Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program

The Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program is a strategic initiative aimed at building a pipeline of young pan-African leaders to promote sustainable governance. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical application to equip participants with the skills needed to address complex governance challenges in Africa.

📖 About the Program

The program is an internship designed to:

• Provide multi-disciplinary intellectual development.
• Develop practical skills and research abilities.
• Train participants in transformational leadership, professional development, and digital communication.

The Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP) is calling for applications for the 9th cohort of this program. Participants will contribute to ACEP’s mission of delivering evidence-based policy analysis, training, and advocacy in Africa’s energy and extractive sectors.

Key Responsibilities of NextGen Leaders:

• Contribute to research reports and policy briefs on Africa's energy and extractive sectors.
• Support stakeholder engagement activities.
• Assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating annual programs.
• Participate in organizational development and resource mobilization efforts.
• Contribute to program management, monitoring, and evaluation activities.

🎁 Benefits of the Program

ACEP provides the following benefits to participants:

1. Support for Growth and Development:

   • Training and development opportunities.
   • Coaching, mentorship, and peer support.
   • Encouragement for creativity and innovation.

2. Financial Support:

   • A generous stipend and lunch for the program duration.
   • Decent accommodation for international participants.
   • An approved return ticket from the participant’s home country to Ghana.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a young African residing in Africa, aged not exceeding 32 years.
• Demonstrate a passion for ensuring Africa’s energy and extractive resources contribute to sustainable development.

Additional Qualifications:

• Relevant academic qualifications in fields such as:
  • Economics (including energy), engineering (petroleum/electrical), oil and gas management, public policy, law, political economy, development studies, development finance, project management, communications, statistics, mathematics, etc.
• Strong writing skills with clarity and logical flow.
• Knowledge of analytical tools (e.g., R, Stata, Eviews, NVivo, Atlas.ti).
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills and team spirit.
• Creativity, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.
• A strong sense of leadership and responsibility.

📝 Application Process

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV):

   • List experiences and achievements in reverse chronological order.

2. Higher Education Degree Certificates:

   • Submit certificates for completed higher education degrees (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s).
   • Attach English translations for non-English certificates.

3. Motivational Statement:

   • A written statement (maximum 500 words) explaining your reasons for applying, goals, and alignment with the program’s objectives.

4. Reference Letter:

   • A current reference from a university lecturer, former employer, or professional (not a family member).

5. Essay Response:

   • Answer one of the two provided essay questions (maximum 500 words, excluding bibliography).

6. National ID:

   • Provide a copy of your national identification document.

Important Notes:

• Combine all required documents into one PDF file.
• Ensure non-English documents have English translations attached.
• Applications close at 11:59 PM GMT on Monday, June 30, 2025.

✍️ Application Essay Questions

Applicants must answer one of the following questions:

1. Critical Minerals:
   "Critical minerals have taken center stage in policy discussions surrounding the mining industry. However, their definition varies across countries and regions based on differing priorities and contexts. In your opinion, what key considerations should guide your country in defining and identifying its critical minerals?"

2. Energy Access in Africa:
   "Over 600 million people in Africa are estimated to lack access to electricity. Given the continent’s diverse resource base, how should Africa strategically deploy its resources to close the energy access gap?"

Guidelines for Essay Submission:

• Include your full name and the question number at the top of your essay.
• Avoid using AI tools like ChatGPT for assistance.
• Ensure proper attribution for any referenced content.

📅 Key Dates

• Date Published: June 27, 2025
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 (11:59 PM GMT)

🌐 How to Apply

Submit your application through the official portal:
Apply Now

For more details, visit the program page:
Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program

📍 Location

• Program Location: Ghana
• Eligible Applicants: Residents of Africa

🏢 Sponsor Organization

The program is sponsored by the Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP).

For further inquiries, visit the official website: ACEP.

Prepare your application and join this transformative opportunity to become a leader in resource governance!

• Opportunities for training and development.
• Coaching, mentorship, and peer support.
• Creating room for creativity and innovation.
• A generous stipend and lunch for the duration of the program.
• Decent accommodation for international NextGen Leaders.
• An approved return ticket from the NextGen Leader’s home country to Ghana.