Institute for Security Studies Junior Fellowship Programme
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? The ISS Junior Fellowship Programme is an opportunity for hard-working young West Africans to develop the skills to drive meaningful change and launch their careers in the policy field.
🏢 About the ISS Junior Fellowship Programme
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.
As a fellow, you will spend 10 months working with leading African experts in Dakar to understand the governance challenges preventing West Africa from reaching its full potential. This programme offers rare access to top decision-makers and the chance to craft policy solutions. Fellows will build connections that unlock various careers in human security policymaking and practice.
🎯 Key Details
- Date Published: July 18, 2025
- Application Deadline: August 01, 2025
- Category: Fellowship
- Location: Dakar, Senegal
- Eligible Locations: West African countries
🛠️ What You’ll Do
As a fellow, your responsibilities will include:
- Researching pressing security issues, including gender inequality and the impact of political alliances on governance.
- Attending workshops and seminars with policymakers and practitioners across the region.
- Publishing articles on your research and collaborating with colleagues to write policy reports.
- Debating problems and solutions with a multicultural team of leading analysts.
- Presenting weekly updates on top political and security developments in West Africa.
- Interacting directly with government and other officials in decision-making positions.
🎁 Benefits
The ISS Junior Fellowship Programme offers the following benefits:
- 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.
This programme is a pathway to policy influence, a training ground in leadership, and a gateway to networks of professionals committed to improving Africa’s future.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ISS Junior Fellowship Programme, applicants must:
- 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.
📅 Application Process
To apply, email your complete application to Souleymane Ndiaye at dakarjobs@issafrica.org 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.
📌 Application Deadline
01 August 2025
For more details, visit the official Institute for Security Studies Junior Fellowship Programme page.
Take this opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in West Africa while advancing your career in policymaking! 🌟
- 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
