Deadline Date: January 23, 2026 The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund is inviting proposals to support its Rapid Response Window, to strengthen women’s meaningful participation in peace processes and the implementation of peace agreements. This opportunity focuses on addressing urgent funding gaps faced by women peacebuilders and women’s rights organizations working in conflict-affected and fragile settings. The Rapid Response Window supports short-term, strategic initiatives that enable women and young women to influence Track 1 and Track 2 peace processes, as well as the implementation of peace agreements. Through this call, WPHF aims to partner with organizations that have strong expertise in peacebuilding, gender equality, and operating in complex humanitarian and conflict environments, ensuring timely and effective support reaches those on the frontlines of peace efforts. Selected international or regional NGO partners will play a critical role in managing and disbursing grants to local civil society organizations, informal women’s groups, and women peacebuilders. In addition to grant management, partners will provide technical, strategic, and logistical support, helping local actors strengthen their proposals, identify key entry points in peace processes, and respond rapidly to emerging opportunities or urgent needs. The initiative is open to legally registered international or regional NGOs that can operate in at least one eligible region, including Latin America, Arab States, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Central Asia, and Asia and the Pacific. Organizations must demonstrate a long-standing commitment to advancing women’s participation in peace processes and have the capacity to work effectively in conflict-affected contexts. Under this opportunity, organizations can apply for funding of up to 1,000,000 USD over a two-year period (5,00,000 for one year). Most of the budget is expected to directly support short-term grants and assistance to women-led civil society initiatives, while administrative and management costs are capped to ensure maximum resources reach peacebuilders on the ground. Through this call for proposals, WPHF seeks to strengthen collaboration with trusted partners who can help amplify women’s voices, increase their influence in peace negotiations, and contribute to more inclusive, sustainable, and gender-equal peace outcomes worldwide. For more information, visit Women’s Peace & Humanitarian Fund.
Call for Applications: PhD Forest Sciences Scholarships 2025
Deadline Date: January 25, 2026 The Regional Research School in Forest Sciences Programme is inviting qualified candidates to apply and compete for the 20 PhD Forest Science scholarships available for a maximum period of four years starting from April/May 2026. The following themes are Commercial forestry and bio-economy, Sustainable Natural Forest Management, Agroforestry, Climate change, and Biodiversity and Ecosystems. The Regional Research School in Forest Sciences Programme (REFOREST Africa PhD Programme) is coordinated by the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism of Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania and is financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The overall objective of the Programme is to enhance the quality, relevance and reach of forest research for transformation of livelihoods and environment in Eastern and Southern Africa through strengthening capacity and quality of forestry education, producing PhD level scientists capable of solving forest management problems and facilitating networking, partnership and knowledge management. The Programme is implemented in partnership with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden, Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique, the National University of Rwanda in Rwanda, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources of Hawassa University in Ethiopia, and Makerere University in Uganda. During the first phase of the Sida-supported Programme from January 2020 to March 2025, eighteen PhD students successfully completed their studies, graduated, returned to their home countries and are currently working in forestry and related positions. For the next phase, the Programme is offering twenty PhD Forest Science scholarships for a maximum period of four years, starting from April or May 2026. The scholarship covers travel expenses, including economy travel tickets, tuition fees, a stipend, approved research costs and health insurance while in Tanzania. Eligible applicants must hold a Master’s degree in forestry or allied sciences from a reputable and recognized university and must be citizens, including refugees, of Ethiopia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania or Uganda. Applicants are also required to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language, which is the medium of instruction for the Programme. The Programme has been gender sensitive and proactively supports female candidates to excel in forestry carriers, with special support considered for female candidates who have special needs. Female candidates are therefore highly encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will be admitted and registered at Sokoine University of Agriculture. The PhD Forest Sciences Degree Programme consists of one year of coursework followed by three years of research, including publishing papers in internationally recognized journals and completing thesis writing before graduation. Each applicant must submit a concept note aligned with one of the specified themes as part of the application process. After completing coursework, students will conduct research in their home countries under the supervision of a joint team of three senior academics from Sokoine University of Agriculture, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and a partner university in the applicant’s home country. Applicants are required to submit an application letter accompanied by a curriculum vitae with a recent passport photo, certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates, a brief concept note, evidence of English language proficiency, a letter of support from their current institution or employer, and a national identity document. The deadline for receiving applications is 25th January 2026. For more information, visit REFOREST Programme.
