Opportunity Desk

Category: Africa

Opportunities for Africans

ICT for Social Good Grants for Local Innovators 2017
Deadline: April 30, 2017

ICT for Social Good is a grant for local innovators in low-income countries offered within the program “Innovation for Development.” ICT for Social Good wants to know, value and sustain those many projects, realities and innovative ideas created with a bottom-up approach. Often, these ideas are not fully recognised and they face difficulties in being involved in international development projects. However, they represent a good starting point to build a new approach to the international cooperation and local development.

The general goal of the grant is to sustain, as much as possible, local innovators in low-income countries but also to inform the development sector – too often still based on traditional intervention models – about local innovations.

Grants
- The two prizes are of 12,000 Euros and 10,000 Euros respectively and the winners will also be invited to Italy for the final event of the programme “Innovazione per lo Sviluppo” encouraging meetings with entrepreneurial realities and Italian research centres that might be interested in sustaining and developing the winning projects.
Eligibility
- Open to a Non-profit organisation or social venture/enterprise that is led by a social purpose and tackle social issues or an association, cooperative, NGO, individual enterprise, consortium at least since 6 months.
Application Process
- Complete the application form
For more information, visit ICT for Social Good Grants.
March 21, 2017
Developers In Vogue Coding BootCamp 2017
Deadline: April 21, 2017

Developers In Vogue is offering an exciting opportunity to 20 young ladies to learn how to build innovative software at the Coding Boot Camp. The 2017 boot camp holds this summer from June 1 to July 29 in Accra, Ghana. The sessions are a combination of on-site, online and group projects. Participants are expected to complete all course modules before graduating to the next stage.

At the end of the two months, participants should be equipped with the knowledge and skills to build a website from scratch using Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Javascript, Bootstrap and jQuery. Participants are required to complete a compulsory group project of building a website for a non-profit organization or a social cause.

Benefits

The benefits of being a part of this initiative are endless. The initiative seeks to create a community of top female talent who will revolutionize the African continent using technology. Some of the benefits include:
- Equipping you with the knowledge and skills to be a top-notch developer;
- Access to a community of inspiring ladies who can collaborate with you on future projects;
- One-on-one mentorship by industry experts;
- Access to our online learning portal which is loaded with a lot of resources;
- Career support services including how to ace a technical interview, how to start a tech company, etc;
- Further training in web, mobile apps and custom software development. Those interested in data science can have further training in data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence;
- Complementary courses including graphic design, search engine optimization and social media marketing;
- Opportunity to earn money through freelancing, internship, remote or full-time jobs in tech firms;
- Diversifying your portfolio which will be a great addition to your CV;
- Improving soft skills like presentation, project management, team work and critical thinking.
Eligibility
- Open to only applicants in Ghana. Applicants are not required to have a prior knowledge of coding before sending their applications;
- Candidate should be at least 16 years old;
- Be able to commit at least 20 hours per week for course work (10 hours on-site and 10 hours online) from June 1 to July 29, 2017. (After the boot camp however, there will be two on-site meetings per month.)
- Be able to commit to completing all activities including participating in group work, submitting assignments and building a website for a non-profit or social cause;
- Be interested in applying the skills learnt during sessions either through freelancing, working in or starting a tech firm;
- Be able to bring a laptop for all on-site sessions.
Application Process

All applications are to be done online and the application process would take about 10 minutes to complete. Deadline for application submission is April 21, 2017. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed briefly via phone and final decisions will be made known to successful applicants on May 8, 2017.
- Complete the application form
For more information, visit Developers In Vogue Coding BootCamp.
March 21, 2017
ICRC Traineeship 2017 at the Legal Division in Geneva, Switzerland
Deadline: April 15, 2017

The ICRC’s Legal Division is offering six paid traineeships for a period of one year at its headquarters in Geneva. The traineeships start in autumn 2017. Trainees at the Legal Division undertake a variety of assignments, including carrying out research and writing project briefs on specific legal questions primarily related to IHL, both in French and in English. They also review legal documents, contribute to the preparation of meetings, prepare draft reports or minutes of meetings and give presentations on IHL to groups visiting the ICRC.

Eligibility
- A university degree in law or international relations and a Master degree in international law (or an equivalent post-graduate legal training);
- Excellent knowledge of IHL (shortlisted candidates will be tested in IHL during the course of the interviews);
- Fluency in either French or English, and a very good understanding of the other;
- Age: Applicants should be between 25 and 30 years old at the beginning of the internship.
Application Process

Applications should be addressed to [email protected]. The selection process will take place between May and June 2017.

