Pollicy Data Institute Limited has officially opened applications for its 2026 Fellowship Program, offering a unique opportunity for passionate professionals across Africa to contribute to transformative work at the intersection of data, technology, governance, storytelling, community engagement, and digital justice.
The fellowship program is designed for individuals who are thoughtful, creative, values-driven, and committed to shaping more inclusive digital futures across the African continent. Through this initiative, Pollicy seeks to nurture emerging and experienced professionals who are passionate about using research, advocacy, communication, community organizing, and operational excellence to create meaningful social impact.
Successful applicants will join a feminist collective that works across Africa to influence policy, amplify marginalized voices, strengthen digital rights, and build equitable digital ecosystems through data, technology, design, storytelling, and community-centered engagement.
The fellowship opportunities are available in four distinct tracks:
- Senior Communications Fellow
- Communications Fellow
- Finance Fellow
- Community Engagement Fellow
Each fellowship will run for six months and offers valuable hands-on experience, mentorship, professional development, and practical exposure within a dynamic Pan-African organization.
About Pollicy Data Institute Limited
Pollicy Data Institute Limited is a feminist collective working at the intersection of:
- Data
- Technology
- Design
- Storytelling
- Digital Governance
- Community Engagement
The organization focuses on building just and inclusive digital futures across Africa through:
- Research
- Advocacy
- Creative communication
- Movement building
- Community participation
- Policy influence
- Digital rights initiatives
Pollicy is widely recognized for centering marginalized voices and ensuring that communities actively participate in shaping the digital systems and technologies that affect their lives.
Fellowship Duration and Stipends
All fellowship positions are offered for a six-month period.
Available Fellowship Tracks and Stipends
Senior Communications Fellow
- Duration: 6 Months
- Stipend: USD 1,500
Communications Fellow
- Duration: 6 Months
- Stipend: USD 500
Finance Fellow
- Duration: 6 Months
- Stipend: USD 500
Community Engagement Fellow
- Duration: 6 Months
- Stipend: USD 500
Senior Communications Fellow
The Senior Communications Fellow will play a strategic role in strengthening Pollicy’s communications ecosystem, enhancing public visibility, shaping narratives, and supporting advocacy efforts across Africa.
This role is ideal for professionals with strong editorial, storytelling, and communication expertise who can effectively translate complex research, technology, governance, and policy issues into engaging public content.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communications and Storytelling
The fellow will:
- Support communication strategies and campaigns.
- Develop compelling narratives aligned with feminist and Pan-African values.
- Translate complex research and policy topics into accessible content.
- Strengthen organizational positioning and public engagement.
Content Development
The fellow will lead and contribute to the creation of:
- Articles
- Opinion pieces (Op-Eds)
- Newsletters
- Social media content
- Research summaries
- Website content
- Talking points
- Event communication materials
Media and Public Engagement
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting media outreach initiatives.
- Building and maintaining media relationships.
- Monitoring media coverage.
- Supporting public-facing events and speaking engagements.
- Tracking communication performance metrics.
Digital Communications
The fellow will:
- Support online engagement strategies.
- Collaborate with design and multimedia teams.
- Contribute to visual storytelling initiatives.
Internal Collaboration
The fellow will:
- Work closely with leadership, research, design, and program teams.
- Align communication efforts across departments.
- Mentor junior communications fellows where necessary.
Expected Deliverables
- Strategic communication materials
- Editorial content
- Digital campaigns
- Storytelling outputs
- Media content
- Visibility reports
- Event communication support
Communications Fellow
The Communications Fellow position is designed for emerging communication professionals interested in gaining practical experience in strategic communications, advocacy storytelling, and digital engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Content Development and Storytelling
The fellow will assist in developing:
- Social media content
- Blogs
- Articles
- Newsletters
- Event communication materials
- Website updates
- Short-form storytelling content
- Campaign messaging materials
The fellow will also help transform technical research into accessible content for wider audiences.
Digital Communications
Responsibilities include:
- Publishing and scheduling content.
