Institute for Security Studies Junior Fellowship Programme for West Africans 2025–2026

Are you passionate about making West Africa safer? Are you determined to help achieve democracies that deliver and governments that are accountable and respectful of all their citizens?

Join the ISS Junior Fellowship Programme – where hard-working young West Africans develop the skills to drive meaningful change and launch their careers in the policy field.

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Bosch Foundation are empowering West Africa’s next generation of policy leaders through a flagship programme on ‘Gender, human security and geopolitics’. Exceptional young West Africans (especially women) are invited to apply for the first intake of four fellows.

What you’ll do:

• Research pressing security issues, including gender inequality and how political alliances in the region and world affect governance
• Attend workshops and seminars with policy makers and practitioners across the region
• Publish articles on your research, and collaborate with colleagues to write policy reports
• Debate problems and solutions with a multicultural team of leading analysts
• Present weekly updates on top political and security developments in West Africa
• Interact directly with government and other officials in decision-making positions

• Table of Content
• About Institute for Security Studies
• ISS Junior Fellowship Programme
• Aim and Benefits of ISS Junior Fellowship Programme
• Requirements for ISS Junior Fellowship Programme Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Institute for Security Studies

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) works with partners to build knowledge and skills that enable sustainable peace, development and prosperity in Africa. Established in 1991, the ISS is Africa’s leading multidisciplinary human security organisation, with a unique operational model that combines research, policy analysis, technical assistance and training. The ISS has also developed a powerful forecasting capability to identify future risks and opportunities in fields as diverse as development, industrialisation, demographics, technology and climate change. The ISS is independent... continue reading

ISS Junior Fellowship Programme

Aim and Benefits of ISS Junior Fellowship Programme

• Monthly stipend plus health insurance
• Accommodation in Dakar
• Return flight to and from your home country
• Professional mentorship from experienced ISS researchers
• Access to a vibrant fellowship network and career opportunities across Africa 

Requirements for ISS Junior Fellowship Programme Qualification

• Be a citizen of any West African country
• Be under 30 years of age
• Hold a Master’s degree in international relations, political science, law, anthropology, sociology, or related fields
• Have a strong interest in security, gender, democracy, governance or geopolitics
• Be fluent in English or French; additional West African languages are a plus
• Be a confident communicator, self-motivated and eager to grow in a dynamic team

Check also:
Tony Elumelu Foundation African Entrepreneurship Programme 2026

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Email your complete application to Souleymane Ndiaye at [email protected] by 1 August 2025.

Your application must include:

• A motivational cover letter
• A detailed CV with three references
• A scanned ID or passport copy

 Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more details, visit Institute for Security Studies Fellowship webpage