Amano Fellows Program 2026: 9-Month Leadership Mentorship Opportunity for Young Tanzanian Conservation Leaders

Young Tanzanian leaders passionate about conservation, sustainable development, community leadership, and creating positive change now have an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills through the Amano Fellows Program.

The WWF International, in partnership with Amano, is inviting applications from young Tanzanian leaders between the ages of 21 and 30 who have demonstrated meaningful impact in their communities and are committed to promoting inclusive conservation initiatives.

The Amano Fellows Program is a 9-month mentorship initiative designed to nurture the next generation of leaders working to create positive and lasting change in their communities. Through expert-led workshops, peer discussions, and individual mentor meetings, selected fellows will have the opportunity to develop their leadership abilities, expand their knowledge of sustainable development, and connect with other emerging leaders.

The program is particularly relevant for young leaders from Indigenous Peoples and local communities who are actively contributing to conservation and community development.

Applications must be submitted by 1700hrs on Monday, 17 August 2026.

About the Amano Fellows Program

The Amano Fellows Program is a leadership mentorship initiative supported by WWF International in partnership with Amano.

The program seeks to invest in young leaders who are already making a difference and who have the potential to contribute even more significantly to conservation and sustainable development.

Rather than simply providing theoretical training, the program is structured around mentorship, practical leadership development, peer learning, and engagement with experts.

Over the course of nine months, fellows will participate in activities designed to strengthen their leadership capacity and equip them with knowledge and skills that can be applied to their ongoing community work.

Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 5 to 8 hours per month to workshops, discussions, and mentor engagements, while the application information specifically indicates that fellows must be able to dedicate between 5 and 6 hours every month for sessions.

What Makes This Opportunity Valuable?

Leadership in conservation and sustainable development increasingly requires individuals who can bring communities, institutions, and different stakeholders together around common goals.

The Amano Fellows Program provides an opportunity for young leaders to develop the capabilities needed to take on these challenges.

Through the mentorship experience, fellows can gain exposure to:

• Leadership development
• Values-based leadership
• Sustainable development
• Conservation
• Inclusive community engagement
• Peer learning
• Expert-led discussions
• Mentorship
• Strategic thinking
• Community impact
• Leadership networking
• Practical approaches to creating lasting change

The program can therefore be particularly valuable for young people who are already involved in community initiatives and want to strengthen their ability to create sustainable and inclusive solutions.

Who Is the Amano Fellows Program For?

The program is aimed at young Tanzanian leaders between the ages of 21 and 30.

However, meeting the age requirement alone does not guarantee eligibility. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate leadership experience and meaningful contributions to their communities.

The opportunity is particularly focused on young leaders who:

• Are between 21 and 30 years old
• Are Tanzanian
• Have a proven record of making a meaningful impact in their community
• Are committed to inclusive conservation initiatives
• Have a leadership journey they can clearly demonstrate
• Can explain the lasting change they have helped create
• Demonstrate commitment to values-based leadership
• Are interested in conservation and sustainable development
• Have access to reliable internet
• Own or have access to a laptop or mobile phone
• Are fluent in English
• Can participate in the program’s virtual activities
• Can dedicate approximately 5–6 hours every month to program sessions

The announcement also specifically encourages applications from young leaders coming from Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Key Eligibility Requirements

Prospective applicants should carefully review the requirements before applying.

1. Age Requirement

Applicants must be young Tanzanian leaders aged 21 to 30 years.

2. Tanzanian Eligibility

The opportunity is intended for young Tanzanian leaders. The information provided does not indicate that applicants from other countries are eligible.

3. Demonstrated Community Impact

Applicants should have a proven record of making a meaningful impact in their communities.

This means applicants should be able to demonstrate more than an interest in leadership or conservation. They should be able to explain what they have actually done, who benefited from their work, and what changes resulted from their efforts.