Your application file should include the following elements:
- A fully completed Traineeship form;
- A cover letter, not exceeding 800 words;
- A CV, not exceeding two pages, which indicates in particular:
  - The titles and the number of hours of international humanitarian law (IHL) courses followed
  - Any academic writings and/or other research work carried out in IHL
  - Any relevant professional experience in relation to IHL.
For more information, visit ICRC Traineeship.
March 21, 2017
UNESCO/APCEIU Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED (Fully Funded)
Deadline: April 7, 2017

The Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) will organize the 3rd Youth Leadership Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) from May 28 to June 3, 2017, in Jeju, Republic of Korea. Organized in partnership with the GCED Youth Network and sponsored by Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity, the workshop aims to build the capacity of dynamic young leaders from across the world to strengthen their leaderships for GCED.

The five-day workshop aims to contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Target 4.7, to foster global citizenship through education. While enabling participants to deepen their understanding of GCED, the workshop allows the young leaders to play a major role and become part of a wider network of youth leaders for GCED.

During the workshop, participants will identify specific priority issues around GCED and establish plans for the future direction of GCED. Working both individually and in groups, the young leaders will devise the goals and strategies for use at local and national levels. Participants will also engage in information sessions to support them in this task, on areas such as ‘GCED Youth Advocacy tools,’ and ‘Deepening the Understanding of GCED.’

Cost
- Travel and local expenses will be covered for all successful applicants (participants will be responsible for the domestic travel expenses and visa fees in their own countries.)
Eligibility
- Applicants must be between the ages of 18 to 24;
- Participants will be selected on the basis of their current engagement and future commitment in educating youth at the local and national levels around GCED;
- Participants must have a minimum of two years’ experience in youth activities, sufficient understanding of GCED issues and priorities, and proven experiences of influencing change at the local or national levels.
Application Process

Applications for the Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED must be submitted before April 7, 2017 (KST 09:00). Successful applicants will be notified by April 17, 2017.

For more information, visit UNESCO/APCEIU Youth Leadership Workshop.
March 20, 2017
Field Coordinators Needed for the EMBRACE Project
Deadline: March 22, 2017

The EMBRACE project of the Youth Challenge International is seeking three (3) experienced and organized Field Coordinators to support the effective planning and implementation of the Agents for Change (AoC) Study Tour, a three-week overseas volunteer project for ten university-level Health Sciences students in August 2017.

The AoCs will be divided into three groups, each of which will visit one EMBRACE project country – Rwanda, Cambodia or the Philippines – to learn about global maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) and nutrition issues. Upon their return to Canada, the Agents of Change will work with ADRA Canada to use their new awareness and knowledge to engage their communities in increasing awareness of global MNCH and nutrition issues.

Responsibilities
- Participate in the AoC preparation process through hosting Skype meetings and creating country-specific documents;
- Coordinate in-country logistics including accommodation, transportation and other details as required;
- Work with EMBRACE project teams and partners to develop a detailed trip itinerary;
- Manage volunteers while they are in country;
- Facilitate reflective learning activities with volunteers to support their personal development and learning;
- Ensure AoC safety and security and adherance to all risk management protocols;
- Support information and data gathering activities to enhance AoC public engagement activities in Canada;
- Any other AoC related duties as designated by YCI, ADRA Canada or the EMBRACE project team.
Benefits

This is a two-month subsidized skilled volunteer placement. YCI will provide the following for the volunteer:
- Pre-departure training and debrief in Toronto (including travel and accommodation)
- In-country orientation
- Return airfare and visa/permit fees
- Vaccinations allowance up to $300 CAD
- Emergency medical and evacuation insurance
- $1,200 CAD stipend per month to cover accommodation, food, work-related communication and transportation
Eligibility
- Open to university-level Health Sciences students in Canada
Application Process

To apply for these positions, please complete the volunteer application form.

For more information, visit Field Coordinators Needed for the EMBRACE Project.
March 17, 2017
Africa Day 2017 Writing Competition
Deadline: May 3, 2017

Irish Aid and The Irish Times have joined up again to promote aspiring, emerging and established writers, to celebrate Africa Day 2017! The short story and poetry competition, which is in its third year, seeks to discover new writing talent, as well as showcase established writers. Interested? Here’s how to get involved:

Writers are invited to submit a short story or poem with an African theme, set in either Ireland or Africa. The Irish Times and Irish Aid are looking for entries in three categories:
- Primary school (maximum word count 250 words)
- Secondary school (maximum word count 1,000 words)
- Adult (maximum word count 2,000 words)
Prizes
- The winning entries will be published on www.irishtimes.com on Sunday, 21st May, the same day as the flagship Africa Day event in Dublin. Winners will receive a selection of books to the value of €50 each. There will also be a photographic presentation at The Irish Times.
Eligibility
- Open to aspiring, emerging and established writers
Application Process

Submissions for all categories can be made via email to [email protected], putting “Writing Competition” in the subject line, or by post to “Africa Day Writing Competition, DHR Communications, 80 Francis Street, Dublin 8”. Submissions for the adult and secondary school category must be typed. Entries for the primary school category may be handwritten.

