Institute for Security Studies Junior Fellowship Programme 2025–2026

Institute for Security Studies Junior Fellowship Programme 2025–2026

Institute for Security Studies Junior Fellowship Programme 2025–2026: Institute for Security Studies Junior Fellowship Programme 2025–2026, in the contemporary landscape of global governance and security, Africa remains a continent of great promise and persistent challenges. West Africa, in particular, has long been at the crossroads of democratic transition, regional instability, violent extremism, and underrepresentation of women and youth in policy-making processes. As African nations strive to overcome these multifaceted issues, the need for a new generation of informed, innovative, and inclusive policy leaders has become more urgent than ever. Recognizing this need, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS)—a renowned pan-African policy research institution—has partnered with the Robert Bosch Stiftung to introduce a groundbreaking initiative: the Junior Fellowship Programme 2025–2026.

This initiative is more than just a conventional internship or academic placement. It is a bold, strategic effort to equip emerging African thinkers—particularly young women—with the tools, mentorship, and networks necessary to influence policy development and reshape the security and governance agenda in West Africa. Set to be hosted at the ISS regional office in Dakar, Senegal, the fellowship will offer a select cohort of young West African professionals the rare opportunity to work at the forefront of policy analysis, strategic research, and regional advocacy on topics such as gender, human security, and geopolitics.

The ISS Junior Fellowship Programme specialize on not only because of its thematic focus but also because of its explicit commitment to inclusivity and changes ……….

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Junior Fellowship Programme 2025/2026 for young West Africans

In a field traditionally dominated by older, male voices, this programme consciously centers young women under the age of 30, acknowledging both their marginalization and the enormous untapped potential they represent. This focus on female leadership is not simply a symbolic gesture—it is a foundational pillar designed to create a more equitable and effective policy space.

Participants in the fellowship will be deeply involved in the day-to-day workings of the ISS, contributing to high-level policy briefings, authoring research papers, engaging in public discourse, and participating in workshops and conferences that bring together leading scholars, civil society actors, and decision-makers. They will gain firsthand exposure to the complexities of policy development in fragile contexts, while also building their capacity to become influential voices within their respective countries and across the region.

In this introductory section, we delve into the purpose and promise of the ISS Junior Fellowship Programme 2025–2026. We explore the background of the ISS and its role in the West African policy landscape, highlight the rationale for launching the fellowship, and explain why the initiative is timely and critical for shaping Africa’s future leadership. Whether you’re a potential applicant, policymaker, academic, or observer interested in youth empowerment and governance in Africa, this article provides a comprehensive overview of one of the most promising fellowship programmes to emerge on the continent. By the end, readers will understand not only how the fellowship operates but why it matters—and how it could shape the region’s trajectory in the coming years.

1.1 About ISS and Regional Mandate

The ISS is a leading pan‑African policy research institution dedicated to human security, conflict prevention, governance, migration, crime prevention, maritime security, climate security, and peacebuilding. It operates across Africa with regional offices in Pretoria, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Dakar, and delivers research, analysis, technical assistance and policy guidance that influence decisions at national, regional and continental levels.Global South Opportunities

The Dakar office oversees West Africa and the Sahel, regions facing persistent challenges such as violent extremism, governance deficits, gender inequality, and rising humanitarian concerns. The ISS mission includes examining these complexities with innovative solutions grounded in local expertise.

1.2 Filling a Gap: Youth, Gender, Governance

Despite progress in democracy and governance in West Africa, the region continues to grapple with entrenched inequities, security threats, and geopolitical tensions. Women and youth—especially with advanced academic training—are critically underrepresented in high-level security and policy processes. The ISS Bosch‑sponsored Fellowship is designed to address this gap, by centering women under 30 with master’s degrees in social sciences, offering them exposure to institutional policy-making spaces, and empowering them as agents of change.

