Call for Expression of Interest – AWARD Fellowship Reviewer 2026

Deadline: April 30, 2026

About the role

The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) invites experienced and passionate professionals to join a pool of reviewers for its flagship fellowship initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to identifying and shaping the next generation of African leaders driving inclusive, gender-responsive, and climate-resilient agrifood systems across the continent.

Benefits

Becoming a reviewer with AWARD offers more than a one-time engagement. It is an opportunity to contribute to a growing movement advancing gender-responsive, inclusive, climate-resilient agrifood systems across Africa. As a member of AWARD’s reviewer community, you will:

• Shape the future of leadership in Africa by identifying and supporting high-potential professionals across AWARD’s flagship programs
• Contribute to impactful, continent-wide initiatives that advance gender equality, scientific excellence, and sustainable development
• Gain insight into emerging talent and innovations in agrifood systems and climate-responsive agriculture

Responsibilities

Reviewers play a central role in upholding the quality, integrity, credibility, and high standards of AWARD’s selection processes. Selected reviewers will:

• Evaluate applications rigorously using established criteria and scoring frameworks
• Provide clear, objective, and constructive feedback to support fair and informed decision-making
• Apply consistent scoring standards in line with AWARD’s evaluation guidelines
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality of all application materials
• Declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest prior to undertaking reviews
• Adhere to the agreed timelines to ensure a smooth, efficient, and timely selection process

Requirements

AWARD invites expressions of interest from qualified professionals with strong expertise and a commitment to advancing inclusive, climate-resilient agrifood systems. We are seeking professionals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Agricultural research and development
• Agrifood systems transformation
• Climate change and resilience
• Agricultural policy and governance
• Gender in agriculture and development
• Leadership development and capacity strengthening

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s, PhD, or equivalent combination of advanced qualifications and relevant professional experience
• Proven experience in research, policy, academia, gender, or program leadership
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and evaluation skills
• Ability to provide balanced, objective, and high-quality assessments
• Availability to complete reviews within the designated timeframe

Additional Assets

• Prior experience reviewing research proposals, fellowship applications, or grant submissions
• Proficiency in English and/or French, with the ability to review applications in either language. Reviewer’s assignments will be aligned with language proficiency

Time Commitment

Your role as a reviewer is a manageable engagement alongside your professional responsibilities. Selected reviewers will be expected to:

• Review approximately 3–5 applications
• Commit an estimated 4–6 hours during the review period
• Participate in virtual briefing sessions

Pay

In recognition of their time, expertise, and thoughtful contributions to AWARD’s selection processes, selected reviewers will receive a modest honorarium.