Fully Funded African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) Geospatial Leaders Fellowship 2027: 10-Month Conservation Programme for African GIS Professionals | Apply by 14 December 2026

Overview

The African Wildlife Foundation invites applications for the 2027 Geospatial Leaders Fellowship, which is a fully funded professional development programme designed for emerging African professionals. The 10-month programme runs from March to December 2027 and selects six participants for the second cohort. The initiative combines virtual learning activities, self-paced training, mentoring sessions, and an in-person workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya. The primary objective is to help professionals use geospatial information to improve conservation planning, environmental decision-making, and sustainable natural resource management.

Who can apply

The fellowship is open to mid-level professionals working in government agencies, non-governmental organisations, research institutions, private-sector organisations, and community-based organisations. Applicants must be citizens of and currently working in one of 11 eligible countries, namely Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, or Uganda. Candidates must hold a degree in a relevant discipline such as Geographic Information Systems, geography, environmental science, natural resource management, or other related fields. Furthermore, applicants must have at least two years of hands-on GIS experience in conservation, natural resource management, or a related sector, and must be employed by or attached to an eligible organisation that can host their applied fellowship project.

What you get

Selected participants receive advanced geospatial and GIS training covering modern GIS tools, geospatial data management, field data collection techniques, real-time GIS applications, satellite imagery and image analysis, spatial analysis and mapping, and the use of geospatial information in conservation planning. Fellows also receive expert mentorship and leadership development guidance from experienced professionals to strengthen their ability to take on greater responsibilities. Participants develop an applied project addressing a conservation priority within their organisations, resulting in a practical geospatial product such as a conservation map, spatial model, interactive dashboard, or geospatial decision-support tool. Additionally, Fellows gain Pan-African professional networking opportunities with other conservation specialists and GIS practitioners. The programme provides financial support for specified participation expenses, including programme-related travel, local transportation, accommodation during workshops and required placements, and an internet connectivity stipend.

Requirements

Applicants must submit an updated curriculum vitae highlighting academic qualifications, GIS experience, conservation activities, and professional achievements. An employer recommendation letter or support letter is required to confirm organisational affiliation and support for participation. Candidates must also provide academic transcripts and certificates demonstrating relevant educational qualifications, and may optionally include a GIS portfolio featuring examples of previous GIS projects or geospatial work. Successful candidates must commit to the full 10-month programme duration and be available to attend the in-person workshop in Nairobi from 13 to 20 June 2027.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply through the official AWF online application platform. Applicants need to visit the application portal, create an account using an accessible email address, complete the online application form, and upload the required curriculum vitae, employer recommendation letter, and academic documents alongside any optional GIS portfolio files before reviewing and submitting the completed application.

Key dates

The application deadline is 14 December 2026 at 11:59 PM East Africa Time. The fellowship programme runs from March to December 2027, with the in-person workshop taking place in Nairobi from 13 to 20 June 2027.