ISS Dakar Junior Fellow Opportunity 2026 in Senegal: Fully Funded Research Fellowship for Young Professionals in Peace and Security

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is inviting applications from talented young Senegalese researchers for its Junior Fellow position based in Dakar, Senegal. This prestigious 12-month fellowship offers a unique opportunity for early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience in peace and security research while working with one of Africa’s leading policy and research institutions.

The selected Junior Fellow will support the ISS Regional Office for West Africa and the Sahel by conducting research, contributing to policy analysis, organizing events, and monitoring political and security developments across the region. The fellowship provides an excellent platform for young researchers interested in governance, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, terrorism, violent extremism, and international affairs.

For aspiring policy analysts, researchers, and development professionals seeking to build a career in African peace and security studies, this opportunity offers valuable professional experience, mentorship, and exposure to regional and international policy discussions.

About the Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

Institute for Security Studies is one of Africa’s most respected independent research institutions dedicated to advancing human security, peace, governance, and sustainable development across the continent.

The organization works with governments, regional institutions, policymakers, civil society organizations, and international partners to:

• Strengthen governance systems
• Promote peace and stability
• Prevent conflict and violence
• Support evidence-based policymaking
• Enhance regional security cooperation
• Advance democratic institutions

Through its research, policy analysis, training programs, and stakeholder engagement initiatives, ISS contributes significantly to shaping policy responses to Africa’s most pressing security challenges.

About the Junior Fellow Position

The ISS Dakar Junior Fellow position is designed to provide practical research experience and professional development opportunities to young researchers interested in West African peace and security issues.

The successful candidate will join the ISS Regional Office for West Africa and the Sahel and work directly under the supervision of a Senior Researcher.

This fellowship combines:

• Research experience
• Policy analysis
• Event coordination
• Professional writing
• Stakeholder engagement
• Regional security monitoring

The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy discussions while developing critical analytical and research skills.

Fellowship Location

📍 Dakar, Senegal

The successful candidate will be based at the ISS Dakar office throughout the duration of the fellowship.

Dakar serves as an important political, diplomatic, and policy hub in West Africa, offering fellows exposure to regional institutions, international organizations, government actors, and development partners working across the region.

Fellowship Duration

Start Date

20 July 2026

Contract Length

12 Months

The selected fellow will work full-time during the fellowship period.

What Will the Junior Fellow Do?

The Junior Fellow will support the ISS research team across a range of activities.

1. Conduct Background Research

The fellow will:

• Gather information on regional security developments
• Review relevant literature and policy documents
• Support ongoing research projects
• Assist in data collection and analysis

2. Undertake Desk and Field Research

Under the guidance of a Senior Researcher, the fellow will:

• Conduct independent research
• Collect qualitative and quantitative information
• Participate in field missions where required
• Contribute to policy-relevant research outputs

3. Support Event Organization

The fellow will help organize:

• Workshops
• Policy dialogues
• Seminars
• Conferences
• Stakeholder consultations

These events may take place in Dakar and selected countries across the region.

4. Attend Conferences and Seminars

Responsibilities include:

• Participating in policy discussions
• Taking detailed notes
• Preparing event reports
• Summarizing key findings and recommendations

5. Prepare Meeting Documentation

The fellow will:

• Record meeting discussions
• Draft meeting minutes
• Support documentation processes
• Maintain organized records

6. Monitor Political and Security Developments

An important responsibility includes:

• Tracking developments across West Africa and the Sahel
• Preparing weekly political and security reviews
• Presenting findings to the research team
• Identifying emerging trends and risks

7. Write Policy Articles

The selected candidate will:

• Draft short analytical articles
• Contribute to ISS publications
• Develop policy-focused content
• Improve research communication skills

All writing activities will be conducted under the supervision of a Senior Researcher.

8. Support Additional Project Activities

The fellow may also undertake other project-related tasks assigned by the Senior Researcher.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Recent master’s graduates
• Early-career researchers
• Policy analysts
• International relations graduates
• Social science researchers
• Governance specialists
• Peacebuilding practitioners
• Security studies enthusiasts

Applicants should have a strong interest in:

• Peace and security
• Governance
• Conflict prevention
• Terrorism studies
• Violent extremism
• Regional cooperation
• Political analysis

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria.

Nationality Requirement

Applicants must be:

✅ Nationals of Senegal

This opportunity is not open to applicants from other countries.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

✅ Under 30 years of age

Educational Requirement

Applicants must hold a:

✅ Master’s Degree

in one of the following fields:

• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Politics
• Law
• History
• International Relations
• Related disciplines

Language Requirements

Applicants must be fluent in:

Either

• English

or

• French

Both written and spoken proficiency are required.

Additional Advantage

Knowledge of one or more local languages will be considered an asset.

Required Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Research Skills

• Literature review
• Data collection
• Policy analysis
• Report writing
• Critical thinking

Organizational Skills

• Time management
• Planning and coordination
• Attention to detail
• Reliability

Communication Skills

• Strong writing abilities
• Presentation skills
• Professional communication
• Team collaboration

Technical Skills

Applicants should be proficient in:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Internet research tools
• Prezi

Personal Qualities

The ISS seeks candidates who are:

• Self-motivated
• Curious
• Adaptable
• Professional
• Responsible
• Able to work under pressure

Fellowship Benefits

Monthly Stipend

The selected Junior Fellow will receive a monthly stipend throughout the fellowship period.

Professional Development

Participants will gain:

• Practical policy research experience
• Exposure to regional security issues
• Mentorship from senior researchers
• Publication opportunities
• Networking opportunities
• Event management experience

Career Advancement

The fellowship provides valuable experience for careers in:

• Research institutions
• International organizations
• Government agencies
• Think tanks
• Development organizations
• Academic institutions

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Institute for Security Studies is committed to promoting employment equity and inclusive participation.

The organization particularly encourages:

👩 Female applicants to apply.

ISS values diversity and seeks to create an inclusive work environment where individuals from different backgrounds can contribute meaningfully to its mission.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application via email.

Application Email

dakarjobs@issafrica.org

Contact Person

Souleymane Ndiaye

Apply Here 

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

1. Cover Letter

Clearly explaining:

• Motivation for applying
• Relevant experience
• Interest in peace and security research

2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Including:

• Educational background
• Professional experience
• Research experience
• Skills and competencies

3. Referees

Provide at least:

• Three contactable referees

4. Identity Document

A copy of a valid identity document must be included.

Selection Process

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.

Applicants are encouraged to submit complete and well-prepared applications before the deadline.

Application Deadline

19 June 2026

Late submissions may not be considered.

Why You Should Apply

The ISS Dakar Junior Fellow opportunity offers a rare chance for young Senegalese professionals to build a strong foundation in policy research and security analysis while contributing to important conversations shaping the future of West Africa and the Sahel.

By joining ISS, fellows will gain practical experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to regional policy processes that can significantly strengthen their future academic and professional careers.

For young researchers passionate about peacebuilding, governance, security, and public policy, this fellowship represents an outstanding stepping stone into Africa’s policy and research landscape.

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