FAO Award for Partnership 2026
Deadline Date: February 15, 2026 Applications are now open for “FAO Award for Partnership” to recognize outstanding cooperation with FAO in advancing the Organization’s work by Members, other UN agencies or international institutions, academic or research entities; and civil society or private sector entities, including media outlets. Better Production: Promoting efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems, Better Nutrition: Ensuring access to safe, nutritious food for all, addressing all forms of malnutrition, Better Environment: Protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing natural resources and ecosystems, Better Life: Supporting inclusive economic growth, improved livelihoods, and resilience, especially for rural populations, Community engagement, Awareness, Innovation and adaptability, Impact evidence, Policy and advocacy. The Award consists of a scroll describing the recipient’s achievements and/or award and a cash prize of USD 10,000. The winning institution or organization is expected to demonstrate outstanding cooperation with FAO and clear contributions in areas related to FAO’s mandate under the Four Betters framework. Nominations are assessed on demonstrated engagement with local communities and relevant stakeholders to improve people’s lives while responding to their needs and rights and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Consideration is also given to initiatives that raise awareness of hunger and malnutrition, communicate complex agricultural and economic issues to the wider public, and promote successful solutions for improved food security and nutrition. The Award further recognizes innovation and adaptability through the successful implementation of new approaches, ideas, or policies that are transferable to other contexts at city, national, regional, or global levels. Evidence of impact in improving people’s lives and successful policy and advocacy efforts aligned with FAO priorities are also central to the selection process. Particular emphasis is placed on the human value embedded in the achievements of the programme, especially the integrated contribution to enhancing livelihoods, social inclusion, and dignity of the poorest and most malnourished population groups. Eligible nominees include FAO Members, other United Nations agencies or international institutions, academic or research entities, and civil society or private sector organizations, including media outlets, that have made a significant contribution to global food security through cooperation with FAO during the biennium preceding the Conference. The Award is conferred for activities and programmes demonstrating remarkable achievements in the biennium preceding the current one and will be presented by the FAO Director-General during a special ceremony at the FAO Council in June 2026. The individual or representative of the selected institution will be invited to FAO Headquarters in Rome, with travel costs borne by the Organization. For more information, visit FAO.
Nominations open for Innovation Award 2026
Deadline Date: February 15, 2026 The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has established the FAO Award for Innovation to recognise ground-breaking innovation in areas under FAO’s mandate across agrifood systems. The focus areas, and themes of this opportunity are demonstrate impact on more than one level of the supply chain, from small-scale agricultural producers to consumers, strengthen the link between small-scale producers and consumers through innovative mechanisms such as innovative institutional arrangements, policy and financial mechanisms, social processes, innovative technological solutions including digital tools, innovation hubs, platforms connecting producers and consumers, innovative ways of access to markets and consumers, quality and merit of the innovation, potential benefit, impact and sustainability, accessibility and affordability of the innovation, scalability, value for money, and the role of youth (under 35), and/or women, and/or marginalized groups. The FAO Award for Innovation was established by decision of the FAO Conference to acknowledge innovations that contribute to food security and nutrition, economic development, resilience to shocks, environmental sustainability, and sustainable natural resource management. The award is open to a broad spectrum of awardees, including FAO Members and non-state partners.The nature of the award includes a scroll describing the recipient’s achievements and a cash prize of USD 10,000. Agricultural innovation under this award is understood as the process by which individuals or organizations introduce new or existing products, processes, or ways of organization into use for the first time in a specific context. These innovations aim to increase effectiveness, competitiveness, resilience, or environmental sustainability, while addressing challenges across agrifood systems. Innovation may involve solving existing problems in new ways, applying proven solutions to new problems, or introducing new solutions in new contexts. The award recognises a wide range of innovations, including technological innovations such as digital and biotechnological solutions, as well as social, financial, policy, and institutional innovations, and sustainable production practices such as agroecology and new business models. Eligibility extends to Members, institutions, individuals, international and regional organizations, academic or research entities, civil society organizations, and private sector entities whose innovations fall within FAO’s mandate. For more information, visit FAO.
