Application Deadline: July 12, 2022
Each year the Acumen West Africa Fellows Programme brings together ~20 bold and generous leaders who are committed to tackling issues of poverty and injustice in West Africa- and equips them with the practices and community needed to deepen and sustain their impact. Fellows come from all walks of life and are creating hope in a cynical world; they are bridging our divides, connecting our communities, empowering our youth, standing with our vulnerable, protecting our environment, serving us all.
The Fellowship is designed for individuals who are currently leading or are an integral part of building an initiative whose mission is to eradicate poverty or injustice.
Eligibility Requirements
The Acumen Fellows program in West Africa is for individuals who are leading an initiative in any of these five countries: Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.
Fellows
All Fellows have demonstrated a commitment to creating a more just, inclusive and sustainable society through their work, and are:
- Building solutions based on a deep understanding of the issue
- Making a long-term play to change the system they are working in
- Influencing change in their current work, formally or informally
- Ready to undergo an intensive year-long leadership journey
Paths:
Social Entrepreneur
Founder of a for-profit or non-profit organization that develop market-based solutions to tackle issues of poverty & injustice.
Organizational Builder
Intrapreneur
Supporting the growth of institutions from within (eg. Country Director, CEO, COO)
Creating solutions from within existing institutions (eg. Team lead, Head of Dept)
The Fellows Programme is centred around:
- Self-reflection: Fellows have space to broaden their perspectives and identify areas of personal development
- Cohort based learning: Fellows have space to practice new modes of leadership with a diverse group of builders from across sectors and
backgrounds - Real-world application: Fellows take away learning that can be immediately applied to their social change work to generate lasting impact
Fellowship Structure:
Fellows remain in their jobs and come together for three seminars, each lasting 6 days, throughout the year. Attendance at each seminar is mandatory.
Between seminars, Fellows are expected to participate in and complete online readings and assignments.
Fellows remain in their jobs and come together for three seminars, each lasting 6 days, throughout the year. Attendance at each seminar is mandatory.
Between seminars, Fellows are expected to participate in and complete online readings and assignments.
Benefits:
- Acumen covers all fellowship-related expenses during the fellowship year. This includes all costs associated with the seminars including lodging, food, transportation, and visas.
How to Apply:
The application process consists of these four steps.
- 1Step 1: Apply online — Applications open 1 June and close 12 July
- 2Step 2: Receive your online assignments in August
- 3Step 3: Attend the Selection Conference in November 11 & 12 November
- 4Step 4: The Fellows are selected in December
The online application consists of:
- Section 1: Your Profile – understanding your background and relationship with West Africa
- Section 2: Your Current and Past Work – understanding your current work tackling poverty & injustice, and your past work and experiences
- Section 3: Your relationship with Acumen Academy
- Section 4: Personal Questions – understanding who you are, your reasons for applying to this programme, and your vision
- Section 5: Some Additional Questions – understanding how you heard about the Fellowship and how we can share more about our work in West Africa
- Section 6: Terms and Conditions – your commitment going forward
Key Dates
- The Selection Conference (virtual): 11 & 12 November 2022
- Immersive 1: 21 – 26 February 2023
- Virtual Workshop 1: Three hours every Tuesday from 27 March – 2 May 2023
- Immersive 2: 20 – 25 June 2023
- Virtual Workshop 2: Three hours every Tuesday from 24 July – 29 August 2023
- Immersive 3: 17 – 22 October 2023
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Acumen West Africa Fellows Program 2023