{"id":62317,"date":"2025-09-11T08:48:17","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T08:48:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\/?p=62317"},"modified":"2025-09-11T08:48:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T08:48:17","slug":"2026-award-leadership-program-for-emerging-african-women-in-agricultural-sciences-applications-open","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?p=62317","title":{"rendered":"2026 AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences: Applications Open"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"104\" data-end=\"201\"><strong data-start=\"139\" data-end=\"152\">Deadline:<\/strong> October 15, 2025 (23:59 East Africa Time, GMT+3)<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"203\" data-end=\"214\">Overview<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"216\" data-end=\"763\">The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), with funding from The Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY), has opened the call for the 2026 <strong data-start=\"380\" data-end=\"454\">Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences<\/strong>. This nine-month, virtual, non-residential program invests in up to 40 high-potential early-career African women scientists under 35, equipping them with leadership, mentoring, communication, and gender-integration skills to thrive in agricultural science and influence agrifood systems across the continent.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"765\" data-end=\"777\">Why Apply<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"779\" data-end=\"1363\">\n<li data-start=\"779\" data-end=\"871\">\n<p data-start=\"781\" data-end=\"871\">Build practical leadership capabilities tailored to agricultural research and innovation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"968\">\n<p data-start=\"874\" data-end=\"968\">Strengthen communication, visibility, and personal brand to secure collaborators and funding<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"969\" data-end=\"1075\">\n<p data-start=\"971\" data-end=\"1075\">Learn proven strategies to navigate gender dynamics, negotiate effectively, and solve complex problems<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1206\">\n<p data-start=\"1078\" data-end=\"1206\">Expand your professional network across government, academia, NGOs, civil society, research institutes, and the private sector<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1207\" data-end=\"1288\">\n<p data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1288\">Receive structured mentorship from senior professionals aligned to your goals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1289\" data-end=\"1363\">\n<p data-start=\"1291\" data-end=\"1363\">Earn a certificate of completion upon successfully finishing the program<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"1365\" data-end=\"1385\">Program Structure<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"1387\" data-end=\"1944\">\n<li data-start=\"1387\" data-end=\"1438\">\n<p data-start=\"1389\" data-end=\"1438\"><strong data-start=\"1389\" data-end=\"1402\">Duration:<\/strong> 9 months (January\u2013September 2026)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1439\" data-end=\"1484\">\n<p data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1484\"><strong data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1452\">Format:<\/strong> 100% virtual, non-residential<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1485\" data-end=\"1842\">\n<p data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1509\"><strong data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1507\">Core Components:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1512\" data-end=\"1842\">\n<li data-start=\"1512\" data-end=\"1580\">\n<p data-start=\"1514\" data-end=\"1580\">Interactive leadership and mentoring workshops and masterclasses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1583\" data-end=\"1642\">\n<p data-start=\"1585\" data-end=\"1642\">Communication and personal branding for research impact<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1645\" data-end=\"1692\">\n<p data-start=\"1647\" data-end=\"1692\">Gender integration in agricultural sciences<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1695\" data-end=\"1769\">\n<p data-start=\"1697\" data-end=\"1769\">Monthly mentor\u2013mentee sessions with goal setting and progress tracking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1772\" data-end=\"1842\">\n<p data-start=\"1774\" data-end=\"1842\">Peer learning, documentation of lessons, and networking activities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1944\">\n<p data-start=\"1845\" data-end=\"1944\"><strong data-start=\"1845\" data-end=\"1865\">Time Commitment:<\/strong> Typically twice weekly sessions of about 2.5 hours; monthly mentoring meetings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"1946\" data-end=\"1969\">Eligibility Criteria<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1971\" data-end=\"2017\">Applicants must meet <strong data-start=\"1992\" data-end=\"1999\">all<\/strong> of the following:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2019\" data-end=\"2598\">\n<li data-start=\"2019\" data-end=\"2078\">\n<p data-start=\"2021\" data-end=\"2078\"><strong data-start=\"2021\" data-end=\"2029\">Age:<\/strong> 35 years or younger at the time of application<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2079\" data-end=\"2209\">\n<p data-start=\"2081\" data-end=\"2209\"><strong data-start=\"2081\" data-end=\"2095\">Education:<\/strong> At least a bachelor\u2019s degree (or equivalent) in an agricultural science discipline from a recognized university<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2210\" data-end=\"2289\">\n<p data-start=\"2212\" data-end=\"2289\"><strong data-start=\"2212\" data-end=\"2227\">Experience:<\/strong> Minimum five years of experience in the agricultural sector<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2290\" data-end=\"2416\">\n<p data-start=\"2292\" data-end=\"2416\"><strong data-start=\"2292\" data-end=\"2308\">Citizenship:<\/strong> Benin, Burkina Faso, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, or Zambia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2417\" data-end=\"2516\">\n<p data-start=\"2419\" data-end=\"2516\"><strong data-start=\"2419\" data-end=\"2433\">Residence:<\/strong> Residing in Africa and currently active in agriculture-related professional work<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2517\" data-end=\"2598\">\n<p data-start=\"2519\" data-end=\"2598\"><strong data-start=\"2519\" data-end=\"2542\">Prior AWARD Status:<\/strong> Not a Fellow or Laureate of any other AWARD Fellowships<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"2600\" data-end=\"2633\">Target Disciplines and Sectors<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2635\" data-end=\"2888\">Mentees are drawn from the full spectrum of <strong data-start=\"2679\" data-end=\"2713\">biophysical and social science<\/strong> agricultural fields and organizations, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, research organizations, civil society, and the private sector.