Examples of relevant community impact could include:

• Conservation initiatives
• Environmental awareness activities
• Community development projects
• Youth leadership initiatives
• Sustainable development projects
• Advocacy activities
• Community education
• Projects supporting Indigenous or local communities
• Initiatives promoting inclusion
• Activities addressing environmental or social challenges

4. Commitment to Inclusive Conservation

The program is designed for leaders who are committed to promoting inclusive conservation initiatives.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate an understanding of why conservation needs to involve communities and different groups of people.

5. English Language Proficiency

Applicants must be fluent in English.

This is important because the program will involve virtual activities, expert-led workshops, peer discussions, and mentor meetings that require participants to communicate and participate actively.

6. Reliable Internet Access

Because the program includes virtual activities, participants must have reliable internet access.

Applicants should ensure that they will be able to consistently participate in online sessions throughout the nine-month mentorship period.

7. Laptop or Mobile Phone

Applicants must have access to their own laptop or mobile phone for participation in the program’s virtual activities.

8. Time Commitment

Successful fellows will need to dedicate time to the program each month.

The announcement indicates that fellows will engage in workshops, peer discussions, and mentor meetings for approximately 5–8 hours per month, while applicants are specifically expected to be able to dedicate 5–6 hours every month for sessions.

Applicants should therefore consider whether they can maintain this commitment for the full nine-month program.

What Will Fellows Do During the Program?

The Amano Fellows Program is structured around several forms of learning and engagement.

Expert-Led Workshops

Fellows will participate in workshops led by experts.

These sessions are intended to provide participants with valuable knowledge and perspectives that can strengthen their leadership and sustainable development work.

Expert-led learning can also expose participants to approaches and ideas that they can adapt to their own communities.

Peer Discussions

Participants will have opportunities to engage in discussions with other fellows.

Peer learning can be particularly valuable because participants come from different experiences and communities. Sharing challenges, ideas, successes, and lessons learned can help fellows develop new perspectives on leadership and conservation.

Mentor Meetings

Mentorship is a central component of the program.

Fellows will participate in meetings with mentors, giving them an opportunity to receive guidance and learn from experienced individuals.

This mentorship component can help participants reflect on their leadership journeys, identify areas for improvement, and think strategically about their future work.

Benefits of the Amano Fellows Program

Although the program does not provide financial benefits, it offers a number of potential professional and leadership-development benefits.

Participants can potentially benefit from:

Leadership Development

The program is designed to strengthen the leadership capabilities of young people who are already contributing to their communities.

Mentorship

Fellows will have access to mentor meetings that can provide guidance and perspectives relevant to their leadership journey.

Expert Knowledge

Participants will engage with experts through workshops and discussions, allowing them to gain new knowledge related to leadership and sustainable development.

Peer Network

The program creates an environment where young leaders can interact with other participants and learn from their experiences.

Conservation Knowledge

For applicants involved in environmental and conservation work, the program can provide additional perspectives on how leadership can contribute to sustainable conservation outcomes.

Sustainable Development Skills

The program can help fellows strengthen their understanding of sustainable development and how it relates to community leadership.

Greater Community Impact

By strengthening leadership capacity, the program aims to help participants become more effective in the work they are already doing within their communities.

Important: This Is Not a Paid Opportunity

Applicants should be aware that there will be no financial benefits associated with participating in the program.

This means the Amano Fellows Program should be viewed primarily as a leadership development and mentorship opportunity, rather than a paid fellowship or financial award.

Applicants should therefore consider the professional, leadership, learning, mentorship, and networking value of the program when deciding whether to apply.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit their application by answering a series of questions and providing their CV.

The application questions are designed to assess applicants’ leadership experience, community impact, values, and motivation for participating in the program.

Question 1: Why Should WWF Consider You?

Applicants must explain why they should be selected for the Amano Fellows Program.

Maximum length: 100 words

This response should communicate the applicant’s strongest qualities and explain why their experience, leadership, community involvement, and commitment to conservation make them a suitable candidate.

