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Call for Applications: Green Leaders Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded

📅Posted March 30, 2026 at 6:53 AMDeadline: 8/26/2026
Call for Applications: Green Leaders Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded

About this opportunity

The Green Institute is proud to launch the Officially Green Leaders Fellowship, a fully funded national initiative designed to identify and develop one exceptional sustainability leader from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This prestigious fellowship brings together emerging climate advocates, sustainability professionals, and community change-makers for an immersive, high-impact residential experience.

Participants will undergo an intensive week of advanced leadership training, strategic collaboration, and structured action planning aimed at driving sustainable development across Nigeria.

About the Fellowship

Through a highly competitive, merit-based selection process, 37 outstanding leaders will be chosen to participate in this transformative program.

The fellowship focuses on strengthening climate governance and equipping participants with practical tools for policy engagement, advocacy, and the development of impactful state-level sustainability strategies.

A key component of the program is the establishment of Officially Green State Sustainability Cabinets. Upon completion of the residency, each fellow will return to their state as an Officially Green State Lead, responsible for implementing a 12-month sustainability action blueprint.

Programme Focus Areas

The fellowship covers a wide range of critical sustainability themes, including:

  • Energy transition and green innovation
  • Circular economy models
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Sustainable enterprise development
  • Climate finance
  • Climate leadership and governance
  • Subnational environmental policy
  • SDG localization
  • Strategic advocacy and communication
  • Fellows will also design and structure their State Sustainability Cabinets, with leadership roles such as:

  • Renewable Energy Lead
  • Circular Economy Lead
  • Climate Education Coordinator
  • Biodiversity and Conservation Officer
  • Community Engagement Director
  • Research and Policy Analyst
  • Fellowship Benefits

    This is a fully funded program, covering:

  • Residential accommodation
  • Feeding
  • Transportation to and from the residency location
  • The fellowship ensures equal access for participants nationwide and offers the opportunity to contribute to a major national sustainability activation, positioning Nigeria prominently on the global climate leadership stage.

    Who Should Apply

    Ideal candidates are visionary individuals who demonstrate:

  • A strong commitment to sustainability and climate action
  • Leadership experience or high leadership potential
  • Ability to mobilize stakeholders and drive initiatives
  • Passion for creating measurable impact
  • Applicants may come from diverse backgrounds, including:

  • Civil society
  • Academia
  • Public sector
  • Private sector
  • Grassroots and community-based initiatives
  • Expected Outcomes

    Participants will contribute to:

  • Functional State Sustainability Cabinets across Nigeria
  • Coordinated national sustainability campaigns
  • State-level environmental and climate initiatives
  • Strengthened youth-led climate advocacy
  • A unified, influential network of sustainability leaders
  • Application Details

  • Cohort: 2026
  • Deadline: August 26, 2026
  • Slots Available: One fellow per state + FCT (37 total)
  • Apply here