For more information, visit Africa Day 2017 Writing Competition.
March 16, 2017
Peace Revolution Amandla East and Southern Africa Fellowship 2017
Deadline: May 20, 2017

Are you an African battling and with the desire to overcome challenges relating to changing trends of fashion, technology, lifestyle, personal and professional life expectations? Do you want to take part in a peaceful and vibrant dialogue to discover and maintain your inner peace? Do you want to contribute to world peace but you do not know how?

Peace Revolution invites you to the Second Amandla Eastern and Southern Africa Fellowship to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa. The four days fellowship will set up to 50 participants on a lifelong inner peace journey. It will further presents an opportunity to:
- Empower youth with tools to develop and maintain a successful personal and professional life by cultivating their inner peace, positive habits through self-discipline, mindful practices and meditation.
- Build a network of peacebuilders to exchange experiences and visions for partnerships while fostering an intercultural dialogue and a life-long inner peace building network.
Fellowship

The Amandla Fellowship Includes:
- Full or partial sponsorship of airfare support
- Free accommodation
- Free catering
- Local transport to and from retreat centre
Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants should:
- Be African nationals residing in Eastern and Southern Africa (Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Djibouti, Comoros, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Malawi, Mozambique, Sudan, South Sudan, Botswana, Seychelles, Lesotho, Madagascar, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mayotte and Mauritius);
- Be 20-32 years old at the time of submitting the application in order to receive the airfare support;
- Have completed at least 21 days of the 42-day online self-development program. Note that in order to submit the application form, candidates do not need to have completed the online self-development program;
- Have good proficiency in written and spoken English language;
- Be optimistic, open-minded, is a leader or shows leadership potential, and have a genuine interest in peace building;
- Send a recommendation letter from their organizations/institutions.
International successful applicants shall pay a commitment fee of 100 USD while local participants pay USD 50 before the arrival to the retreat site (by Bank transfer or Western Union).

Application Process
- Apply here!
For more information, visit Amandla East and Southern Africa Fellowship.
March 16, 2017
Adansonia Accelerator Program 2017 for Entrepreneurs
Deadline: April 30, 2017

Adansonia Accelerator Program 2017 is a training program for entrepreneurs in Africa that connects them with investors. A number of investors have partnered with the Adansonia program. These investors rate the business proposals submitted by participants. Entrepreneurs with the top-rated proposals get the opportunity to pitch to these investors, and after the pitching event, the investors decide whom to invest in.

Benefits

Aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa will have the opportunity to:
- Take an online course on entrepreneurship;
- Make new connections and get feedback;
- Pitch to investors and get funding;
- Learn more at a top business school in Milan.
Eligibility
- Participants must be based in Africa. It doesn’t matter where;
- Aspiring entrepreneurs are welcome. So are entrepreneurs with an existing business that they wish to expand;
- They should be able to view videos and to run an application on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, or Linux.
Application Process
- Apply Now!
Important Dates
- April 30, 2017: Application Deadline
- May 7, 2017: Online course begins
- May 12, 2017: Network with fellows entrepreneurs
- June 16, 2017: Online course finishes
- June 18, 2017: Participants submit business proposals
- July 7, 2017: Pitching event
For more information, visit Adansonia Accelerator Program 2017.
March 16, 2017
Apply to the Drucker Prize 2017 (Win up to $100,000)
Deadline: May 12, 2017

Now in it’s 26th year, The Drucker Prize (formerly known as the Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation) continues to recognize the organization that best exemplifies Peter Drucker’s definition of innovation: “change that creates a new dimension of performance.” Beyond the cash award, The Drucker Prize offers nonprofits a host of practical insights to help them become more innovative and more effective.

Indeed, the Drucker Prize’s resource-rich learning platform blends the timeless wisdom of Peter Drucker with the thinking of some of today’s brightest management minds. Their original content is open first to each year’s 50 semifinalists. Leaders of these organizations get to dive into specially designed mini-courses covering key aspects of innovation and nonprofit performance.