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"2912\">What You Will Learn<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"2914\" data-end=\"3300\">\n<li data-start=\"2914\" data-end=\"2983\">\n<p data-start=\"2916\" data-end=\"2983\">Leadership styles and practices for research and program delivery<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2984\" data-end=\"3056\">\n<p data-start=\"2986\" data-end=\"3056\">Defining a clear career path and leveraging networks for advancement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3057\" data-end=\"3148\">\n<p data-start=\"3059\" data-end=\"3148\">Personal branding and confident pitching of research ideas to funders and collaborators<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3149\" data-end=\"3231\">\n<p data-start=\"3151\" data-end=\"3231\">Team management, organizational navigation, alliance-building, and risk-taking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3232\" data-end=\"3300\">\n<p data-start=\"3234\" data-end=\"3300\">Applying gender-integration strategies and negotiating effectively<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"3302\" data-end=\"3314\">Key Dates<\/h2>\n<div class=\"_tableContainer_1rjym_1\">\n<div class=\"group w-fit _tableWrapper_1rjym_13 flex flex-col-reverse\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" data-start=\"3316\" data-end=\"3531\">\n<thead data-start=\"3316\" data-end=\"3336\">\n<tr data-start=\"3316\" data-end=\"3336\">\n<th data-start=\"3316\" data-end=\"3328\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Milestone<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"3328\" data-end=\"3336\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Date<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3531\">\n<tr data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3381\">\n<td data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3360\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Call opens<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"3360\" data-end=\"3381\" data-col-size=\"sm\">September 9, 2025<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"3382\" data-end=\"3435\">\n<td data-start=\"3382\" data-end=\"3396\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Call closes<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"3396\" data-end=\"3435\" data-col-size=\"sm\">October 15, 2025 (23:59 EAT, GMT+3)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"3436\" data-end=\"3498\">\n<td data-start=\"3436\" data-end=\"3477\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Notifications to selected participants<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"3477\" data-end=\"3498\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Mid-December 2025<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"3499\" data-end=\"3531\">\n<td data-start=\"3499\" data-end=\"3515\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Program start<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"3515\" data-end=\"3531\" data-col-size=\"sm\">January 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"3533\" data-end=\"3603\"><strong data-start=\"3533\" data-end=\"3547\">Important:<\/strong> Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3605\" data-end=\"3620\">How to Apply<\/h2>\n<ol data-start=\"3622\" data-end=\"3871\">\n<li data-start=\"3622\" data-end=\"3683\">\n<p data-start=\"3625\" data-end=\"3683\"><strong data-start=\"3625\" data-end=\"3648\">Confirm eligibility<\/strong> by reviewing the criteria above.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3684\" data-end=\"3770\">\n<p data-start=\"3687\" data-end=\"3770\"><a href=\"https:\/\/awardfellowships.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/EN-Application-Guidelins_-Emerging-Leaders-in-Agricultural-Science-Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"3687\" data-end=\"3721\">Read the supporting documents,<\/strong> including the application guidelines and FAQs.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3771\" data-end=\"3871\">\n<p data-start=\"3774\" data-end=\"3871\"><strong data-start=\"3774\" data-end=\"3814\">Complete the online application form<\/strong> and submit all required information before the deadline.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 data-start=\"3873\" data-end=\"3918\">Required Pre-Conditions for Participation<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3920\" data-end=\"3947\">Successful applicants must:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3949\" data-end=\"4309\">\n<li data-start=\"3949\" data-end=\"4035\">\n<p data-start=\"3951\" data-end=\"4035\">Provide details of their institutional head or supervisor to endorse participation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4036\" data-end=\"4147\">\n<p data-start=\"4038\" data-end=\"4147\">Submit documentation (e.g., proof of citizenship and academic certificates) consistent with the application<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4148\" data-end=\"4182\">\n<p data-start=\"4150\" data-end=\"4182\">Accept AWARD\u2019s code of conduct<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4183\" data-end=\"4309\">\n<p data-start=\"4185\" data-end=\"4309\">Communicate acceptance within the stipulated timelines and acknowledge participation in any other capacity-building programs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"4311\" data-end=\"4339\">Selection and Cohort Size<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4341\" data-end=\"4536\">Up to <strong data-start=\"4347\" data-end=\"4353\">40<\/strong> competitively selected applicants will join the 2026 cohort, each paired with a mentor selected from AWARD\u2019s established mentor database to match disciplinary focus and career goals.