Applications Open for 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship at UNECA

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in partnership with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, has opened applications for the 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme.

The prestigious 12-month fellowship is designed to develop the next generation of African leaders by providing high-level practical experience at the ECA headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Fellows will work closely with the Executive Secretary of ECA (or a designated representative) on strategic assignments that support the Commission’s mandate of advancing Africa’s economic and social development.

Key Details

• Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Duration: 12 months
• Application Period: 21 September 2026 – 20 November 2026
• Deadline: 20 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (Addis Ababa time / GMT+3)
• Stipend: Financed by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and paid monthly by ECA

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Duties and Responsibilities

Fellows will be expected to:

• Advise on and develop strategic initiatives to advance ECA’s mission
• Support programmatic and administrative functions of the Office of the Executive Secretary
• Plan and implement strategies promoting regional integration
• Contribute to innovations in ECA’s development policies
• Review activity reports and financial statements
• Undertake other duties as assigned

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationals of ECA member States (residing anywhere in the world)
• Under the age of 40 as of the application deadline (20 November 2026). Women with children under the age of 45 will also be considered
• Not current employees of the United Nations Secretariat or ECA
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience
• Proven competencies in professionalism, teamwork, client orientation, planning & organising, and leadership potential
• Experience in strategic planning, policy formulation, change management, research/analytical work in socioeconomic areas, and working with government officials
• Master’s degree or higher in Economics, Social Sciences, International Development, Business Administration, Law, Finance, Engineering, or a related discipline relevant to ECA’s work
• Fluency in English or French (working knowledge of the other language is desirable)
• Sound knowledge of internet tools and basic office software

Terms and Conditions

• This is not a regular UN/ECA staff position
• The Foundation covers travel costs for assumption of duty and repatriation
• ECA covers official mission travel and travel insurance
• Fellows are responsible for their own medical insurance, child education, and retirement arrangements
• Fellows will be invited to participate in the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s annual Forum

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How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by email to RecruitmentPPost@un.org with the subject line:
ECA 2027 Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship (Applicant Last Name, First Name)

Required documents (all in PDF format):

1. UN Administrative Profile (AP) including cover letter (created via https://inspira.un.org)
2. Copies of relevant academic degree certificates (Master’s and above)
3. Three letters of recommendation addressed to the “2027 ECA Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellow Selection Committee”
4. Screenshot confirming completion of the mandatory online survey

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Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for outstanding young African professionals to gain high-level experience, contribute to continental development, and strengthen their leadership capacity for the future of Africa.