Deadline: July 20, 2021
Acumen Academy is looking for Fellows who have demonstrated a deep commitment to tackling poverty and injustice in their communities. This includes how we treat the vulnerable, the poor, and the planet – to create a society that works for all. The next West Africa Fellowship runs from January 2022 to December 2022.
Over the course of a year, Fellows will be immersed in a series of virtual an in-person seminars held across West Africa. The total time commitment is 34 days, made up of 24 in-person days and 10 days of virtual group work and independent tasks.
We know that the path to breaking the status quo of poverty is a life-long one,and have designed the Fellowship around the full duration of that journey. Once Fellows have completed the program, they become a part of Acumen Academy’s growing community of social innovators, builders and thinkers accompanying each other from across the globe. In West Africa, Acumen will share and build-out support based on the Fellows needs, which are around the following three areas:
1) amplifying their work and building access to capital, talent, and networks.
2) coaching and mentoring, and
3) communities of practice.
Acumen selects Fellows based on:
1) a track record of creating impact based on a deep understanding of the issue.
2) a clear long-term vision to change the system they are working in.
3) an ability to influence change in their current work, formally or informally.
4) a readiness to undergo an intensive, year-long leadership journey.
Benefits:
Acumen Academy West Africa covers all program-related expenses during the Fellowship year – this includes accommodation, food, venue, and flight costs for the in-person immersive seminars.
Eligibilities:
- There are no specific academic prerequisites. Some Fellows have no formal education, others have degrees from global institutions. We value experience and are looking for doers with a learning mindset.
- Fellows typically have at least 3 years of experience driving their current social change initiative, and can demonstrate through lived experience or learned expertise their understanding of the system they are seeking to change.
- Individuals who currently have an influencing role in an organisation, initiative, or movement committed to fighting poverty or injustice in any of the following countries in West Africa: Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. If your work is also international, we will be evaluating your application based on your impact in West Africa.
How to apply:
Stage 1: An online form to learn about your current work, past experiences and vision for change. The last date to submit is 20 July.
Stage 2: Practical assignment will consist of video submissions and concise written answers to dig deeper into the work you do.
Stage 3: The selection conference is an all-day event for the finalists. The day includes elevator pitches, group activities, and a panel interview. Depending on the Covid-19 situation in West Africa, this can be in-person or virtual. We will keep finalists updated.
Note:
Successful applicants will receive an offer letter with key information before they are enrolled in the Fellowship Program.
