Deadline: 19-May-2026
The 2026–2027 Public Service Fellowship Program is a one-year leadership development initiative for young graduates and early-career professionals in Sierra Leone. Jointly implemented by the Government of Sierra Leone, Emerging Public Leaders, and the Mastercard Foundation, the program trains future public sector leaders in governance, ethics, and public service delivery.
Selected fellows receive structured training, mentorship, and public sector placement preparation, with a mandatory one-year service commitment after completion.
Overview of the Fellowship
The Public Service Fellowship Program focuses on building the next generation of public sector leaders in Sierra Leone through:
- Leadership development in public administration
- Ethical governance and integrity in public service
- Public service delivery improvement
- Youth leadership empowerment
- Mentorship and professional development
- Community engagement and civic responsibility
The program is designed to strengthen institutional capacity and improve government service delivery.
Program Structure
The fellowship is a one-year intensive training and mentorship program that includes:
- Structured public service curriculum
- Technical and soft skills training
- Leadership and governance development
- Mentorship from experienced public servants
- Practical exposure to public sector operations
The curriculum is developed collaboratively by:
- Government of Sierra Leone
- Emerging Public Leaders (EPL)
- Civil service institutions and training bodies
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be Sierra Leonean nationals
- Hold a valid national ID
- Provide a Police Clearance Certificate
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Strong English communication skills
- Basic computer literacy
- Leadership potential
- Community involvement
- Commitment to public service
Focus Areas
The program develops skills in:
- Public sector governance
- Ethical leadership
- Policy implementation
- Administrative effectiveness
- Public service innovation
- Communication and teamwork
- Community-centered development
Key Objectives
The fellowship aims to:
- Train ethical and competent public servants
- Strengthen governance systems in Sierra Leone
- Improve public service delivery
- Build leadership capacity among youth
- Promote accountability and transparency in government
- Support long-term institutional reform
Selection and Training Process
Step 1: Application Submission
Candidates apply with required documents and qualifications.
Step 2: Shortlisting
Selected applicants proceed to assessment stages.
Step 3: Structured Curriculum Training
Fellows undergo:
- Intensive classroom training
- Leadership development sessions
- Skills-building workshops
Step 4: Mentorship and Practical Exposure
Participants receive:
- Guidance from senior public sector leaders
- Real-world public service exposure
Step 5: Placement Preparation
Fellows are prepared for entry-level roles in public service.
Post-Fellowship Commitment
Selected fellows must:
- Commit to serving in Sierra Leone’s public service for 1 year
- Sign a Terms of Reference (ToR) agreement with EPL-SL
Why This Program Matters
The program addresses key challenges in public administration such as:
- Skills gaps in government institutions
- Limited youth participation in governance
- Need for ethical leadership
- Inefficiencies in service delivery
It supports national development by:
- Building a pipeline of trained public servants
- Strengthening institutional capacity
- Encouraging civic responsibility among youth
- Improving government effectiveness
Conclusion
The 2026–2027 Public Service Fellowship Program in Sierra Leone is a structured leadership initiative designed to train and mentor young graduates for impactful roles in public service. By combining technical training, mentorship, and practical exposure, the program strengthens governance capacity while preparing a new generation of ethical and capable public sector leaders.
For more information, visit EPL.