The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) has opened applications for its 2027 CFJ Fellowship, a fully paid professional fellowship designed for early-career African women lawyers committed to advancing justice for women and children. The fellowship places successful candidates within leading human rights organizations, university legal aid clinics, and government legal institutions across Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and The Gambia. Fellows receive mentorship, practical litigation experience, regional training, and access to a global network of prominent human rights advocates, judges, academics, and legal experts. About the CFJ Fellowship The CFJ Fellowship is part of the Foundation’s Waging Justice for Women programme, which works to end violence against women and children through legal representation, strategic litigation, policy advocacy, and innovative legal technology. Rather than a classroom-based programme, the fellowship provides a paid, year-long work placement where fellows contribute directly to real legal cases while building their professional expertise. Each fellow develops an individualized work plan with CFJ and their host organization, ensuring meaningful experience in litigation and human rights practice. What fellows receive Successful applicants will benefit from a comprehensive professional development package that includes: A paid fellowship placement with a host institution in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia. Mentorship from the Justice for Women & Children Programme Director, host supervisors, and regional human rights experts. An extensive monthly online training programme led by leading legal practitioners and academics. At least one in-person regional convening with fellows, supervisors, and CFJ leadership. Lifetime access to the CFJ Fellowship Alumni Network for continued collaboration, learning, and professional support. Fellowship responsibilities Throughout the fellowship year, participants will undertake meaningful legal work focused on protecting the rights of women and children. Core responsibilities include supporting the legal work of the host organization through research, legal drafting, representation, advocacy, and direct legal assistance. Fellows are also expected to identify and contribute to at least one strategic litigation case alongside the Clooney Foundation for Justice. In addition, fellows will conduct two outreach activities for students on women’s and children’s rights, participate fully in mentorship and training activities, and remain based in the country where their host organization is located. Who is eligible? The fellowship is intended for early-career African women lawyers with a demonstrated commitment to human rights and gender justice. Applicants must meet the following requirements: Hold a law degree from a recognized institution. Be admitted to practice law in the country of the selected host organization. Possess up to five years of post-admission legal experience. Have the legal right to work in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia. Be fluent in English. Experience working in women’s rights, human rights organizations, legal aid, strategic litigation, or with survivors of violence is highly desirable, though not mandatory. Important: The fellowship does not provide international relocation or work authorization support. Applicants must already have the right to work in their chosen host country. Essential skills and competencies CFJ is looking for candidates who combine legal excellence with a strong commitment to social justice. Successful applicants should demonstrate: Excellent legal research and analytical abilities. Strong writing and verbal communication skills. Experience conducting fact-finding and legal analysis. Commitment to advancing justice for women and children. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Willingness to travel when required. Sensitivity when working with vulnerable communities, including survivors of violence and children. Why this fellowship stands out Unlike many legal fellowships that focus primarily on academic research, the CFJ Fellowship emphasizes practical strategic litigation and real-world advocacy. Fellows gain experience handling landmark legal cases while receiving mentorship from some of the region’s leading human rights practitioners. Graduates also join an expanding alumni community that continues collaborating on legal reform, strategic litigation, and gender justice initiatives across Africa. How to strengthen your application A competitive application should clearly demonstrate both legal competence and commitment to gender justice. Focus on: Highlighting litigation, legal aid, or human rights experience. Demonstrating your interest in ending violence against women and children. Showcasing strong legal research and writing achievements. Explaining why the selected host country aligns with your professional goals. Providing concrete examples of advocacy, community engagement, or work with vulnerable populations. Application information ItemDetailsFellowshipCFJ Fellowship 2027OrganizationClooney Foundation for JusticeEligible countriesKenya, Malawi, South Africa, The GambiaTarget groupEarly-career African women lawyersExperience requiredUp to 5 years post-admissionFundingPaid fellowship placementWork authorizationMust already have the right to work in host countryApplicationsCurrently open VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.