About the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Junior Fellowship Programme
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS), in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, is proud to announce the opening of applications for the 2025/2026 Junior Fellowship Programme — a flagship initiative aimed at developing the next generation of West African policy thinkers, change-makers, and leaders.
This fully funded 10-month fellowship will take place in Dakar, Senegal, and is designed for exceptional young individuals, particularly women, who are passionate about gender issues, governance, human security, and geopolitical affairs in the African context.
The programme is a unique platform that allows fellows to work closely with some of Africa’s leading security experts and thought leaders. As a participant, you will not only deepen your understanding of the structural and institutional barriers holding West Africa back but also contribute to shaping viable solutions through evidence-based research, high-level policy engagement, and strategic collaboration.
The ISS believes that Africa’s future must be designed and driven by Africans. This fellowship is not just about learning; it’s about building a pipeline of young professionals equipped to influence Africa’s peace, stability, and development.
Eligible Fields
Applicants to the ISS Junior Fellowship Programme must come from academic and professional backgrounds that align with the fellowship’s core themes. These include:
ISS Dakar: Junior Fellowship Programme, 2025–2026
Are you passionate about making West Africa safer? Are you determined to help achieve democracies that deliver and governments that are accountable and respectful of all their citizens?
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.
What is the programme about?
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.
What you’ll do:
Research pressing security issues, including gender inequality and how political alliances in the region and world affect governance
Attend workshops and seminars with policy makers and practitioners across the region
Publish articles on your research, and collaborate with colleagues to write policy reports
Debate problems and solutions with a multicultural team of leading analysts
Present weekly updates on top political and security developments in West Africa
Interact directly with government and other officials in decision-making positions
To join our fellowship programme, you need to:
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
What you’ll gain:
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
Why apply?
This is your pathway to policy influence, your training ground in leadership, and your gateway to networks of professionals committed to improving Africa’s future.
If you’re ready to become a voice for change and a builder of peace and prosperity, apply now!
How to apply
Email your complete application to Souleymane Ndiaye at dakarjobs@issafrica.org by 1 August 2025.
Your application must include:
A motivational cover letter
A detailed CV with three references
A scanned ID or passport copy
