The Women Environmental Programme (WEP) has opened applications for the 2026 Women’s Fellowship on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change (HMCCC), a regional leadership and capacity-strengthening initiative designed to equip young women across the ECOWAS region with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to address climate-induced human mobility challenges.

Applications will remain open until July 19, 2026.

The fellowship seeks to empower women leaders by strengthening their capacity to participate in policy discussions, implement community-driven solutions, and build inclusive regional networks that promote sustainable and climate-resilient development.

The programme is funded by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, co-financed by the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), and commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Implemented by the Women Environmental Programme (WEP) under the GIZ-led Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change (HMCCC) Programme, the initiative aims to increase women’s participation in climate and migration policymaking while supporting locally led projects and strengthening collaboration among emerging women leaders across West Africa.

Eligible ECOWAS countries

The fellowship will recruit young women leaders from the following ECOWAS member states:

• Anglophone: Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
• Francophone: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal and Togo.
• Lusophone: Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau.

Fellowship duration and format

The programme will run for six months, from July to December 2026, and will be delivered in a hybrid format comprising:

• Virtual orientation
• In-person training
• Mentorship

Fellowship structure

Phase 1: Recruitment, orientation and capacity building

Selected fellows will participate in a fully funded training workshop covering:

• Climate Mobility in West Africa
• Gender Mainstreaming in Climate and Migration Policy
• Policy Engagement and Advocacy
• Leadership and Community Impact

Regional experts and mentors will facilitate the training, while simultaneous interpretation and bilingual learning materials will be provided in English and French.

Phase 2: Mentorship and pilot project implementation

Each fellow will be paired with an experienced mentor according to thematic interests and language preference. Participants will receive monthly coaching and technical guidance throughout the fellowship.

Fellows will also be eligible for a grant of between USD 500 and USD 1,000 to implement a community-based pilot project or research initiative.

Eligible project areas include:

• Gender-responsive climate mobility research and case studies
• Community-led climate resilience initiatives
• Awareness and education campaigns
• Policy advocacy and evidence-generation projects
• Livelihood and capacity-building initiatives for vulnerable groups

Phase 3: Regional and international participation

Outstanding fellows may receive support to participate in regional and global climate, migration and gender policy events.

Support may include:

• Pre-event coaching and preparation
• Policy brief development
• Networking opportunities
• Interpretation and language support

Alumni network

Upon completing the fellowship, participants will become members of a regional Community of Practice and Alumni Network, providing access to:

• Continued peer learning opportunities
• Quarterly knowledge-sharing sessions
• Networking and collaboration opportunities
• Relevant regional and global opportunities

Language support

All fellowship activities will be conducted bilingually in English and French, with professional interpretation services and translated materials available throughout the programme.

Eligibility requirements

The fellowship is open to young women aged 18 to 35 from ECOWAS member states who are passionate about climate action, human mobility, gender equality and community development.

Applicants must:

• Have demonstrated leadership experience in climate change, migration, gender advocacy, environmental sustainability, youth engagement or community development.
• Be actively involved in community initiatives, civil society, research, policy advocacy or related fields.
• Have a project idea or ongoing initiative focused on climate-related human mobility that can be expanded through the fellowship.
• Be committed to influencing policy, creating community impact and collaborating across cultures and languages.
• Be available to participate fully in all fellowship activities.
• Possess strong communication skills and be willing to engage in multilingual and cross-cultural collaboration.

Application requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents in a single Word or PDF file:

1. A motivation letter explaining their interest in the fellowship and how it aligns with their personal and professional goals (maximum one page).
2. A curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience and achievements (maximum two pages).
3. A brief project proposal describing an initiative to be developed or expanded during the fellowship (maximum three pages).

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit their application via email to:

Fellowship.HMCCC@wepnigeria.net

The application deadline is July 19, 2026.

Source: Opportunities for Africans