Applications are now open for Nala Center Associate Fellows Programme 2026 for Young Professionals

Application Deadline: July 8, 2026 (23:59 EAT)

About the Programme

The Nala Center is now accepting applications for the 2026 Associate Fellows Programme. This opportunity is designed for early to mid-career professionals who are eager to contribute their expertise to impactful research and policy work. The programme is voluntary and non-remunerated, meaning that Associate Fellows participate on a pro bono basis without receiving any salary, stipend, or other financial compensation. Despite the lack of financial remuneration, the programme offers valuable experience, professional development, and the chance to make meaningful contributions to governance, security, and development issues across Africa. The Nala Center is seeking talented individuals to support its mission of advancing evidence-based dialogue on key issues affecting the continent. Fellows will contribute to rigorous research in several thematic areas, including Peace and Security, Democracy, Governance, and Civic Innovation, Economic Systems, Equity, and Inclusive Development, Sustainable Energy and Climate Resilience, as well as Migration, Mobility, and Human Rights. These focus areas reflect the Center’s commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive development through informed policy recommendations. As a research and policy organization, the Nala Center aims to foster informed discussions and solutions that improve governance, security, and development outcomes across Africa. The Associate Fellows Programme provides an excellent platform for early to mid-career professionals to build their profiles, expand their networks, and gain experience working on high-impact projects. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts, contribute to evidence-based research, and influence policy discourse on critical issues affecting the continent’s future. This programme is ideal for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of governance and development challenges in Africa, enhance their research and analytical skills, and make a tangible difference in the region. By joining the Nala Center as an Associate Fellow, participants will become part of a vibrant community dedicated to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth through rigorous research and informed dialogue.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Hold a university-level qualification (or equivalent professional experience) in a relevant field
2. Demonstrate proven interest or experience in one or more of Nala Center’s focus areas
3. Demonstrate strong written proficiency in English (the working language of the Centre)
4. Show genuine commitment to advancing research and policy, and willingness to dedicate the necessary time and effort
5. Uphold strong ethical values, including integrity, humility, openness, and respect for diverse perspectives

Benefit

As an Associate Fellow, you will benefit from:

• Publication & amplification – opportunities to publish and promote your research through Nala Center’s platforms and networks
• Policy influence – direct contribution to evidence-based dialogue shaping governance, security, and development outcomes across Africa
• Professional visibility – recognition as an Associate Fellow of Nala Center on our website, publications, and communications
• Networking – access to a growing ecosystem of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across Africa and beyond
• Collaboration – engagement with a peer community committed to rigorous, impact-driven research and policy work

Important Note: This is a voluntary, non-remunerated engagement. Associate Fellows contribute their time, expertise, and insights on a pro bono basis. There is no salary, stipend, or other financial compensation attached to the role.

Why This Programme Matters

• Across Africa, there is an increasing need for rigorous, evidence-based research to guide policy decisions on critical issues such as peace, security, governance, economic equity, climate resilience, and migration. Despite this demand, many talented researchers and policy professionals particularly those early or mid-career lack dedicated platforms to publish their work, influence policy, and connect with peers in their fields. The Nala Center Associate Fellows Programme aims to address this gap by offering a unique platform for emerging professionals. It provides opportunities for publication and amplification of research through the Nala Center’s extensive networks, increasing visibility and reach. Fellows can directly contribute to policy influence by engaging in evidence-based dialogue that shapes governance, security, and development outcomes across Africa.
• In addition to fostering impact, the programme helps build professional recognition. Associate Fellows are acknowledged on the Nala Center website, in publications, and through communications, enhancing their profile in the field. The programme also facilitates networking by connecting Fellows with a growing ecosystem of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across Africa and beyond. This creates opportunities for meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange with like-minded individuals committed to rigorous, impact-driven research.
• For young professionals with a university-level qualification or equivalent experience, and a proven interest in areas such as peace and security, democracy and governance, economic equity, sustainable energy and climate resilience, or migration and human rights, the Associate Fellows Programme offers a voluntary, non-remunerated platform. It provides a valuable opportunity to contribute to research and policy work, while simultaneously building professional visibility and expanding networks within the continent’s development and governance spaces.

How to Apply

Click on the link to apply.

Application Link: Click here to apply