Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Junior Fellowship Programme 2026 for West Africans

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.

 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. You will gain rare access to top decision-makers and help craft policy solutions. Fellows have a unique opportunity to build connections that unlock various careers in human security policy making and practice.

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

Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Junior Fellowship Programme

Aim and Benefits of Institute for Security Studies (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 Institute for Security Studies (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

Documents Required for Application

Your application must include:

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

Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars' Program at ALCHE 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

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

 Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more details, visit Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Junior Fellowship Programme webpage