AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026 Cohort 2

Applications are open for the AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026 Cohort 2, a two year, non residential leadership development programme designed to strengthen the capabilities, confidence and influence of African women scientists working in agriculture. The fellowship focuses particularly on helping women lead and contribute to climate responsive agricultural research and more resilient agrifood systems.

The programme is implemented by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) under the Africa Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture, supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and delivered in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The fellowship is specifically intended for mid career women researchers from Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Participants may be working in national agricultural research institutions, government ministries, universities, international research organisations, nongovernmental organisations or the private sector, provided their work is relevant to climate change and smallholder agriculture.

Through mentoring, leadership development and specialised training, the fellowship seeks to help women agricultural scientists strengthen their professional influence and contribute more effectively to research, policy and practice. Fellows will also develop skills related to negotiation, gender integration, climate adaptation, science communication and research proposal development.

About the Fellowship

The AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship is a professional development programme focused on strengthening the leadership of African women scientists in agriculture.

The second cohort will run for two years and is non residential, allowing fellows to continue their professional responsibilities while participating in fellowship activities. The programme is designed around the understanding that stronger representation of women in agricultural research and decision making can contribute to more practical, inclusive and effective agricultural solutions.

The fellowship particularly emphasises climate responsive agriculture. Fellows will develop their capacity to understand and respond to challenges affecting agricultural systems, including climate change and the needs of smallholder farmers.

Fellowship Benefits

• Two year non residential fellowship experience.

• Leadership development focused on strengthening professional confidence and influence.

• Individual mentoring and opportunities to work with experienced professionals.

• Training in leadership and negotiation skills.

• Training on gender integration in climate adaptation.

• Capacity building in science communication.

• Training in research proposal writing.

• Opportunities to strengthen professional networks across African agricultural research and development.

• Greater capacity to contribute to climate responsive agricultural research.

• Opportunities to strengthen leadership within agricultural research, policy and practice.

Fellowship Areas

The programme focuses on agricultural research and leadership areas connected to climate resilience and sustainable agrifood systems.

• Climate responsive agriculture.

• Climate adaptation.

• Smallholder agriculture.

• Agricultural research.

• Agrifood systems.

• Gender integration in agricultural development.

• Leadership and professional influence.

• Negotiation and decision making.

• Science communication.

• Research proposal development.

• Agricultural policy and practice.

• Gender responsive agricultural research.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the fellowship's professional, academic and geographic requirements.

• Be an African woman agricultural scientist.

• Be a national of Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal or Sierra Leone.

• Hold at least a master's degree in a relevant discipline.

• Have at least seven years of professional experience related to agriculture, agrifood systems, gender or climate related work.

• Be actively engaged in research, policy or practice relevant to climate change and smallholder agriculture.

• Work in a national agricultural research institution, government agency, academic institution, nongovernmental organisation, international research organisation or private sector organisation.

• Reside in Africa throughout the fellowship period.

• Demonstrate professional experience and potential for leadership in agricultural research or related areas.

• Have proficiency in English or French.

• Be able to participate actively in the fellowship activities throughout the two year programme.

Selection Criteria

The fellowship seeks women researchers who demonstrate strong professional experience, leadership potential and commitment to climate responsive agricultural research.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• Relevant academic qualifications.

• At least seven years of professional experience in relevant agricultural or related fields.

• Active engagement in agricultural research, policy or practice.

• Experience addressing climate change or smallholder agriculture issues.

• Potential to strengthen leadership and professional influence.

• Commitment to gender responsive approaches in agricultural research and development.

• Interest in contributing to climate resilient agrifood systems.

• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

• Commitment to participating fully throughout the fellowship.

How to Apply

1. Review the fellowship eligibility requirements and confirm that you are a mid career African woman researcher from one of the six eligible countries.
2. Confirm that you hold at least a master's degree in a relevant field and have at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
3. Review your professional experience in agriculture, agrifood systems, climate change, gender or smallholder agriculture and identify the areas most relevant to the fellowship.
4. Prepare the information and supporting materials requested through the official application portal.
5. Clearly demonstrate your experience in agricultural research, policy or practice and your potential for leadership.
6. Explain your interest in climate responsive agriculture and how the fellowship could strengthen your professional contribution.
7. Select the appropriate application route for your language, with applications available for English and French speaking candidates.
8. Complete and submit the online application before November 6, 2026 at 23:59 East Africa Time.
9. Monitor your email for communication from AWARD regarding the selection process and subsequent fellowship activities.