2. Programme Overview: Structure & Timing

2.1 Duration and Cohort

The Fellowship lasts approximately 10 months, likely starting in early 2026, though some sources suggest a 12‑month contract in variant descriptions.ISS Africa+2ISS Africa+2Opportunities for Youth+2 Four fellows will be selected to join the ISS** Dakar team in this first intake.ISS Africa+4Opportunities For Africans+4ISS Africa+4

2.2 Focus Area

The thematic focus encompasses gender, human security, and geopolitics—meaning fellows will research how political dynamics, global alliances, and governance frameworks intersect with gendered experiences of insecurity in West African contexts.Your Opportunities Africa+3ISS Africa+3Opportunities for Youth+3

2.3 Core Activities & Work Experience

Fellows will engage in:

• Research on governance, gender inequality, and regional security issues.ISS Africa+13ISS Africa+13Opportunities for Youth+13

• Writing and publishing policy articles, reports, and blog posts in collaboration with ISS researchers.issinstitute.org.au+10Opportunities for Youth+10ISS Africa+10

• Participating in seminars, workshops and roundtables with policymakers, government officials, civil society actors, and academics.

• Weekly briefings on political, security and governance developments in West Africa.ISS Africa+6ISS Africa+6Global South Opportunities+6

• Workshops and training sessions on policy analysis, public engagement, research methodology, and geopolitics.

• Constructive dialogue, presenting analysis and debating solutions with multicultural teams of analysts.ISS Africa

This immersive design ensures fellows are both producers of research and active participants in policy discourse.

3. Eligibility & Selection Criteria

3.1 Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the programme, applicants must satisfy:

• Citizenship: A national of any West African country.ISS Africa+9ISS Africa+9EU Institute for Security Studies+9

• Age: Under 30 years old at the time of application.Opportunities For Africans+1Opportunities for Youth+1

• Education: A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in domains such as International Relations, Political Science, Law, Anthropology, Sociology, or related fields.Opportunities For Africans+3ISS Africa+3Opportunities for Youth+3

• Areas of interest: Demonstrated academic or professional interest in security, democracy, governance, gender, or geopolitics.Your Opportunities Africa+3ISS Africa+3Opportunities for Youth+3

• Language proficiency: Fluent in English or French (competency in multiple West African languages is an advantage).Opportunities for Youth+3ISS Africa+3Opportunities For Africans+3

• Professional competencies: Clear communication skills, self‑motivation, adaptability in a diverse environment.

3.2 Selection Emphasis

The programme explicitly encourages female candidates to apply, reflecting a commitment to gender inclusion and female leadership in policy sectors often dominated by men.

Selection likely involves evaluating academic merit, quality of proposals, relevance of experience, demonstration of motivation, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to ISS’s work.

4. Fellowship Benefits & Professional Development

4.1 Financial & Logistical Support

Selected fellows receive an all‑expenses‑paid fellowship, including:

• Monthly stipend to cover basic living costs in Dakar.Opportunities for Youth+5ISS Africa+5iscs.elliott.gwu.edu+5Your Opportunities Africa+2Opportunities For Africans+2Global South Opportunities+2

• Health insurance coverage throughout the fellowship.ISS Africa+4Opportunities For Africans+4Opportunities for Youth+4

• Accommodation assistance in Dakar (housing provided or facilitated).

• Return airfare from fellow’s home country to Dakar.Opportunities For Africans+1Opportunities for Youth+1

These components remove financial barriers to participation and enable fellows to fully focus on policy learning and research.

4.2 Mentorship & Networking

Fellows benefit from professional mentorship from seasoned ISS researchers and analysts, who guide Fellows through research methodology, writing, and policy engagement.EU Institute for Security Studies+5Opportunities For Africans+5Your Opportunities Africa+5

The programme also provides access to ISS’s broader fellowship network, connecting participants with alumni and policymakers across Africa, enhancing career opportunities within the policy and governance sectors.Reddit+10Opportunities For Africans+10ISS Africa+10

4.3 Skills Development

• Research and analysis: Hands‑on experience producing policy‑oriented writing, including blog posts, policy briefs, and internal strategy papers.

• Presentation and public speaking: Weekly briefs and seminar participation impose a professional standard for clarity and persuasive communication.

• Policy engagement: Direct contact with high‑level government officials, civil society, and regional bodies enriches understanding of decision‑making processes.