Submissions open for Youth Ambassador Programme
Deadline Date: January 13, 2026 The Youth Ambassador Programme in partnership with IBO as part of Festival of Hope supports young changemakers to create and build upon social impact projects addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme helps participants connect with like-minded peers globally, build confidence to develop social impact ideas, strengthen resilience, find inspiration and better understand the SDGs and impactful initiatives worldwide. Youth Ambassadors will receive a Certificate of Completion by HundrED and IBO, in addition to countless connections to young people all over the world. Through online workshops and discussions, opportunities for mentorship and ongoing engagement in the Programme’s MOOC and closed Discord channel, Youth Ambassadors learn, ideate and collaborate to create positive change in their communities while addressing global questions. In addition to providing support to these young changemakers, the programme builds a supportive, kind, inspiring and safe online community for young people. As Youth Ambassadors, participants are able to connect with a global network of like-minded peers and gain confidence to develop their own ideas through workshops, webinars and events designed to support the development of social impact projects. They are encouraged to build resilience when things do not work out, with support to adapt and change their innovations along the way. The programme also aims to inspire participants by showcasing positive initiatives happening around the world and by helping them better understand the Sustainable Development Goals and social impact projects that are making a difference. The programme is held entirely in English, including online sessions, conversations and most resources and applicants need to be able to communicate in English. The programme is fully online, with no travel involved and engagement takes place through Discord and the Youth Ambassadors Programme MOOC, which includes an online forum and chat space. There is no compulsory time commitment; however, Youth Ambassadors are encouraged to dedicate around one hour per week during the three-month programme to connect with others, attend online sessions or participate in workshops with inspirational speakers, which are also recorded for later viewing. Those working on their own social impact projects may dedicate additional time based on their availability and interest. The next cohort of the programme will take place from March 1 until May 31, 2026, with the main goal of providing a space for youth to use their voice to create change by connecting with inspirational young people globally, learning about the SDGs and gaining skills to create their own social impact projects. Applications for the March–May 2026 cohort are open from December 18 until January 13, 2026, and close at 23:59 GMT. Applicants are required to create a HundrED account and submit a pre-recorded video as part of their application. Every applicant must submit their own application through their own HundrED profile, as each application is saved within the applicant’s account. For more information, visit HundrED.
Apply Now: Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership (Africa)
Deadline Date: January 30, 2026 The African Union is accepting applications for its Kofi Annan Fellowship Program to support aspirational public health leaders in Africa to acquire advanced skills to strategize, manage and lead public health programmes that will transform public health on the continent. Fellows admitted will lead and contribute to the implementation of the Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda and the new public health order for Africa and help shape the next generation of leaders. The opportunity is open to senior public health professionals from African Union Member States who have backgrounds in One Health, human medicine, sexual & reproductive health, public mental health, animal health, finance, health policy, epidemiology and related fields. The fellowship provides full access to digital and residential learning resources, along with travel, insurance and daily allowances during residential placements. Participants also receive software support for online learning to ensure effective engagement throughout the programme. Applicants must be citizens of an African Union Member State and hold a postgraduate degree in a public health–related field. They are required to have at least ten years of professional experience after completing their Master’s degree and be employed full time in a public or private health institution. Demonstrated or potential leadership capacity is also a key requirement. Selection is conducted by an independent committee of experts from the African Union Commission, Africa CDC and global partners. The selection process upholds equal opportunity principles to ensure representation of women and underrepresented groups. Applications must be submitted online and should include an employer support letter confirming full participation, two recommendation letters, a personal statement of no more than 400 words demonstrating public health commitment and vision, and a leadership challenge project proposal of no more than 400 words. Incomplete submissions and applications sent by email will not be considered. The application deadline is 30 January 2026, with applicants to be notified by 30 April 2026, and the programme scheduled to begin on 1 June 2026. For more information, visit African Union.