Prize
- One organization will win the $100,000, everyone who applies will get something just as valuable: powerful new tools for effectiveness.
Eligibility
- Open to non-profit organizations
Application Process
- Apply now!
For more information, visit Drucker Prize 2017.
March 16, 2017
Join the AMEE Student Task Force 2017 – Helsinki, Finland
Deadline: March 17, 2017

Apply to become part of the AMEE Student Task Force 2017. AMEE is one of the most important organisations for medical and other health professions’ Education in the world. AMEE promotes international excellence in education in the healthcare professions across the continuum of undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education. Every year, AMEE organizes the largest medical education conference in the world: the AMEE Conference! In the last years, more than 3,500 participants attended the AMEE Conferences, with workshops, lectures, poster presentations, short communications, exhibitions, etc.

This year, AMEE offers 39 international medical students the chance to attend the Conference for free, with financial support for travel and accommodation expenses. In exchange for that those students are asked to assist in basic tasks, related to helping out with practical issues and assisting participants during the conference.

Benefits
- Two students from the Student Task Force with a special interest in technology enhanced learning will get the unique opportunity to contribute to the AMEE Conference Hackathon.
Eligibility

Any student with:
- a certain interest and/or background in medical education and other healthcare professions education;
- sufficient English skills;
- total respect for the rules and responsibilities of the Student Task Force;
- full availability for the Student Task Force working days (25 – 30 August);
- the right motivation and enthusiasm for working in an international team of students.
Selection Criteria

All applications will be judged by the Coordinators team. Selections will be made based on:
- motivation
- relevant experience
- future plans for use of experience gained
- geographical and gender diversity
Application Process
- Complete the online application form
For more information, visit AMEE Student Task Force 2017.
March 15, 2017
Call for Papers: Second Annual Conference of the Japan Economy Network
Deadline: April 15, 2017

The Japan Economy Network (JEN) and the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) invite submissions of papers and extended abstracts for the Second Annual Conference of the Japan Economy Network. This year’s theme is Japan and the Asian Economy.

Submissions that analyse the interdependence between Japan and other Asian economies are encouraged, but organizers also welcome papers with a sole focus on the Japanese economy, including papers on monetary and fiscal policy, exchange rate policy, development of the Japanese banking system, perspectives on potential output, consequences of demographic change, womenomics, inequality, labour markets, and education. Papers adopting a comparative perspective are welcome.

Eligibility
- Young scholars are particularly encouraged to submit their work.
Application Process

Submit your work online through the submission website.

Important Dates
- April 15, 2017: Deadline for submission
- May 15, 2017: Results will be announced
- September 14–15, 2017: Workshop date
For more information, visit Second Annual Conference of the Japan Economy Network.
March 15, 2017
NWAG Scholarship for Young Nigerians in Georgia 2017
Deadline: April 30, 2017

The Nigerian Women Association of Georgia (NWAG) plans to award two one-time scholarships in the state of Georgia, in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars each, to Georgia High School seniors.

NWAG, a non-profit organization based in Atlanta Georgia, was founded in April 2000 with a mission to empower women, youth and children in their adopted community in the United States and in their home country, Nigeria. As of 2016 NWAG has successfully awarded a one-time, one year scholarship to 470 female students in Nigeria and 48 students in Georgia, USA.

Scholarship
- Two students will receive $500 USD each
Eligibility
- Applicants must be a Nigerian female or male, high school student of Nigerian descent.
Application Process
- Download the application form;
- All applicants must include the following:
  - Proof of state of residence;
  - Two letters of recommendation from any two of the following: Church Pastor/Mosque Imam, Principal, Asst. Principal, Teacher or Counselor;
  - One letter of recommendtion must come from either the Principal or Assistant Principal of your school;
  - Photocopy of your current high school student identification card;
  - A current photograph of yourself;
  - An explanation of why you need and should receive the scholarship not more than one-half typed double spaced page);
  - A type-written, double-spaced, two-page essay on: “Discuss the significance of Nigerian cultural youth associations in Georgia in regards to the growth and development of young Nigerian Americans”
Completed application can be submitted with all required documents to NWAG either electronically via email at [email protected] or by regular mail to P.O. Box 14542, Atlanta, GA 30324. Subject line of email: Name of Applicant, and all electronic submissions must be in PDF or Word format. Applications may not be faxed or hand-delivered.

For more information, visit NWAG Scholarship in Georgia.
March 15, 2017
Call for Papers: ADBI-World Economy Workshop on Globalization and the Environment
Deadline: August 1, 2017

The Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), in cooperation with World Economy, invites submissions of unpublished papers looking at Globalization and the Environment in Asia. Both theoretical and empirical research papers with policy orientations are welcome provided that findings, conclusions, and policy recommendations are based on solid evidence and analysis. Manuscripts can focus on Asia as a whole, a group of countries, or individual economies.

