Call for AWARD Women’s Fellowship 2026 is open now!!!
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) invites experienced and passionate professionals to join a pool of reviewers for its flagship fellowship initiatives. This is an unique opportunity to contribute, to identify and shape the next generation of African leaders to drive inclusive, gender-responsive, and climate-resilient agrifood systems across the continent. They do this by investing in the people who do the research and make the policies. Their fellowships are designed to give African scientists and leaders the skills they need to create a food-secure future. To keep these programs successful, AWARD needs a dedicated pool of professional reviewers who can help identify the best talent from a massive number of applications.
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When you join this reviewer pool, you are stepping into a role that directly influences the quality of leadership in African agriculture. The agricultural sector in Africa is currently at a crossroads. Between the increasing threats of climate change and the need for more gender-equitable policies, the continent needs leaders who are not just technically skilled but also socially conscious. AWARD’s fellowships, like the One Planet Fellowship or the GRASP Fellowship, are built to find and train these exact types of people. As a reviewer, your job is to look through the applications and find those individuals who have the vision and the drive to make these changes happen.
One of the best things about being a reviewer is the insight you gain. You get to see the latest research trends and innovative ideas coming out of different African countries. It’s a chance to see how the next generation is thinking about food systems, sustainability, and community resilience. For a professional, this is a great way to stay connected to the grassroots of agricultural development while sharing your own expertise to ensure that only the most deserving candidates move forward.
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The actual work of a reviewer is built on fairness and high standards. AWARD is very serious about maintaining a transparent and merit-based selection process. This means reviewers need to be objective and consistent. You will be using specific scoring frameworks to evaluate each applicant, but you’re also expected to provide constructive feedback. This feedback is crucial—it helps AWARD make informed decisions and ensures that the selection process is more than just a numbers game. It’s about understanding the context of the applicant’s work and their potential to lead others.
As a reviewer, you aren’t just reading applications; you are helping decide who the next generation of African leaders will be. You get a front-row seat to the latest innovations and research happening across the continent. AWARD is looking for people who can spot talent and potential in others, ensuring that their fellowships go to those who can truly make an impact on African food systems.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
- Receive a modest financial honorarium in recognition of the time, expertise, and thoughtful contribution provided during the evaluation process.
- Become a member of AWARD’s reviewer community, connecting with a network of professionals dedicated to gender equality, scientific excellence, and sustainable development.
- Gain early access and insights into emerging talent, cutting-edge research, and innovations within climate-responsive agriculture and agrifood systems across Africa.
- Enhance your own skills in evaluation and critical analysis by applying established criteria and scoring frameworks within a high-standard international selection process.
Eligibilities
- Applicants should possess expertise in one or more of the following fields: Agricultural R&D, Agrifood Systems, Climate Resilience, Agricultural Policy, Gender in Development, or Leadership Capacity Strengthening.
- Applicants must hold a Master’s degree, PhD, or a relevant combination of high-level qualifications and professional experience.
- Applicants must demonstrate proven experience in research, academia, policy, or program leadership.
- Applicants must be proficient in English and/or French (assignments will be aligned with your language skills)
- Applicants must be available to evaluate 3–5 applications rigorously using established criteria within the designated timeframe.
- Applicants must commit approximately 4–6 hours of their time for the review process and participate in virtual briefing sessions.
- Applicants must adhere to agreed timelines and maintain the highest level of confidentiality for all application materials.
Application Process
Apply Online through the Apply Now link.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 (12 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