- Monitoring online engagement.
- Supporting audience growth initiatives.
- Maintaining communication calendars and trackers.
Campaign and Media Support
The fellow will assist with:
- Campaign visibility efforts.
- Media monitoring.
- Press tracking.
- Communications reporting.
- Event communication materials.
Collaboration and Learning
The fellow will:
- Work alongside communications, design, research, and operations teams.
- Participate in creative brainstorming sessions.
- Stay informed about trends in digital storytelling and communications.
- Contribute innovative ideas to improve audience engagement.
Expected Deliverables
- Social media content
- Communication support materials
- Event documentation
- Audience engagement support
- Communication reports
- Website and newsletter content
Finance Fellow
The Finance Fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in nonprofit finance, compliance, operational excellence, and ethical resource management.
Participants will gain practical exposure to financial systems, budgeting processes, compliance procedures, reporting frameworks, and organizational administration.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Administration
The fellow will support:
- Payment processing
- Expense tracking
- Financial reconciliations
- Invoice management
- Receipt documentation
- Financial filing systems
- Maintenance of financial records
Budget and Reporting Support
Responsibilities include:
- Budget tracking
- Expenditure monitoring
- Financial summaries
- Donor reporting support
- Audit preparation support
- Financial documentation management
Operations and Procurement Support
The fellow will assist with:
- Procurement processes
- Vendor coordination
- Administrative finance tasks
- Inventory tracking
- Asset management systems
Compliance and Systems Support
The fellow will:
- Support finance policy compliance.
- Strengthen documentation systems.
- Maintain confidentiality in handling financial information.
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives.
Expected Deliverables
- Updated financial records
- Budget monitoring reports
- Procurement documentation
- Compliance records
- Payment support documentation
Community Engagement Fellow
The Community Engagement Fellow will support people-centered initiatives that strengthen participation, collaboration, and inclusive engagement across Pollicy’s projects.
This fellowship is ideal for individuals passionate about community organizing, digital inclusion, civic participation, feminist movements, and social impact.
Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement and Coordination
The fellow will support:
- Community outreach activities
- Workshops
- Stakeholder engagement sessions
- Community campaigns
- Convenings and events
Program and Participation Support
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting participatory research.
- Coordinating participants and stakeholders.
- Managing engagement logistics.
- Facilitating inclusive and accessible participation spaces.
Documentation and Learning
The fellow will help document:
- Community feedback
- Learning outcomes
- Participation results
- Engagement reflections
The fellow will also contribute to engagement reports and recommendations.
Collaboration and Movement Building
The role involves:
- Working with research, communications, and program teams.
- Supporting feminist digital communities.
- Strengthening networks and partnerships.
- Improving participation and inclusion strategies.
Expected Deliverables
- Community engagement support
- Stakeholder coordination
- Outreach documentation
- Feedback summaries
- Workshop and event support
- Community reports
Why This Fellowship Program Stands Out
The Pollicy Fellowship Program offers participants an opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on experience in a leading Pan-African organization.
- Work on projects focused on digital rights and data justice.
- Contribute to policy and advocacy initiatives.
- Develop practical skills through real-world assignments.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Africa.
- Expand professional networks within the digital governance ecosystem.
- Strengthen leadership and career development opportunities.
- Participate in meaningful work that advances inclusion and social impact.
Application Process
Pollicy is seeking applicants who are:
- Thoughtful
- Creative
- Grounded
- Values-driven
- Collaborative
- Passionate about Africa’s digital future
The application process is intentionally reflective and encourages honest, practical, and authentic responses rather than overly formal submissions.
Interested candidates should carefully review the fellowship track that best aligns with their background, experience, and career aspirations before submitting their applications.
Application Deadline
No application deadline has been specified.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible because fellowship opportunities are highly competitive and may attract a large number of qualified candidates from across Africa.
Application Link
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official Pollicy Fellowship 2026 Application Form.
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
Discover more Global Fellowship Opportunities on OFY here.