• Cross‑cultural teamwork: Working alongside other fellows and staff from diverse backgrounds strengthens intercultural collaboration skills.

5. Potential Career Pathways & Impact

5.1 Career Launchpad

Alumni of the programme are expected to gain traction in:

• Policy analysis and advisory roles, within NGOs, governments, or international organizations.

• Research and consulting, especially in governance, conflict prevention, and human rights fields.

• Civil society leadership, advocating on gender, security, or community resilience.

• Regional and pan‑African institutions, such as the African Union, ECOWAS, UN agencies, or regional think tanks.

5.2 Societal Impact

By placing well‑trained, gender‑sensitive, and policy‑oriented professionals in West Africa’s security ecosystem, the ISS aims to amplify evidence-based, inclusive policy solutions. Fellows equipped through this programme can influence debates on gender justice, democratic governance, and human security, helping civic institutions in the region become more accountable and responsive.

5.3 Networked Influence

Through peer interactions and mentorship, fellows become part of a network of emerging West African policy leaders focused on peacebuilding, governance reform, and gender equity—strengthening regional collaboration with long‑term collective impact.

6. How to Apply

6.1 Application Deadline

Applications are accepted until 1 August 2025.Your Opportunities Africa+2ISS Africa+2Global South Opportunities+2Opportunities for Youth+2Global South Opportunities+2Global South Opportunities+2ISS Africa+3Opportunities For Africans+3Opportunities for Youth+3

6.2 Submission Instructions

Prospective applicants should email their complete application package to Souleymane Ndiaye at the ISS Dakar office (via the address listed on the ISS official page).ISS Africa+4Opportunities For Africans+4ISS Africa+4

The email must include:

1. Motivational cover letter, clearly articulating why you wish to be a fellow and how your interests align with the thematic focus of the programme.

2. Curriculum vitae (CV) detailing education and experience, including three references.

3. Copy of ID or passport, to confirm nationality and age eligibility.Your Opportunities Africa+3Opportunities For Africans+3Opportunities for Youth+3ISS Africa+1Global South Opportunities+1

Applications should be concise, polished, and follow instructions carefully—strong written communication is part of the selection evaluation.

6.3 Selection Timeline

While ISS has not published a formal selection timeline, applicants are likely to be notified several weeks after the application deadline. It is advisable to monitor your email carefully after early August 2025.

7. Strategic Value for Applicants

7.1 Differentiator in Regional Policy Job Market

Few programmes provide formal fellowship experience at a continental think tank, especially with financial support, mentorship, and policy exposure. Being selected provides prestige and signals competency to future employers.

7.2 Thematic Niche: Gender and Geopolitics

The focus on gender and geopolitics places fellows at the intersection of critical emerging debates—roles that are increasingly needed in global development and security sectors.

7.3 Networking and Mentorship

Working directly with senior ISS staff offers an inside view into the research‑policy interface, enabling fellows to build long‑lasting mentorships and professional contacts across governments, NGOs, and research institutes.

7.4 Personal and Professional Growth

Living and working in Dakar, among colleagues from across West Africa and beyond, strengthens cultural intelligence, adaptability, and team collaboration—skills highly valued in leadership roles.

8. Programme Strengths & Potential Challenges

8.1 Strengths

• Fully funded: stipend, insurance, housing and travel covered makes participation accessible.ISS Africa+2Opportunities For Africans+2Your Opportunities Africa+2

• Small cohort of four fellows ensures personalized mentorship and close involvement in ISS projects.

• Exclusive focus on women and youth leadership builds equity in future African policy ecosystems.

• Hands‑on engagement in policy research and real‑world governance processes.

• Exposure to decision‑makers, from regional government bodies to civil society networks.

8.2 Potential Challenges

• Highly competitive, given limited spots and regional pull of the fellowship.

• Relocation to Dakar may present personal or logistical hurdles—especially visa, cultural adaptation, or accommodation fit.

• Intensity of work: the programme’s pace, weekly deliverables, and interaction with senior staff may be demanding.

