Fonseca Leadership Program 2025 For African Conservation Leaders Pursing A Masters Or Ph.D. Degree (Scholarship Available) 

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The Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa offers prestigious fellowships to empower rising African conservation leaders committed to biodiversity preservation. Apply below: 

When is the Application Deadline:

The application deadline is 7 February 2025.

Tell Me About The Fonseca Leadership Program:

The Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa, offered through the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Graduate Scholarship Program (GSP) with support from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), provides prestigious fellowships for rising African conservation leaders. The program honors the late Gustavo Fonseca, a renowned tropical scientist and conservationist, by supporting African candidates pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. degrees. It targets individuals committed to practical, applied conservation work and fosters leadership in biodiversity conservation across Africa.

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Which Fields are Eligible?

Applied and practical conservation-related fields

Type:

Scholarship 

Who can Apply for the Fonseca Leadership Program?

Also, the eligibility criteria includes:

  • Candidates must be nominated by an approved nominator, such as government officials, senior officials from intergovernmental agencies, academic professors, or senior conservationists from organizations like WCS, WWF, TNC, and CI.
  • Applicants must be citizens of GEF recipient countries in Africa.
  • Candidates must demonstrate:
    • A deep commitment to conservation in their country or region.
    • At least five years of work experience in relevant sectors such as NGOs, government, academia, or the private sector.
    • Strong leadership potential, collaboration skills, and the ability to work across diverse groups.
    • A practical focus on conservation with career goals rooted in applied conservation efforts.
  • Candidates do not need prior acceptance into a graduate program but should plan to begin their studies by October 2025

How are Applicants Selected?

  • Strength of the nomination and application, including leadership potential and practical conservation focus.
  • Assessment of career goals’ alignment with the program’s objectives.
  • Review of recommendations and work experience.

Required Documents:

The following documents are also necessary for the application process:

  • Short-form application (first stage).
  • Long-form application (second stage for approved candidates).
  • Curriculum Vitae (abridged, maximum four pages).
  • Three letters of recommendation from academic advisors, work supervisors, or others familiar with the applicant’s qualifications.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

Citizens of GEF recipient countries in Africa.

Where will the Award be Taken?

Institutions chosen by selected candidates 

How Many Awards?

Not specified

What is the Benefit of the Fonseca Leadership Program?

Furthermore, the benefits include:

  • Financial support for pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. degree.
  • Opportunity to engage with the WCS and its global conservation initiatives.
  • Recognition as a rising leader in African conservation.

How Long Will the Award Last?

Duration of program 

How to Apply:

  • Interested applicants should email Kate Mastro at [email protected] to request the nomination and application forms.
  • Submit the completed short-form application by 7 February 2025.
  • Approved candidates will proceed to the long-form application, due 31 March 2025.
  • Final award decisions will be announced in May 2025.

Author

  • Mercy Awofiranye is a creative writer with over five years of experience. Currently, she specializes in creating helpful content for students in the education space. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and learning new things.