Apply for WWF’s Russell E. Train Fellowships

Deadline: 01-Mar-22

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is accepting applications for its Russell E. Train Fellowships to support individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation.

The aim of the fellowship is to support individuals to develop evidence-based, innovative and interdisciplinary research on the role gender equity plays in achieving sustainable Blue Economy outcomes, with emphasis on small-scale fisheries and tropical ecosystems.

Each year, WWF supports committed conservationists from target countries to receive financial support for their studies and field research. Applicants can apply to attend any university around the world and must return to their home countries to work in conservation for at least two years after completing their degree.

To build capacity across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean, EFN invites applications from current and aspiring conservation leaders to enable them to pursue graduate-level studies (masters and PhDs) geared towards bridging the gap in the capacity of countries to deliver the goals of Blue Economy development.

Focus Areas

To develop evidence-based, innovative and interdisciplinary research on the role of gender equity in achieving sustainable BE outcomes, WWF will prioritize work in the following topics:

• Gender dimensions of marine policy
• Inclusive and equitable governance
• Restoration, protection, and maintenance of marine diversity
• Productivity and resilience of tropical ecosystems, specifically coral reefs and mangroves
• Management of land use-based impacts on coastal resources
• Ocean and coastal resource use
• Small-scale fisheries and the role of women
• Equitable social and economic benefits to stakeholders
• Cross-sectoral and long-term planning and management
• Diversification and sustainable livelihoods
• Fiscal policy and incentive-based management
• Role of technology, capacity development, or innovation for data collection related to BE
• Role and function of gender in coastal cities as BE hubs
• Potential for gender-targeted blue bonds in providing access to credit for maritime businesses
• Community-based management of natural resources and community enterprises linked to sustainable resource management

Eligible Countries

Belize, Ecuador, Fiji, Gabon, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Solomon Islands, Suriname, and Vietnam

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Train Fellowship, you must meet the following criteria. Please note that eligibility criteria can vary by competition. Please also refer to specific competition guidelines to ensure you are eligible.

• You must be a citizen and legal permanent resident of an eligible country.
• You must have at least two years of conservation-related work or research experience.
• You must have a demonstrated commitment to working in conservation in an eligible country.
• Your research or academic program must address one of the focus areas listed in the guidelines.
• You must be enrolled in, admitted to, or have applied to a master’s or PhD program anywhere in the world.
• You must plan to begin your studies no later than January 2023.
• You must commit to working for at least two years in your home country after the completion of your degree.
• You must not have received a Train Fellowship or Scholarship in the past. Professional Development Grant recipients are eligible to apply.
• You must notify EFN if you are a WWF employee, consultant, or previous EFN grant recipient.
• You must submit all required documents by the application deadline (March 1, 2022).

For more information, visit https://www.worldwildlife.org/projects/russell-e-train-fellowships