Application Deadline: 7 April 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the prestigious 2026/2027 Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship, a collaborative program between Chatham House and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Designed for emerging African leaders at the early to mid-point in their professional journey, this fellowship provides a remarkable opportunity to spend ten months at Chatham House, London, pursuing an individual research project tailored to their interests.
During the fellowship, participants actively engage with the core activities of the Institute, hone their leadership abilities through a rigorous development program, and expand their professional connections within the international affairs domain.
Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship
This fellowship is open exclusively to individuals who are citizens of any African nation. Applicants holding dual citizenship that includes an African country are also eligible to apply.
Academic Background
Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and possess prior experience in conducting research.
Professional Experience
The ideal candidates are those in the early to mid-stages of their careers, coming from diverse sectors such as academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), business, government agencies, civil society, or the media. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in international affairs, have clear research objectives aligned with Chatham House’s mission, and possess relevant expertise in their chosen field.
Age
There is no age limit for applicants.
Fellowship Duration and Location
The fellowship lasts for ten months, running from October 2026 through July 2027. Fellows are expected to be based full-time at Chatham House in London, though flexible hybrid working arrangements can be accommodated as needed.
Financial Support and Benefits
Fellows receive a monthly stipend of £2,565, aimed at covering living costs in London such as accommodation, utilities, food, and transportation. In addition, Chatham House provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Relocation expenses, covering travel costs, accommodation support, and visa fees.
- Visa sponsorship for a T5 Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa, when necessary.
- Coverage of the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (note that this excludes dental, optical care, and prescription medications).
- Funding for research-related costs, including fieldwork, outreach activities, events, and publication expenses.
Upon successful completion, fellows benefit from ongoing advantages such as:
- Access to the Academy’s faculty network and alumni community.
- A complimentary five-year membership to Chatham House.
Fellowship Structure and Programme Details
The fellowship experience is structured around three main components:
- Independent Research Project: Fellows design and carry out a personal research initiative with support and mentorship from Chatham House experts, dedicating roughly 60% of their time to this endeavor.
- Leadership Masterclass Programme: This integral part of the fellowship, constituting about 20% of the time, focuses on developing leadership skills, expanding professional networks, and enhancing self-awareness to prepare fellows for future leadership roles in global affairs.
- Contribution to Existing Research: Fellows also engage with ongoing research activities within Chatham House, collaborating with host teams and other departments to support priority projects that align with the Institute’s mission, accounting for approximately 20% of their involvement.
Leadership Masterclass Programme Components
- Intensive Induction Week: The fellowship commences with a comprehensive five-day orientation designed to familiarize fellows with the program’s elements, introduce them to their host research groups, and begin personal development coaching.
- Thematic Sessions: Fellows participate in discussions led by Chatham House experts and external specialists on pressing international affairs topics. These sessions cover both substantive content and key leadership skills. Fellows typically chair these meetings, facilitating peer learning and exchange of ideas.
- Leadership Skills Workshops: Half-day workshops are conducted focusing on critical leadership competencies such as influencing policy, stakeholder analysis, crisis management, and negotiation techniques.
- Leadership Briefings: Informal conversations with a diverse array of senior leaders from government, business, media, and non-profit sectors provide insights into leadership philosophies, strategic approaches, and personal leadership journeys. Speakers often include members of the Academy faculty.
- Project Presentations: Fellows regularly present updates on their research projects, which helps refine their presentation abilities, fosters peer feedback, and encourages interdisciplinary understanding.
- Personal Development Coaching: Each fellow has access to one-on-one coaching sessions aimed at enhancing self-awareness and setting actionable personal development goals to pursue throughout and beyond the fellowship.
- Media Training: Training sessions equip fellows with skills for effective media engagement, including television and radio interviews, culminating in practice interviews followed by constructive feedback.
- Career Mentoring (Optional): Fellows may be paired with experienced mentors to support career development and broaden professional perspectives.
For more comprehensive information and to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship.
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