RFPs: Gender Equity/GBV Evidence Accelerator Fellowship Program

Deadline: 16-Jan-2026

The Gender Equity/GBV Evidence Accelerator Fellowship Program at Johns Hopkins University offers a one-year, part-time, sponsored fellowship for professionals and scholars working on gender equity and gender-based violence (GBV) in low- and middle-income countries. The fellowship combines mentored research, select coursework, and cohort-based learning to strengthen evidence generation, analysis, and translation skills. The program begins in March 2026, with selections finalized by late February 2026.

Programme Overview

The Gender Equity/GBV Evidence Accelerator Fellowship Program is hosted by the Center for Global Women’s Health and Gender Equity (CGWHGE) at Johns Hopkins University.

This fellowship supports practitioners, professionals, and scholars engaged in gender equity and gender-based violence (GBV) work, with a strong emphasis on low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts.

The programme is designed to strengthen applied research and evidence-use capacity to inform gender-equitable policies, programs, and practice.

Fellowship Objectives

The fellowship aims to build fellows’ skills in:

• Evidence generation for gender equity and GBV

• Evidence synthesis and data analysis

• Translation of evidence into policy and practice

• Applied research for real-world gender and GBV challenges

The programme emphasizes practical learning, mentorship, and peer exchange.

Fellowship Structure and Learning Model

The fellowship is part-time and runs for approximately one year.

Key components include:

• Select coursework through the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

• Ongoing mentorship from CGWHGE faculty

• Cohort-based learning for networking and professional development

• A mentored mini-project focused on gender equity or GBV

Most activities are conducted virtually, with one funded in-person convening.

Mentored Mini-Project

Each fellow completes a mentored mini-project related to gender equity or GBV.

Example project types include:

• Secondary analysis of existing survey or program data

• Evidence synthesis or systematic reviews

• Applied research linked to programs, policy, or advocacy

Fellows receive structured guidance, mentorship, and data analysis support from CGWHGE faculty from project design through dissemination.

Timeline and Key Activities

The fellowship follows a structured timeline:

• March 2026: Programme kickoff meeting

• March–April 2026: Weekly seminars

• April–May 2026: Weekly data analysis seminar

• April–December 2026: Mentored mini-project development with monthly seminars

• Summer 2026: Short virtual courses

• October 2026: In-person funded cohort convening

• Early 2027: Written and oral dissemination of projects through cohort webinars

Time Commitment and Language

• Average commitment: 10 hours per week

• During course weeks: up to 20 hours per week

• Additional time required for travel to the in-person convening

• Fellowship activities are conducted entirely in English

What the Fellowship Covers

The fellowship provides full sponsorship for:

• Course registration fees

• Faculty mentoring and academic support

• Travel and accommodation for the in-person convening

No salary or stipend is provided for participant time.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be from and currently living or working in a low- or middle-income country

• Be working in the gender equity or GBV field, or

• Be enrolled as a PhD student, Postdoctoral researcher, or Junior Faculty member focused on gender or GBV

• Have some experience in research, monitoring and evaluation, or data analysis

• Have exposure to statistical software such as STATA or R

• Demonstrate professional working proficiency in English

Who Is Not Eligible?

• Current Master’s students

• Applicants based in high-income countries

• Individuals without relevant gender or GBV-related professional or academic experience

Ideal Candidate Profile

Strong candidates typically include:

• Professionals working in program monitoring and evaluation

• Community-based or practice-oriented researchers

• PhD students working on gender or GBV in LMICs

• Practitioners seeking to strengthen evidence-based approaches to policy and programming

Applicants should clearly articulate how the fellowship aligns with their career goals and impact.

Why This Fellowship Matters

This fellowship addresses a critical gap in applied gender and GBV research capacity by:

• Strengthening evidence use in real-world programs and policy

• Supporting professionals working directly in LMIC contexts

• Bridging research, practice, and decision-making

• Building a global network of gender equity and GBV leaders

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare to submit:

• An application outlining professional background and experience

• Evidence of work or study in gender equity or GBV

• Information demonstrating eligibility based on country of residence or work

• Materials requested by the CGWHGE application portal

Applicants are encouraged to discuss participation with their employer, particularly if engagement occurs during normal working hours.

Selection Timeline

• Application review: Ongoing until selection

• Final selections announced: Late February 2026

• Programme start: March 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying while enrolled in a Master’s programme

• Failing to demonstrate experience in gender or GBV work

• Underestimating the weekly time commitment

• Not clearly linking the fellowship to career and impact goals

• Applying from outside eligible country contexts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the fellowship fully funded?

Yes. Course fees, mentoring, and travel for the in-person convening are fully covered.

2. Is the fellowship remote or in person?

The fellowship is primarily virtual, with one funded in-person cohort convening in October 2026.

3. How long does the fellowship last?

Approximately one year, from March 2026 to early 2027.

4. Is a stipend or salary provided?

No. The fellowship does not provide financial compensation for participants’ time.

5. Can Master’s students apply?

No. Current Master’s students are not eligible.

6. What kind of research experience is required?

Applicants should have some experience in research, monitoring and evaluation, or data analysis, including exposure to tools such as STATA or R.

7. What language is the fellowship conducted in?

All fellowship activities are conducted in English.

Conclusion

The Gender Equity/GBV Evidence Accelerator Fellowship Program offers a high-impact opportunity for professionals and scholars in low- and middle-income countries to deepen evidence-based skills and advance gender equity and GBV work. Eligible candidates seeking mentored research experience, advanced training, and global networking are encouraged to apply ahead of the late February 2026 selection timeline to join the March 2026 cohort.

For more information, visit CGWHGE.