The She Leads African Food Futures (SHEAF) Fellowship provides African women professionals with a unique opportunity to strengthen their leadership in agrifood systems while advancing gender equality across the continent. Specifically designed for women working in food systems policy and practice, the fellowship supports changemakers who drive inclusive and sustainable agricultural and food solutions. If you work in agrifood systems and want to expand your leadership impact, now is the time to apply.
Who Can Apply for the SHEAF Fellowship?
The SHEAF Fellowship is open to African women who meet all eligibility criteria outlined below.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of Kenya, Malawi, or Senegal
- Hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant agrifood systems discipline
- Have a minimum of five years of professional experience in agrifood systems–related fields
- Demonstrate a strong interest and contribution to gender equality in agrifood systems
- Work in national or international organizations, including:
- Private sector institutions
- Civil society and non-governmental organizations
- Farmers’ organizations
- Government ministries and agencies
- Regional or sub-regional organizations
- Academic institutions
- Show intermediate proficiency in English, including reading, writing, and speaking
- Commit fully to the 18-month fellowship, which includes online and in-person activities
- Reside in Kenya, Malawi, or Senegal throughout the entire fellowship period
- Not be a Fellow of any other AWARD programs
Profile of Ideal SHEAF Fellows
In addition to meeting eligibility requirements, ideal candidates will:
- Demonstrate leadership experience in agrifood systems policy, program design, and implementation
- Show clear involvement in projects at the intersection of agriculture, food systems, and gender equality
- Clearly explain the policy challenges or programs they currently work on
- Complete the application without using artificial intelligence (AI)
Pre-Conditions for Fellowship Participation
Although selection is competitive, receiving an offer does not automatically guarantee participation. Successful applicants must complete the following steps:
- Provide contact details of their institution head or supervisor, along with a formal endorsement
- Submit all required documents, including passport and academic certificates
- Accept and comply with AWARD’s Code of Conduct
- Inform AWARD promptly about participation in any other capacity-building programs
Application Process for the SHEAF Fellowship
The SHEAF Fellowship application process is structured and time-bound. Therefore, applicants should prepare early.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1:
- Carefully review the eligibility criteria
- Ensure you meet all requirements
Step 2:
- Read the SHEAF Fellowship brochure and FAQs thoroughly
- Gather supporting documents before beginning your application.
Please note: Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact and Support
If you have questions about the application process or fellowship details, contact the SHEAF Fellowship team directly:
Email: [email protected]
The She Leads African Food Futures (SHEAF) Fellowship empowers women leaders to influence agrifood systems policy, strengthen gender equity, and drive sustainable change across Africa.
Your leadership can shape Africa’s food future.
Through this 12-month, fully immersive experience, the fellowship places up to 40 outstanding young African women in strategic UNDP offices at Headquarters in New York or in selected regional and country locations. By doing so, it aims to provide hands-on, practical experience in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.
Where the Fellowship Takes Place
Fellows will take up assignments at UNDP Headquarters or other regional and country offices. However, it is important to note that placements will not include hardship duty stations. Furthermore, each fellow must relocate to their assigned duty station and commit to full-time, in-person participation, as remote work is not permitted.
What Fellows Gain from the Programme
In return for their commitment and dedication, selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend to help cover accommodation and basic living expenses. In addition, the programme offers a wide range of valuable benefits, including:
- Coverage of travel costs and medical insurance (for the fellow only)
- An earmarked learning and development budget
- Paid leave during the fellowship period
- Structured mentorship and personalized career coaching
- Comprehensive leadership training and joint induction workshops
- Active involvement in project implementation and high-level policy work
Altogether, these benefits create a robust support system designed to help fellows grow both professionally and personally, equipping them with the skills and confidence to become the next generation of transformative African leaders.
Key Themes of Engagement
The AfYWL Fellowship Programme presents a wide range of assignments that align with UNDP’s six strategic impact areas. These areas represent the core of the organization’s development priorities and form the basis of fellows’ contributions. Specifically, participants will engage in the following thematic focus areas:
- Natural Resource Governance
- Youth and Women’s Employment and Empowerment
- Structural Economic Transformation
- Sustainable Energy
- Climate Change
- Peace and Security
In each of these areas, African Young Women Leaders Fellowship 2025 fellows will contribute meaningfully by participating in data collection, policy analysis, innovation projects, event coordination, and collaborative engagements with key stakeholders and government partners. Ultimately, these assignments are structured to give fellows a comprehensive understanding of high-level development work.