Submission of papers dealing with but NOT limited to the following topics are welcome:
- Trade, resources, and the environment
- International investment and the environment
- International migration and the environment
- Policy designs and reforms on trade and the environment in Asian economies
Cost and Benefits
- ADBI will cover registration, flight, and hotel costs, plus a small lump-sum payment for one presenter of every accepted paper.
- Selected papers from the workshop will be considered for publication in the special issue of World Economy or an edited book volume.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be a citizen of ADB member countries.
Application Process
- Submissions with brief author bios should be emailed to: [email protected]
Important Dates
- August 1, 2017: Deadline for submission of complete paper(s)
- August 31, 2017: Decisions by academic committee on submissions
- September 26-27, 2017: Workshop date
For more information, visit ADBI-World Economy Workshop.
March 15, 2017
Nigerian Women Association of Georgia (NWAG) Scholarships 2017
Deadline: May 31, 2017

Applications for the Nigerian Women Association of Georgia (NWAG) Scholarships 2017 is now open. NWAG plans to award 37 one-time scholarships, one per state of origin as well as one for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Nigerian female undergraduate students in Nigerian university or tertiary institutions.

Scholarship
- Each scholarship worths $200 USD (Naira Equivalent).
Eligibility
- Open to Nigerian female undergraduates
Application Process

Applicants are required to submit the following documents together with their completed application form:
- Proof of State of Origin – Letter of Origination from the university or a letter from your local government office;
- Two letters of recommendation from any two of the following: Church Pastor/Mosque Imam, Village Head, Local Government Chairperson or One of your Lecturers;
- 1 Letter of recommendation from either the Dean of your Faculty/School or your Head of Department;
- Photocopy of your current university student identification card;
- A current photograph of yourself;
- An explanation of why you need and should receive the scholarship (not more than one-half typed page);
- A typed, double-spaced, two-paged essay on: “Women are marginalized in leadership positions in Nigeria. Position yourself as a woman activist and propose how you can advocate for women rights in government positions, challenge early/child marriage, and gender discrimination”
Completed application can be submitted with all required documents as pdf or word documents to NWAG either electronically to [email protected] or by regular mail to:

NWAG
P.O. Box 14542,
Atlanta, GA 30324

For more information, visit NWAG Scholarship.
March 15, 2017
Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program 2017
Deadline: April 12, 2017

Applications are now invited for the 2017 Western Union Foundation Scholar Program. The Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program, also referred to as WU Scholars, is a program designed to support young people and their efforts to pursue a post-secondary education. Western Union (WU) believes that when money moves, better things happen. The Western Union Foundation* does just that by supporting charities that are changing people’s lives for the better. The Scholars Program is their latest effort to give back to the communities they serve.

The WU Scholars program was created to help give young people a boost toward a better life. The Western Union Foundation believes education is the surest path to economic opportunity. Educational pursuits to gain knowledge and skills for in-demand, 21st century careers are helping people all over the world climb the economic ladder.

Award

Selected scholarship recipients will receive USD $2,500 each to contribute toward tuition or school fees at an accredited post-secondary institution and will be selected based on criteria relating to the program’s three pillars: Perseverance, Aspiration, and Community.

Eligibility
- All applicants must be pursuing a degree/field of study in one of the following categories::
  - Science
  - Technology
  - Engineering
  - Mathematics
  - Business and entrepreneurship
- Scholarships must be used at an accredited post-secondary institution seeking an undergraduate degree.
- All applicants for scholarships must be between the ages of 18 – 26 years of age on June 1, 2017.
- Application must be submitted in English. Translation services may be used to help non-English speakers submit. You will not be penalized for basic errors.
- Must be able to demonstrate admittance to an accredited post-secondary institution or have applied for admittance.
- Must provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher or professor. If a teacher or professor is unable to submit a recommendation on your behalf, you may also use someone who has supervised you in a youth/community group, volunteer position, job/employment situation, etc.
NOTE: You do not need to be a Western Union customer or use Western Union services to be eligible.

Selection Criteria

The Institute of International Education, Inc. (IIE), a US private not-for-profit organization, administers the program on behalf of the Western Union Foundation and its contributors. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on criteria relating to the program’s three pillars: Perseverance, Aspiration, and Community.

Application

To apply, complete the online application.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this scholarship, you are encouraged to apply. Applications are now open and will close on April 12, 12:00pm EST. Selected applicants will be notified by July 2017.

For more information, visit Western Union Foundation Scholars Program.
March 14, 2017