Are You Ready to Influence Policy, Shape Public Discourse, and Advance Gender-Responsive Development Across Africa?
The HERizon Research Fellowship (HRF) is a cohort-based research and thought leadership programme that scouts accomplished and emerging researchers, academics, policy experts, and practitioners who are committed to advancing gender-responsive development across Africa and the global economy.
Designed as a non-resident, part-time fellowship, it functions as a collaborative intellectual ecosystem where interdisciplinary research drives policy influence, institutional reform, and evidence-informed approaches to gender mainstreaming across public, private, and development sectors.Â
Who Should Apply
- Gender Specialists
- Professionals across diverse sectors
- Academic and Independent Researchers
- Policy Analysts, Advisors & Practitioners
- PhD Candidates & Postdoctoral Researchers
- Writers, Analytical thinkers, and Thought Leaders
Fellowship Domains
Fellows may contribute to one or more of the priority areas below:
- Governance & Public Policy
- Women's Leadership & Decision-Making
- Economic Empowerment
- Green Economy & Climate Action
- Energy Transition & Critical Minerals
- Sports & Transportation
- Education, AI and Digital Inclusion
- Maternal Mortality, Health & GBV
- Regional & Global Gender Policy Frameworks
Responsibilities of Fellows
Produce High-Quality Knowledge Outputs
Develop and submit a minimum of two policy or analytical outputs during the Fellowship period. These may include policy briefs, research notes, analytical commentaries or explainer articles,
Actively Participate in HERizon Convenings
Engage in at least one of HERizon Africa policy dialogues, public lectures, webinars, roundtables, and other knowledge-sharing platforms.
Serve as HERizon Africa Ambassadors
Championing evidence-based dialogue on gender equality and inclusive development within their respective sectors and networks.
What Fellows Gain
- Continental and Global Visibility
- Official recognition as HERizon Fellow
- Heighten Professional Reputation & Credibility
- Access to High-level Policy Dialogues & Convenings
- Opportunity to Shape Africa's Development Agenda
- Profile featured on the HERizon website and all other platforms
- Opportunities to co-author publications and contribute to global discourse
Fellowship Structure
Duration: 12 – 24 Months
Design: Flexible & non-residential
Location: Remote (Fellows may participate from any country)
Remuneration: Unpaid
Selection Process
- Application Submission
- Eligibility & Preliminary Review
- Shortlisting & Interviews
- Final Listing & Fellows Onboarding
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the HERizon Research Fellowship (HRF)?
The HERizon Research Fellowship (HRF) is a cohort-based & non-resident (part-time) programme designed for accomplished and emerging researchers, academics, policy experts, gender specialists, civil society leaders and practitioners committed to advancing gender-responsive development and equitable reform across all sectors in Africa and the global economy.
What is the purpose of the Fellowship?
Is the Fellowship remote or in-person?
Is the Fellowship a full-time programme?
No. The Fellowship operates primarily as a non-resident (part-time) programme, allowing Fellows to participate while continuing their professional, academic, or research commitments.
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What are the expectations from Fellows?
Who is eligible to apply?
- Researchers and academics
- Policy analysts and practitioners
- Gender specialists
- Development professionals
- Civil society leaders
- Professionals across sectors
Is the Fellowship paid?
No. The Fellowship is non-remunerated and prestige-based. Fellows benefit through visibility, strategic networks and access to high-level policy dialogues.Â
Is the Fellowship only for women?
No. HERizon Research Fellowship welcomes all qualified individuals who share a commitment to advancing gender-responsive development and inclusive progress across Africa.
What areas of research does the Fellowship focus on?
The Fellowship welcomes interdisciplinary research across areas including, but not limited to:
- Governance & Public Policy
- Women’s Leadership & Decision-Making
- Economic Empowerment
- Green Economy & Climate Action
- Energy Transition & Critical Minerals
- Sports & Transportation
- Education, AI and Digital Inclusion
- Maternal Mortality & Reproductive Health
- GBV, Peace & Security
- Regional & Global Gender Policy Frameworks
Do I need prior experience in all fellowship domains?
No. Applicants should demonstrate interest or expertise in at least one of the fellowship’s domains.
What kind of outputs are expected?
Fellows may contribute:
- Policy briefs
- Analytical Articles and Opinion Pieces
- Research notes or background papers
- Collaborative HERizon Publications
- Webinar Presentations and Expert Contributions
These outputs are typically published or featured through HERizon platforms.
What are the benefits of the fellowship?
Fellows receive:
- Formal designation as a HERizon Research Fellow (2026 Cohort)
- Heighten Professional Reputation & Credibility
- Access to exclusive policy discussions and networks
- Opportunity to Shape Africa’s Development Agenda
- Continental & Global Visibility
Will my work be published?
Yes, subject to editorial and quality review. Fellows will have opportunities to publish and co-author policy briefs and research outputs, enhancing professional reputation and visibility.
Can applicants from outside Africa apply?
Yes. The Fellowship is open to applicants globally. However, a keen interest in Africa-focused research, policy, and gender-responsive development is essential.
How do I apply?
Applicants are required to submit:
- A one-page motivation statement
- A CV (maximum 3 pages)
- A writing sample (optional but recommended)
Applications can be submitted through the official online application form available at: www.herizonafrica.org/researchfellowship/
What is the selection process?
- Application Submission
- Eligibility & Preliminary Review
- Shortlisting & Interviews
- Final Listing & Fellows Onboarding
Will Fellows be awarded certificates?
Yes. Research Fellows who successfully complete the programme will receive an official HERizon Certificate in recognition of their participation and contribution to the Fellowship.
Can applicants reapply if they are not selected?
Yes. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to reapply for future cohorts.Â
