Application Deadline: October 15th 2021

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships form a selective programme designed to mentor future African leaders. Through this annual fellowship programme, we seek to deepen and broaden our growing network which continues to contribute its skills and learning to a better Africa.

The Fellowships offer the opportunity to work in the executive offices of either the AfDB (Abidjan) or the ITC (Geneva) with an annual stipend of $100,000. Fellowships are open to young professionals, mid-career and new executives from Africa with relevant work experience and a master’s degree.

During their 12-month programmes, Fellows gain both technical and leadership skills, while contributing directly to research and policy design. A special feature of the programme is the opportunity to benefit from the direct mentorship of the heads of the host organisations. 

Fellows also become members of the Now Generation Network (NGN), through which they continue to contribute their skills and insights to building a better Africa.

Eligibility criteria

• National of an African country
• 7-10 years of relevant work experience
• Master’s degree
• under the age of 40, or 45 for women with children
• any additional criteria as set by the host.

AfDB

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellow will take leadership guidance from the President, the Senior Vice President, the Chief of Staff and Director of Cabinet and/or a designated Representative. With this guidance, the Fellow will contribute to the design and implementation of strategic assignments that will increase and enhance their professional and leadership capacity, with the intention of contributing to the governance and development of their countries. The Fellow will also have the following responsibilities:

1. Design, develop and help implement innovative approaches to various strategic issues of importance to the Bank’s mission and objectives, based on international best practice.
2. Undertake research and analysis of existing and emerging strategy, program and policy areas relevant for the Bank, as required.
3. Assist with the monitoring and analysis of the implementation of various Bank Group initiatives as well as the regular work program, and prepare briefs, memos and other documentation that convey in non-technical terms the likely impact;
4. Participate in high-level discussions and contribute to the preparation of the President’s meetings and missions; and
5. Carry out any other assigned duties by relevant senior staff in the President’s office.

SELECTION CRITERIA:(including desirable skills, knowledge and experience)

The priority for the 2022 selection of the Mo Ibrahim Fellow is the Bank’s High 5 areas (Lighting Up and Powering Africa; Feeding Africa; Industrializing Africa; Integrating Africa and Improving the quality of life for the people of Africa).

The key competences are top notch professional experience in private sector and strong policy analytical skills at all levels and ability to run models.

The Fellowship is for young professionals, mid-career or/and new executives.

The Fellow must:

1. be national of an African country, residing anywhere in the world;
2. not be an active, non-active, retired, or separated staff member of the Bank;
3. not have close family relations with an active or non-active staff member, such as mother, father, sister and brother;
4. Government officials, active military personnel and political party leaders are not eligible;
5. age limit is forty (40) years for men and women and forty-five (45) years for women with children;
6. have outstanding academic credentials backed by a minimum of a Master’s Degree from a recognized institution in Banking, Business, Economics or other Social Sciences, Finance, International Development, or in any other discipline relevant to the Bank’s business;
7. have relevant and demonstrable work experience, strong communication skills, demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work with others;
8. have at least 7 (seven) years’ work experience relevant to the Bank’s activities;
9. demonstrate proven leadership and consultative skills;
10. have experience in strategic planning, project management and execution;
11. have experience in formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures;
12. demonstrate strong ability to analyze and interpret financial and other data;
13. excellent written and oral presentation skills;
14. demonstrate ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government and to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community;
15. demonstrate ability to motivate teams and simultaneously manage several projects.

ITC

OBJECTIVES OF FELLOWSHIP
This Fellowship opportunity at ITC is in collaboration with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Established in 2006
the Mo Ibrahim Foundation aims to support good governance and great leadership in Africa. The
Foundation works to:
• Stimulate debate on good governance;
• Provide criteria by which citizens and governments can measure progress;
• Recognize achievement in African leadership and provide a practical way in which leaders can
build positive legacies on the continent when they have left office;
• Support aspiring leaders for the African continent.
The Fellowship offers a mentorship experience with the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director
of ITC to prepare young Africans for leadership of major organizations and multilateral institutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision and guidance of the Chief Adviser to the Executive Director the successful Fellow
will:
• Contribute to the creation and implementation of strategic assignments related to trade
development including private sector issues and specific challenges of small and medium sized
enterprises (SMEs);

• Carry out applicable research as required;
• Contribute to the design, development and implementation of strategies for effective Public-PrivatePartnerships (PPPs) and generation of resources;
• Participate in high-level discussions and preparation of applicable briefing notes and working
documentation as required;
• Undertake other duties as assigned and required.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
• Applicants must hold African nationality.
• Applicants must be under 40 years of age at time of application (women with children should be
under 45 years of age)

Application details

• African Development Bank (AfDB) 
• International Trade Centre (ITC)

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) 

• English
• French

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme