Deadline: 31-Jan-2026
The SHEAF Fellowship by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) is an 18-month career development programme for African women professionals in agrifood systems from Kenya, Malawi, and Senegal. It combines leadership training, mentoring, and technical excellence to strengthen gender-responsive agrifood systems policies and programmes across sub-Saharan Africa.
Overview of the SHEAF Fellowship
The SHEAF (Supporting Her Excellence in Agrifood Systems) Fellowship is an immersive career development programme implemented by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD).
The Fellowship is designed to strengthen the leadership, policy influence, and technical capacity of African women professionals working to address gender inequalities in agrifood systems.
It supports women at different career stages who are actively shaping policies, programmes, and initiatives that promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems in sub-Saharan Africa.
Purpose and Vision of the Programme
The SHEAF Fellowship aims to build a critical mass of African women leaders who can drive transformational change in agrifood systems.
The programme focuses on:
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Advancing gender equality in agrifood systems policies and programmes
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Strengthening women’s leadership and decision-making power
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Enhancing evidence-based, gender-responsive programme design
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Building long-term professional networks across the region
The Fellowship contributes directly to more inclusive food systems and improved development outcomes.
Key Concepts Explained
Gender-Responsive Agrifood Systems
Gender-responsive agrifood systems intentionally address the different needs, roles, and constraints of women and men across agricultural value chains, policies, and institutions.
This approach promotes equity, productivity, and resilience within food systems.
Leadership Development in Agrifood Systems
Leadership development focuses on strengthening strategic thinking, policy influence, negotiation skills, and institutional change capacity among professionals working in agriculture and food systems.
What the SHEAF Fellowship Offers
Successful applicants will receive a structured and customized learning experience that integrates multiple development components.
Key Fellowship components include:
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Leadership development training
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Technical training in gender and agrifood systems
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One-on-one mentoring and professional coaching
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Peer learning and cohort engagement
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Network development with African and global experts
The programme is designed to strengthen both individual capacity and institutional impact.
Fellowship Structure and Duration
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Programme duration: 18 months
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Fellowship start: April 2026
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Opening activity: In-person training in Kenya
Participants must commit to full participation throughout the entire Fellowship period.
Number of Fellows Selected
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Up to 25 Fellows will be selected
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Special consideration is given to women working in AGRA-supported organisations and programmes
Selection aims to ensure disciplinary diversity and broad geographic representation.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the SHEAF Fellowship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria.
Citizenship and Location
Applicants must:
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Be African women citizens of Kenya, Malawi, or Senegal
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Reside in one of these countries for the entire 18-month Fellowship
Educational Background
Applicants must:
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Hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant agrifood systems discipline
Professional Experience
Applicants must:
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Have a minimum of five years of professional experience in agrifood systems-related work
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Demonstrate active involvement in addressing gender issues in agrifood systems
Employment Status
Eligible applicants must be employed in:
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National or international organisations
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Private sector entities
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Civil society or non-governmental organisations
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Farmers’ organisations
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Government ministries or agencies
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Regional or sub-regional institutions
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Academic or research institutions
Language and Availability
Applicants must:
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Demonstrate intermediate proficiency in English
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Commit to full participation in all Fellowship activities
Ideal Candidate Profile
Ideal SHEAF Fellows typically demonstrate:
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Leadership roles in agrifood systems policy or programme implementation
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Experience linking agriculture, food systems, and gender equality
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Active engagement in addressing real-world policy or programme challenges
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Commitment to driving institutional and systemic change
Applicants are expected to clearly describe the programmes, policy challenges, or research questions they are currently working on.
Important Application Conditions
Applicants must note the following mandatory conditions:
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Artificial intelligence must not be used to complete the application form
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Applicants must disclose participation in other capacity-building programmes
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Institutional endorsement is required upon selection
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Fellows must accept AWARD’s code of conduct
Failure to meet these conditions may result in disqualification.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants should carefully verify that they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
Step 2: Review Supporting Documents
Applicants must review all Fellowship guidelines and supporting materials available on the Fellowship website.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
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Applications must be submitted through the official SHEAF Fellowship online portal
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Applicants may only submit complete applications
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
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Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
Key Dates and Timeline
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Application deadline: January 31, 2026
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Notification of selected Fellows: March 2026
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Fellowship commencement: April 2026
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Initial in-person training: Kenya, April 2026
Why the SHEAF Fellowship Matters
The SHEAF Fellowship addresses a critical gap in agrifood systems leadership by empowering African women professionals.
The programme:
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Strengthens gender-responsive policy and programme design
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Builds sustainable leadership pipelines in agrifood systems
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Enhances national and regional policy influence
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Promotes equitable and inclusive food systems across Africa
By investing in women leaders, the Fellowship contributes to long-term food security and social equity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
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Applying without meeting all eligibility criteria
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Submitting incomplete or late applications
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Failing to demonstrate engagement with gender issues
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Using artificial intelligence in the application form
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Not clearly explaining current policy or programme challenges
Careful preparation is essential for a competitive application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SHEAF Fellowship?
It is an 18-month leadership and career development programme for African women working in agrifood systems.
Which countries are eligible?
Only citizens and residents of Kenya, Malawi, and Senegal are eligible.
How many Fellows will be selected?
Up to 25 Fellows will be selected for the 2026 cohort.
What qualifications are required?
Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree and have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience.
Is employment required to apply?
Yes, applicants must be employed in an organisation working in agrifood systems.
Can AI tools be used to complete the application?
No, applicants must not use artificial intelligence to fill out the application form.
When does the Fellowship begin?
The Fellowship begins in April 2026 with in-person training in Kenya.
Conclusion
The SHEAF Fellowship offers a high-impact opportunity for African women professionals to strengthen leadership, technical expertise, and policy influence in agrifood systems. By integrating mentoring, training, and network development, the programme equips Fellows to drive gender-responsive change and advance equitable agrifood systems across sub-Saharan Africa.
For more information, visit AWARD.