• Limited direct certification: although fellows gain professional experience and visibility, the programme may not grant a formal qualification beyond the fellowship badge.

9. Recommendations for Prospective Applicants

• Start your motivation letter early, aligning your academic and professional trajectory with ISS’s themes.

• Seek strong reference letters from faculty or employers who can speak to your research and leadership potential.

• Emphasize experience (academic or volunteer) in gender, governance, security or policy writing.

• Highlight language skills, especially French or relevant regional languages, as assets.

• Demonstrate teamwork and self‑motivation, since the fellowship expects fellows to lead weekly briefings and contribute actively.

10. Broader Implications and Final Thoughts

The launch of the ISS Junior Fellowship Programme 2025–2026 marks a significant step in channeling Africa’s youth and female leaders into policy and governance roles. By embedding Fellows in a policy‑oriented research environment with global relevance, the ISS is investing in multi‑disciplinary leadership, capable of designing context-sensitive responses to regional security and governance challenges.

The programme offers more than real-world experience—it builds a small cohort of well‑networked, research‑skilled, and mission‑driven professionals who can catalyze change in their home countries and beyond.

For any eligible candidate—a West African woman or man under 30 holding a social science master’s degree and passionate about gender, democracy, security or geopolitics—this fellowship represents both a launchpad and a statement: that the future of African policy lies in inclusive, localized, and evidence-based leadership.

Summary at a Glance

Conclusion

Institute for Security Studies Junior Fellowship Programme 2025–2026, as the world continues to witness rapid geopolitical changes, security disruptions, and the resurgence of authoritarian tendencies in several regions, Africa stands at a crossroads. In this critical moment, leadership rooted in evidence-based policy, inclusivity, and a deep understanding of regional dynamics has never been more essential. The Institute for Security Studies Junior Fellowship Programme 2025–2026 offers a timely and transformative intervention by nurturing the potential of young West African professionals—particularly women—to take the reins of this leadership challenge.

Throughout this article, we have explored the unique structure and vision of the ISS Junior Fellowship Programme. From its comprehensive training approach and thematic emphasis on gender, human security, and geopolitics to its tailored mentorship and immersive policy experiences, the fellowship is clearly designed with impact in mind. It does not merely aim to teach fellows about security and governance—it seeks to position them as active contributors to the policy conversation. By engaging directly with decision-makers, civil society, and academic communities, fellows gain not only skills but also credibility and visibility in the African and global policy landscape.

Importantly, the fellowship stands as a counter-narrative to prevailing patterns of exclusion that have long characterized the fields of policy and security studies. In centering youth and women—groups that have historically been sidelined in governance discourse—the programme reimagines who holds the authority to speak, act, and lead in Africa. It challenges institutions to move beyond tokenism and invest meaningfully in emerging talent. For fellows, this is not only a career-defining opportunity but also a personal journey of growth, discovery, and advocacy.

The ISS’s decision to offer a fully funded fellowship—complete with accommodation, health insurance, stipends, and professional mentorship—removes barriers that often deter talented individuals from accessing such prestigious platforms. This democratization of opportunity reflects a broader commitment to equity and access, values that are essential to the development of truly inclusive security policies. Moreover, the rigorous application process ensures that only highly motivated, passionate, and capable individuals are selected—further enhancing the prestige and credibility of the fellowship.

For aspiring applicants, this fellowship is an invitation to be bold: to step into the arena of influence, to think critically about the most pressing issues facing West Africa, and to contribute to crafting sustainable solutions rooted in local realities and global insight. For stakeholders—governments, NGOs, development agencies, and academic institutions—the programme signals the importance of investing in the next generation of thinkers and doers who will shape the region’s future.

In conclusion, the ISS Junior Fellowship Programme 2025–2026 is not just another capacity-building initiative. It is a catalyst for change, a builder of bridges between research and policy, and a platform for empowerment that seeks to elevate the voices of those too often overlooked. Its long-term success will be measured not just by the knowledge it imparts, but by the transformations it sparks—in communities, institutions, and the fellows themselves. For a continent on the move, this fellowship represents hope, action, and the power of inclusive leadership to redefine Africa’s destiny.