Call for Applications: IDOS 2025 Shaping Futures Academy

The Shaping Futures: African-European Network on Development and Sustainability with its Academy (Shaping Futures Academy) is a dialogue and training programme targeted at early to mid-career professionals from participating African, (Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Togo, and Zambia) and European (EU+) countries. The Shaping Futures Academy aims to empower future leaders on both continents by bringing together like-minded peers to reflect on their roles in their respective communities and institutions. They jointly develop strategies on how they can induce or support change processes for a transformation to sustainability in the present and future contexts. Furthermore, the Shaping Futures Academy is hosted by the German Institute for Development and Sustainability (IDOS) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The programme is conducted in English.

• Table of Content
• About German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)
• Shaping Futures Academy
• Aim and Benefits of Shaping Futures Academy
• Requirements for Shaping Futures Academy Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) is located in the UN City of Bonn and is one of the world’s leading research institutions and think tanks for global sustainable development. Our work is based on the interplay between Research, Policy Advice and Training. IDOS is building bridges between theory and practice. The research is theory-based, empirically driven and application-oriented. It provides the basis for the activities in policy advice of the Institute. We develop policy-relevant concepts, advises ministries, governments and international...... continue reading

Shaping Futures Academy

Aim and Benefits of Shaping Futures Academy

Applicants will enjoy the following benefits: 

• Participants may receive a subsidy to cover increased internet data costs during online modules.
• IDOS provides accommodation and a daily living allowance during in-person modules.
• Health, liability, and accident insurance are provided for participants during their stay in Germany and Ghana.
• Mandatory vaccination costs for travel to Germany and Ghana are covered by IDOS upon request.
• A monthly allowance is given, but participants must open a bank account to receive payments.
• Accommodation is provided for participants only; family members or friends are not supported.
• Participants will receive a certificate of completion detailing successfully completed modules.

Requirements for Shaping Futures Academy Qualification

Potential participants of the Shaping Futures Academy should:

• Be a national or permanent resident of one of the participating countries
• Be 25 – 40 years old*;
• Work on issues relevant for sustainable development and governance;
• Have at least three years’ work experience (non-remunerated experience is also recognised);
• Have the support of their employer (written support required as part of application);
• Have a very good command of the English language (equivalent to B2 level of the CEFR);
• Be respectful of other cultures;
• Be open to teamwork, reflection and a broad variety of working methods;
• Be available to participate for the entire duration of the Academy;
• Adhere to the principles of timeliness and respectful conduct during interactions; and
• Have a valid passport (at the time of travel)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

1. Make sure you fulfil the application criteria and requirements.

2. Read the conditions for participation.

3. Compile your application documents:

• Application Form Part I: Applicant’s statement – to be completed and signed by you.
• Application Form Part II: Employer’s statement of support – to be completed, signed and stamped by your employer.
• Diploma – A copy of your diploma or certificate (in English, French or German, or as a translation) of the highest professional qualification and/or university degree.

4. Submit your application (one application per applicant) via the application portal by completing all question fields and uploading your application documents.

In case you have any disability for which you would require assistance during the application process, please reach out to us.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For more details, visit IDOS website.