West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Six-Month Civil Society & Biodiversity Research Programme for Young West African Scholars

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has officially opened applications for the WACSI Research Fellowship 2026, a six-month fully supported research programme running from May to October 2026. This fellowship is designed to strengthen the research, analytical, and documentation capacities of emerging scholars while contributing to the advancement of civil society across West Africa.

Application Deadline: 13 March 2026
Fellowship Duration: May – October 2026 (6 months)

The programme provides young researchers with the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals, develop high-quality publishable research, and contribute meaningfully to civil society discourse in the region.

About WACSI

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) was established to reinforce institutional, operational, and knowledge capacities of civil society organisations (CSOs) in West Africa. The Institute serves as a regional resource hub for training, research, documentation, policy dialogue, and experience sharing.

Through its research fellowship, WACSI identifies and nurtures young researchers, equipping them with skills that strengthen both academia and civil society ecosystems.

Fellowship Focus for 2026

The 2026 fellowship prioritises the documentation of indigenous knowledge within the biodiversity and conservation sector. Fellows will examine how civil society organisations can incorporate traditional knowledge systems to enhance environmental advocacy and climate action.

Indigenous knowledge refers to traditional systems of practices, beliefs, innovations, and experiences developed and transmitted across generations within communities. In the biodiversity and conservation space, such knowledge can provide valuable insight into sustainable environmental management and climate resilience.

Fellows will explore intersections between academia and CSOs working in biodiversity and conservation while documenting replicable best practices.

Research Areas of Interest

Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals related to biodiversity and conservation, including but not limited to:

• Leadership and governance in civil society organisations

• Technology for development

• Resource mobilisation strategies

• Civil society sustainability

• Working practices and internal systems

• Human resource management

• Enabling environments for civil society

• Community engagement strategies

• Equitable partnerships between West African CSOs and international donors

• Capacity strengthening for civil society

Applicants must demonstrate a strong connection between their topic and biodiversity and conservation.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to young researchers from:

• Ghana

• Guinea Conakry

• Liberia

• Nigeria

• Senegal

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate strong analytical and independent research skills

• Show clear relevance of their proposed topic to biodiversity and conservation

• Be fluent in English and/or French

• Be willing to commit to the full six-month fellowship

Current staff of organisations participating in biodiversity capacity strengthening programmes are encouraged to apply. Independent researchers are also welcome.

Fellowship Benefits

Participants will receive:

Monthly Stipend
Research Allowance

Mentorship
Dedicated mentors will guide fellows throughout the programme.

Publication Opportunities

• At least one publishable research report or policy paper

• Opportunity to produce an Issue Paper, Op-Ed, blog article, or WACSeries publication

• Publication on WACSI’s globally recognised platform

Professional Development

• Enhanced research and analytical skills

• Networking opportunities within the civil society ecosystem

• Exposure to regional and international audiences

Access to Resources

• Free access to WACSI publications

Fellowship Deliverables

Selected fellows must:

• Contribute to ongoing or commissioned research by WACSI

• Produce at least one publishable article on best practices or case studies in biodiversity and conservation

• Develop at least one WACSeries publication

Fellowship Timeline

23 February 2026: Applications Open
13 March 2026: Application Deadline
27 March 2026: Shortlisted Applicants Notified
02 April 2026: Interviews
09 April 2026: Final Selection Feedback
04 May 2026: Fellowship Begins

Why Apply?

The WACSI Research Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to:

• Strengthen research capabilities

• Contribute to biodiversity and climate advocacy

• Gain mentorship from experienced professionals

• Publish research on a respected regional platform

• Build a career within civil society and policy research

This fellowship bridges academia and civil society, empowering young researchers to influence policy and practice in West Africa.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Motivation letter (including duration and theme of interest)

• Curriculum vitae

• One-page synopsis outlining proposed research theme and methodology

• Sample authored article or research paper

• Evidence of previous publications (if available)

Applications must be submitted via email to: research@wacsi.org and recruitment@wacsi.org

All applications must be received by 13 March 2026.

Testimonials from Past Fellows

Previous fellows highlight the programme’s transformative impact on their research confidence, mentorship experience, and professional growth. Participants report improved qualitative research skills, policy writing experience, and valuable exposure to new thematic areas such as social impact investment.

Learn more about the WACSI Research Fellowship HERE.

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