Submit Applications for FAO Achievement Award 2026
Deadline Date: February 15, 2026 The FAO Award for Achievement offers a global platform to recognize outstanding contributions that advance sustainable agrifood systems and support the mission of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This opportunity is open to a wide range of applicants, including individuals, institutions, governments, academic bodies, foundations, and private sector actors whose work has delivered measurable, lasting impact in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, food security, climate action, and natural resource management. The award highlights achievements that demonstrate innovation, effectiveness, and the ability to create positive change beyond a single project or community. Applicants are encouraged to showcase initiatives that address key challenges in agrifood systems and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development goals through practical, scalable, and impactful solutions. Recipients of the FAO Award for Achievement receive formal recognition of their work through a scroll describing the achievements of the recipient institution and/or an award, along with a cash prize of USD 10,000. This recognition not only honors excellence but also raises the international profile of successful initiatives, helping inspire broader action and collaboration in transforming food systems worldwide. Through this award, FAO continues its commitment to celebrating leadership and innovation that drive progress toward better production, improved nutrition, a healthier environment, and a better life for all. For more information, visit FAO.
Entries open for the Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellow Awards
Deadline Date: March 01, 2026 The Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellow Awards (formerly the Harry Frank Guggenheim Young African Scholars) recognize emerging African scholars studying aspects of violence on or directly related to the African continent. The Foundation is interested in violence related to many subjects, including, but not limited to the following: War, Crime, Terrorism, Family and intimate-partner relationships, Climate instability and natural resource competition, Racial, ethnic and religious conflict, Political extremism and nationalism. Every two years, the Foundation selects a cohort of Harry Frank Guggenheim African Fellows, with approximately a dozen emerging scholars recognized for projects judged to be of high quality and closely relevant to the Foundation’s interest in violence. The Foundation welcomes proposals from any of the social and natural sciences or allied disciplines that promise to increase understanding of the causes, manifestations and control of violence and aggression, provided that the proposed project relates directly to the African continent. Highest priority is given to research that can increase understanding and amelioration of urgent problems of violence and aggression in the modern world. The Foundation supports research that investigates the basic mechanisms in the production of violence, but primacy is given to proposals that make a compelling case for the relevance of potential findings for policies intended to reduce these ills. Historical research is considered to the extent that it is relevant to a current situation of violence and examinations of the effects of violence are appropriate only if a strong case can be made that these outcomes serve, in turn, as causes of future violence. Fellowships are offered to individual scholars for a period of two years. The African Fellow Awards include an in-person methods workshop on the African continent, fieldwork research grants of $10,000 each, mentoring from senior African and Africanist scholars, sponsorship at an international conference to present research findings and editorial and publication assistance through a writing workshop geared to support and prepare scholars to write for and submit to international peer-reviewed journals and other outlets for their research. Candidates may apply online annually till March 1 and final decisions are made by the Board of Directors, with applicants informed promptly by email. The program begins with a research proposal workshop held on the African continent. The Foundation funds the cost of fieldwork, including travel, living expenses, local research assistance, insurance, transcription costs, necessary software or equipment, visa fees, and remuneration for informants or survey participants, with all requested items requiring thoughtful justification. The Foundation does not supply funds for overhead costs of institutions, travel to professional meetings, self-education, costly laboratory or field equipment or dissemination of research findings and they will not contribute to graduate research with other funding unless an independent Guggenheim component can be identified. Applicants for the fellowship may be citizens of any country, must be aged 40 or younger, currently enrolled in an accredited Ph.D. program at an African higher-education institution, and living on the continent, as non-Ph.D. candidates are not eligible to take part in the program. Proposals must be accompanied by a precise budget using the Foundation’s budget worksheet, along with a budget explanation that justifies each item. Applications are submitted online through the Foundation’s website, where applicants must create an account to access the application, complete all required sections and upload supporting documents including a curriculum vitae and proof of age and nationality, with late applications not considered. For more information, visit The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation.
