The Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa, administered through the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Graduate Scholarship Program (GSP), is a prestigious fellowship designed to support the next generation of African conservation leaders. Made possible through the generous support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the programme enables outstanding professionals to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree while strengthening applied conservation leadership across Africa. This fellowship honours the legacy of Dr. Gustavo Fonseca, a globally respected conservation scientist and leader whose career was dedicated to biodiversity protection, climate action, and the mentorship of emerging conservation professionals. Programme Purpose and Vision The Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa is intended for mid-career conservation practitioners who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a deep commitment to conservation outcomes in their countries and regions. The programme prioritises candidates whose academic studies will directly contribute to practical, on-the-ground conservation impact, rather than purely theoretical or academic pursuits. Fellows are expected to apply their advanced training to address real-world conservation challenges, contribute to institutional strengthening, and advance cross-sector collaboration in biodiversity conservation. Profile of Ideal Candidates The programme seeks candidates who exemplify the following attributes: A demonstrated and sustained commitment to biodiversity conservation at national or regional level At least five years of professional experience in conservation-related roles within: National or international conservation NGOs Government institutions Academia or research institutions Private sector entities engaged in conservation Strong leadership potential and a track record of initiative Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines, sectors, and cultural contexts High levels of self-motivation, integrity, and professional work ethic An applied focus, with clear pathways for future conservation impact Career timing that aligns with advanced academic study and long-term leadership development Capacity to successfully complete graduate studies at a recognised higher education institution Eligibility Criteria To be considered for the Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa, all applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: Be a citizen of a GEF-recipient country in Africa Be nominated by a pre-approved and eligible nominator Demonstrate a career focus rooted in applied conservation practice Only nominated candidates will be considered. Unsolicited or self-submitted applications are not reviewed under any circumstances. Eligible Nominators Nominations must be submitted by individuals approved by WCS. Eligible nominators include: Government officials Senior officials from intergovernmental organizations Academic professors Senior conservation professionals from: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Conservation International (CI) Select national conservation NGOs Each approved nominator may submit one nomination only. Academic Timing and Study Start Applicants do not need to have secured admission to a graduate programme at the time of nomination. However, selected Fellows must be prepared to commence their studies no later than October of the year following the award. 2026 Call for Nominations – Key Dates The 2026 application cycle follows a two-stage process: Stage 1: Submission of a short-form application Deadline: 6 February 2026 Stage 2: Long-form application by candidates shortlisted from Stage 1 Deadline: 30 March 2026 Final Decisions: Scholarship awards announced by June 2026 Nomination and Application Process The application process begins with nominator approval and includes the following steps: Nominator Approval Interested applicants must first request approval of their proposed nominator by submitting: A brief summary of the nominator’s name, role, organization, and responsibilities An abridged curriculum vitae of the proposed nominator (maximum four pages) This information must be submitted via email to the designated WCS contact. Application Documentation Once the nominator is approved, applicants will be required to submit: Completed nomination forms, including: Five short-answer questions completed by the nominator Three short-answer questions completed by the nominee An abridged CV for the nominee (maximum four pages) Three letters of recommendation from referees familiar with the applicant’s professional qualifications and leadership potential VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.