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4538\" data-end=\"4566\">Program Costs and Support<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"4568\" data-end=\"4722\">\n<li data-start=\"4568\" data-end=\"4622\">\n<p data-start=\"4570\" data-end=\"4622\"><strong data-start=\"4570\" data-end=\"4607\">No stipends or sitting allowances<\/strong> are provided<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4623\" data-end=\"4722\">\n<p data-start=\"4625\" data-end=\"4722\">Training materials, mentorship, and program activities are offered <strong data-start=\"4692\" data-end=\"4706\">at no cost<\/strong> to participants<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"4724\" data-end=\"4764\">Expectations of Selected Participants<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"4766\" data-end=\"5045\">\n<li data-start=\"4766\" data-end=\"4819\">\n<p data-start=\"4768\" data-end=\"4819\">Attend all virtual training sessions and webinars<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4820\" data-end=\"4881\">\n<p data-start=\"4822\" data-end=\"4881\">Engage actively in mentoring and peer-learning activities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4882\" data-end=\"4964\">\n<p data-start=\"4884\" data-end=\"4964\">Complete assignments and contribute to group discussions and knowledge-sharing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4965\" data-end=\"5045\">\n<p data-start=\"4967\" data-end=\"5045\">Conduct at least one role-modeling activity to inspire future women in science<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"5047\" data-end=\"5092\">Frequently Asked Questions (Quick Answers)<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"5094\" data-end=\"5705\">\n<li data-start=\"5094\" data-end=\"5221\">\n<p data-start=\"5096\" data-end=\"5221\"><strong data-start=\"5096\" data-end=\"5124\">Who manages the program?<\/strong> AWARD, leveraging 15+ years of experience in women-in-science leadership and capacity building<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5222\" data-end=\"5322\">\n<p data-start=\"5224\" data-end=\"5322\"><strong data-start=\"5224\" data-end=\"5265\">Can I apply if I live outside Africa?<\/strong> No. Residency in Africa during the program is required<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5323\" data-end=\"5456\">\n<p data-start=\"5325\" data-end=\"5456\"><strong data-start=\"5325\" data-end=\"5417\">Eligible if I\u2019m a national of an eligible country but living in another African country?<\/strong> Yes, as long as you reside in Africa<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5457\" data-end=\"5586\">\n<p data-start=\"5459\" data-end=\"5586\"><strong data-start=\"5459\" data-end=\"5492\">Can I keep my job or studies?<\/strong> Yes. The non-residential, virtual design accommodates professional and academic commitments<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5587\" data-end=\"5705\">\n<p data-start=\"5589\" data-end=\"5705\"><strong data-start=\"5589\" data-end=\"5644\">Previously participated in other AWARD Fellowships?<\/strong> Fellows\/Laureates are not eligible; junior mentees may apply<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\" data-start=\"5587\" data-end=\"5705\"><strong>Find out more here<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/awardfellowships.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/EN-FAQs_-Emerging-Leaders-in-Agricultural-Science-Cohort-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/awardfellowships.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/EN-FAQs_-Emerging-Leaders-in-Agricultural-Science-Cohort-final.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Download the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/awardfellowships.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/EN-FAQs_-Emerging-Leaders-in-Agricultural-Science-Cohort-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><strong>frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Application for the Fellowship is via an online registration form.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/form.jotform.com\/252502697738972\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><strong>Apply here<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For more information about AWARD, the programs, and training, visit our website:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.awardfellowships.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">www.awardfellowships.org<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5707\" data-end=\"5717\">Contact<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5719\" data-end=\"6059\">For questions, email: <strong data-start=\"5741\" data-end=\"5774\"><a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5743\" data-end=\"5772\">awardprograms@cifor-icraf.org<\/a><\/strong><br data-start=\"5774\" data-end=\"5777\" \/>Organization: <strong data-start=\"5791\" data-end=\"5857\">African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)<\/strong><br data-start=\"5857\" data-end=\"5860\" \/>Host: <strong data-start=\"5866\" data-end=\"5972\">World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi 00100, Kenya<\/strong><br data-start=\"5972\" data-end=\"5975\" \/>Phone: <strong data-start=\"5982\" data-end=\"6019\">+254 (0)20 722 4000 (Switchboard)<\/strong><br data-start=\"6019\" data-end=\"6022\" \/>Website: <strong data-start=\"6031\" data-end=\"6059\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.awardfellowships.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"6033\" data-end=\"6057\">www.awardfellowships.org<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Deadline: October 15, 2025 (23:59 East Africa Time, GMT+3) Overview The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), with funding from The Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY), has opened the call for the 2026 Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences. This nine-month, virtual, non-residential program invests in up to 40&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":62318,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,44],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-62317","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-africa","8":"category-awards","9":"article","10":"","12":"has-excerpt","13":"has-avatar","14":"has-author","15":"has-nickname","16":"has-date","17":"has-comment-count","18":"has-category-meta","19":"has-read-more","20":"has-title","21":"has-post-media","22":"thumbnail-","23":"has-tfm-share-icons"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62317","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=62317"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62317\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/62318"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=62317"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=62317"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=62317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}