least two of the following thematic areas:

• Land-Use Systems and Governance
• Climate Change and Biodiversity
• Gender and Social Inclusion
• Water–Energy–Food Nexus

Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the research will inform policy processes in Nigeria.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• ✔️ A monthly stipend (in addition to their statutory salary from their home institution)
• ✔️ Fully funded accommodation at the EERC Guest House with 24-hour electricity, internet access, and gym facilities
• ✔️ Dedicated mentorship from experienced Nigerian academics and EERC researchers
• ✔️ Training and travel opportunities
• ✔️ Opportunities for co-authored publications and policy outputs
• ✔️ Access to EERC’s collaborative research environment

Applicants must secure approval from their home institution before participating in the fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s or PhD degree awarded within the past five years
• Be currently affiliated with a Nigerian university or research institution
• Demonstrate proficiency in statistical or econometric software such as R
• Be trained in relevant disciplines including:
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agroecology
  • Environmental Science
  • Development Economics
  • Related fields
• Show capacity to develop proposals covering at least two of the thematic areas

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application package including:

• A motivation letter
• A concept note (maximum five pages) outlining:
  • Background
  • Objectives
  • Methodology
  • Analytical approach
  • Timeline
  • Expected outcomes
  • References (appendix allowed)
• Description of primary data (if applicable)
• Two reference letters on institutional letterhead:
  • One from the Head of Department
  • One from the Head or representative of the institution
• A support letter from department and institutional heads
• CV demonstrating lead authorship in high-impact journal publications
• Evidence of academic qualifications
• Copy of institutional ID card

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

How to Apply

Submit your application by email to: apply@eerce.org
Deadline: Midnight, 27 February 2026

All inquiries should be directed to the same email address. Responses to inquiries will close on 13 February 2026.

Applications will undergo a two-stage review process, including eligibility screening and evaluation of research quality and alignment with EERC priorities. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. Final decisions will be communicated by 31 March 2026.

Selected fellows must provide a formal letter of release from their institution after notification of award.

Also Open: Call for Visiting Research Supervisors

EERC is additionally seeking qualified Nigerian-based research professionals to serve as Visiting Research Supervisors. Applicants must hold a PhD, have at least ten years of postdoctoral experience, and demonstrate strong publication records (minimum ten lead-author publications in high-impact journals).

Supervisor applications close on 20 February 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Why Apply?

The EERC Fellowship Cohort III offers a unique opportunity to:

• Produce high-impact, policy-oriented research
• Engage with leading scholars in Nigeria
• Strengthen academic publication records
• Contribute to sustainable agriculture and environmental governance

Researchers committed to advancing evidence-based policy in Nigeria’s agri-food and environmental sectors are encouraged to apply before 27 February 2026.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official 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.