Core Responsibilities for Fellows
Throughout the fellowship, each fellow will take on multiple responsibilities that reflect both the practical and strategic dimensions of development work. More specifically, your role will include:
- Conducting in-depth research and analysis related to the SDGs and Agenda 2063
- Drafting reports, articles, policy briefs, and presentations for internal and external use
- Supporting initiatives focused on gender equality, youth empowerment, climate resilience, and security
- Representing UNDP at conferences, workshops, and field missions
- Engaging directly with government officials, civil society, and international development partners
Together, these tasks will ensure that fellows not only build their technical capabilities but also strengthen their leadership and communication skills.
Professional Development & Training
In addition to practical work experience, the programme places a strong emphasis on continuous learning and professional growth. Fellows benefit from multiple development pathways, including:
- Participation in a joint AUC–UNDP induction and leadership training workshop
- Ongoing mentorship from seasoned professionals within UNDP and AUC
- Active engagement with the UNDP Young Professionals Network
- Access to a personalized learning budget for courses and certifications relevant to their assignments
- Involvement in tailored community-building events and peer learning sessions
As a result, fellows emerge with a well-rounded skillset and a strong foundation for long-term leadership roles.
What Makes a Successful Candidate?
UNDP looks for individuals who not only possess technical skills but also embody its organizational values. Therefore, successful candidates must demonstrate a commitment to:
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Transparency
- Professionalism
- Mutual Respect
- Results-Driven Leadership
Equally important, fellows should show agility, confidence, and a proactive mindset—especially in diverse, fast-paced, and multicultural environments.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the AfYWL Fellowship 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Gender: Open to female candidates only
- Nationality: Must hold citizenship of an African Union member state
- Age: Must be 30 years or younger at the time of application
- Education: Must have completed a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as economics, international development, law, communications, digitalization, or a closely related area
- Experience: Must have no more than two years of paid, relevant post-graduate work experience
- Language Proficiency: Must be fluent in English; proficiency in Arabic, French, Portuguese, or Spanish is considered an asset
- Availability: Must be willing to relocate and fully commit to a 12-month assignment beginning in late 2025
In summary, the ideal fellow is someone who not only meets the technical criteria but also brings passion, purpose, and a vision for Africa’s transformation.
Who Should Apply?
Ideal candidates are:
- Young African women who show leadership potential
- Individuals passionate about solving global development challenges
- Future leaders eager to grow through structured mentorship and real-world assignments
- Those with interests in digital innovation, climate change, gender equality, policy advocacy, and strategic communications
Compensation and Support
UNDP will provide:
- Monthly stipend
- Medical insurance
- Travel arrangements to and from the duty station
- A budget for training and professional development
- Supervision, feedback, and career guidance
Note: Family relocation costs or dependent support are not covered.
Selection Process: Step-by-Step Overview
Here’s what to expect during the AfYWL Fellowship 2025 selection journey:
Stage 1: Initial eligibility screening and document submission
Stage 2: Competency and cognitive online assessments
Stage 3: Self-recorded interview + technical and language assessments
Stage 4: Evaluation of interviews and final candidate roster
Stage 5: Final matching to suitable duty stations and assignments
Stage 6: Final interviews with the hosting UNDP offices
Stage 7: Selection announcements and onboarding (expected by Q4 2025)
Documents You’ll Need to Apply
Prepare the following for upload:
- Copy of your passport or national ID
- Degree certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s) from accredited institutions
- Any relevant professional certifications or references
Application Deadline
🗓 Closes on: June 1, 2025
📍 Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
🔗 Apply Now
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
Unlike traditional development roles, the AfYWL Fellowship offers something unique:
- It bridges global leadership training with Africa-centric development approaches
- It provides access to high-level policy engagement and institutional innovation
- It empowers young African women to lead, influence, and reshape narratives
This is more than a career opportunity—it’s a launchpad into global leadership.
Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Lead?
If you’re a bold, driven, and visionary young African woman, the AfYWL Fellowship Programme 2025 could be your next big step. You won’t just join a program, you’ll join a movement committed to equity, innovation, and sustainable impact.
📩 Don’t miss this chance. Apply before June 1, 2025, and start your journey toward global leadership.