Request for Applications: Don Lavoie Fellowship Program
Deadline Date: April 15, 2026 The Mercatus Center is inviting applications for its Don Lavoie Fellowship Program for undergraduate students, recent graduates and young professionals considering graduate school and early-stage students interested in political economy. The Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy, key ideas in political economy, contemporary work in this tradition, and academic and policy research. The fellowship offers a total award of up to $1,250, which includes a stipend, all required readings for the online events and advice on research, jobs and graduate school. Fellows participate in a structured online program that includes a series of virtual activities conducted throughout the semester. These activities are designed to introduce participants to core ideas and ongoing research traditions associated with political economy through guided academic engagement. A central component of the fellowship is participation in online reading group sessions, where fellows meet virtually four times during the semester in organized groups to discuss books. These sessions emphasize preparation, active discussion and critical engagement with the assigned readings. In addition to the reading groups, fellows are expected to engage regularly with an online discussion portal that features videos, podcast episodes and readings related to the program’s intellectual themes, along with prompts for written discussion and interaction. The fellowship is open to applicants of any nationality and is conducted entirely online, making it accessible to students based both in the United States and abroad. It is open to undergraduate students, recent graduates, young professionals considering graduate school and early-stage graduate students from any discipline and any university. Applicants must remain eligible throughout the application process and the full duration of the fellowship. Applicants are required to submit an online application that includes a 1–2 page cover letter detailing their graduate school career to date, research interests and current projects, familiarity with thinkers associated with the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy and what they hope to gain from the program, along with a current resume or CV, short answer questions, and two short essays. Application review begins after the deadline, with decisions announced twelve or more weeks later. For more information, visit Mercatus Center.
Apply Now: Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships Program
Deadline: January 14, 2026 The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship (QECS), administered by Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), offers a life-changing opportunity for students to pursue a Master’s degree abroad while receiving full financial support. This scheme opens doors for students from Commonwealth countries to study at universities in low- and middle-income Commonwealth nations, combining academic growth with cultural exchange. QECS offers a two-year Master’s degree fully funded by the programme. Selected scholars receive full tuition coverage, a living allowance to support daily expenses, one-time arrival funds, return economy airfare to their host country, and in some cases a research support grant. This comprehensive support ensures that financial barriers are removed, allowing students to focus entirely on learning, research, and community-oriented goals. Beyond academics, QECS offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in a different country’s culture and academic environment, broaden your worldview and build networks with peers and experts from across the Commonwealth. Scholars are encouraged to think of their studies not just as personal advancement, but as a way to contribute to global development and sustainable change. The opportunity is open to any eligible citizen of a Commonwealth country who holds an undergraduate degree equivalent to a “2:1” (or the country-specific equivalent). Recipients must pursue full-time, in-person Master’s courses at participating institutions — distance-learning, part-time, or courses in one’s own country of citizenship are not eligible. For those who meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to commit to a full Master’s programme abroad, the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship represents a powerful platform. It’s more than just financial aid — it’s a chance to grow academically, culturally and socially, preparing a new generation of global citizens with the knowledge and drive to make a difference. For more information, visit The Association of Commonwealth Universities.
