West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship 2026
Call for Applications
The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) was created to reinforce the institutional, operational and knowledge capacities of civil society as well as enhance knowledge on civil society in the region. WACSI serves as a resource hub for training, research and documentation, experience sharing and policy dialogue for organised civil society in West Africa.
The institute contributes to identifying and developing the skills of young researchers through a three to six months research fellowship programme. The goal of the research fellowship is to provide young and passionate researchers with opportunities to develop their research skills while contributing to the work of the Institute. Fellows will work with experienced professionals to explore key issues, trends and challenges affecting the civil society ecosystem.
The fellowship enables participants to gain valuable experience working in the civil society sector, build professional networks and develop skills useful throughout their careers. Fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of communities and contribute to the development of effective strategies and policies that address these issues. Fellows will also contribute to the documentation of best practices and models that can be replicated to foster development within the region.
In this year’s fellowship, priority will be given to the documentation of indigenous knowledge within the biodiversity and conservation sector, including contributions that highlight the efforts of organisations promoting environmental conservation in their countries. Indigenous knowledge refers to traditional knowledge systems, practices, beliefs and innovations developed and transmitted across generations within indigenous communities.
For civil society organisations, indigenous knowledge can significantly inform and strengthen the work of NGOs and CSOs. Fellows will explore how CSOs can enhance advocacy efforts and contribute positively to the fight against climate change.
This fellowship aims to cultivate well-trained researchers who understand the intersection between academia and civil society organisations operating in the biodiversity and conservation sector. Such expertise will facilitate future collaborations and ensure the continued documentation of knowledge related to civil society efforts in biodiversity and conservation across participating countries and beyond.
Research Focus
The research focus for this fellowship is documenting best practices and models that can be replicated to promote development in the region. Candidates interested in working on topical issues related to biodiversity and conservation are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications are welcome on topics including but not limited to:
Leadership and governance for civil society organisations
Technology for development
Resource mobilisation
Civil society sustainability
Working practices and internal systems
Human resource management
Enabling environment for civil society
Community engagement
Equitable partnerships between civil society organisations in West Africa and their donors or international non-governmental organisations
Capacity strengthening for civil society in West Africa
Eligibility
The fellowship is open to young researchers from the following countries:
Ghana
Guinea Conakry
Liberia
Nigeria
Senegal
Current staff of organisations participating in the capacity strengthening programme for organisations in the biodiversity sector are encouraged to apply. Individuals interested in developing research skills who may not be part of those organisations are also encouraged to apply.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong connection between their intended research topic and its relevance or applicability to the biodiversity and conservation sector.
Applicants must demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to conduct independent research.
Applicants must be able to communicate fluently in English and/or French.
Benefits
Participation in the fellowship provides researchers with various benefits to support their research or knowledge documentation projects. Benefits include but are not limited to:
Opportunity to publish on a globally recognised platform dedicated to research on civil society in West Africa
Production of at least one publishable research report or policy document related to biodiversity and conservation such as an Issue Paper, Op-Ed or blog article
Assignment of mentors who will guide fellows throughout the fellowship
Promotion of research findings and fellows’ experiences to highlight good practices in West Africa and beyond
Monthly stipend and research allowance provided by the institute
Opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and experience to support future career development
Development of at least one WACSeries publication to be published on the institute’s website
Free access to WACSI publications
Deliverables
Contribution to ongoing research conducted or commissioned by the institute
At least one published article documenting best practices, case studies or success stories within the biodiversity and conservation sector
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship duration is six months from May to October 2026. Selection may be based on how well the fellowship goals align with the applicant’s academic, career or research interests. In some cases, applicants may be selected individually based on specific circumstances.
Application Process and Deadline
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
Motivation letter stating the intended duration and theme of interest
Curriculum vitae
One-page synopsis describing the specific research theme of interest and explaining how the candidate intends to complete the fellowship and meet deliverables within the fellowship period
Sample of an authored article or research paper. Evidence of previously published work should be provided if available
Applications must be submitted by email to research@wacsi.org and recruitment@wacsi.org
Deadline for submission is 13 March 2026
Timelines
23 February 2026 – Application opens
13 March 2026 – Application deadline
27 March 2026 – Shortlisted applicants notified by email
02 April 2026 – Interviews with shortlisted applicants
09 April 2026 – Selected candidates receive feedback
04 May 2026 – Fellowship begins
Testimonies
“I had no research background, but now I can at least take on any research project. WACSI trusted in my potential and I’m grateful. My mentor was always available and supportive. I felt comfortable discussing my work with him.”
Samira Seidu – Research Fellow, 2023
“I joined the fellowship to enhance my research skills. I realised many civil society organisations are doing important work that often goes undocumented. Although it was my first time doing qualitative research, I gained valuable experience and my mentor helped shape my work. Participating in a social impact investment Op-Ed was also a new learning opportunity.”
Anna Batsa – Research Fellow, 2022
Some Publications of Past Fellows
Dr Solomon Amoah (Ghana)
Kassim Muhammad Sani (Nigeria)
Ruwadzano Patience Makumbe (Zimbabwe)
Rachad Bani (Benin)
Application deadline: 13 March 2026