Question 2: Describe Your Leadership Journey and Impact

Applicants must describe their leadership journey and the impact they have created.

They should specifically address the lasting change they have created in their community or region.

Maximum length: 150 words

Applicants should focus on concrete examples rather than making general statements about being a leader.

Question 3: Demonstrate Your Commitment to Values-Based Leadership

Applicants must explain how they have demonstrated their commitment to values-based leadership.

Maximum length: 150 words

This is an opportunity to demonstrate the principles that guide the applicant’s leadership and provide examples of how those principles have influenced their actions.

Question 4: Explain How the Program Will Benefit You and Your Work

Applicants must explain how participating in the Amano Fellows Program will benefit them and the work they are currently doing.

Maximum length: 250 words

A strong response should connect the applicant’s current work and future goals with the leadership development, mentorship, expert engagement, and peer learning offered through the program.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Because the application includes short-answer questions with strict word limits, applicants should be strategic when preparing their responses.

Focus on Evidence

Instead of simply saying that you are a good leader, provide evidence.

Explain:

• What you did
• Why you did it
• Who benefited
• What challenges you faced
• What changed as a result
• What you learned

Highlight Measurable Impact

Where possible, include measurable results.

For example, an applicant could mention the number of people reached by an initiative, communities engaged, activities implemented, partnerships established, or other measurable outcomes.

Connect Your Experience to Conservation

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their leadership experience connects with conservation, sustainable development, community development, inclusion, or related areas.

Be Specific About Values

When discussing values-based leadership, avoid simply listing words such as integrity, accountability, inclusion, or service.

Instead, explain how those values influenced an actual decision or action.

Explain Why Mentorship Matters

For the final question, applicants should demonstrate that they understand what the program offers and explain how those opportunities will strengthen their existing work.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is:

17:00hrs on Monday, 17 August 2026

Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and should not wait until the final hours to send their materials.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare:

1. Their responses to all four application questions.
2. Their CV.
3. Any other information required by the application instructions.

Applications should be sent by email to:

tco.communications@wwftz.org

The application must be submitted by 1700hrs on Monday, 17 August 2026

For additional information about the Amano leadership mentorship initiative, applicants can visit the Amano website HERE

For more leadership programs, visit OFY Website HERE

Application Questions at a Glance

For convenience, applicants should prepare answers to the following:

1. Why should WWF consider you for the Amano Fellows Program?
   Maximum: 100 words.
2. Describe your leadership journey and impact. What lasting change have you created in your community or region?
   Maximum: 150 words.
3. How have you shown your commitment to values-based leadership?
   Maximum: 150 words.
4. How will the Amano Fellows Program benefit you and your work?
   Maximum: 250 words.

Applicants should also attach their CV when submitting their application.

Key Details About the Amano Fellows Program

Opportunity	Details
Program	Amano Fellows Program
Organizers/Partners	WWF International and Amano
Opportunity Type	Leadership Mentorship / Fellowship
Duration	9 months
Target Group	Young Tanzanian leaders
Age	21–30 years
Focus	Leadership, conservation and sustainable development
Priority	Indigenous Peoples and local communities
Language	English
Internet	Reliable internet required
Device	Laptop or mobile phone required
Monthly Commitment	Approximately 5–6 hours for sessions
Program Activities	Workshops, peer discussions and mentor meetings
Financial Benefit	None
Application Materials	Four written responses and CV
Application Method	Email
Application Email	tco.communications@wwftz.org
Deadline	17:00hrs, Monday, 17 August 2026

Who Should Consider Applying?

The opportunity could be particularly suitable for a young Tanzanian who is already actively working within their community and wants to develop their leadership capacity.

You may want to consider applying if you:

• Are between 21 and 30 years old.
• Are a Tanzanian leader.
• Have already created meaningful change in your community.
• Work on conservation, environmental, community, or sustainable development issues.
• Come from an Indigenous Peoples or local community background.
• Want to develop your leadership skills.
• Are interested in values-based leadership.
• Want access to mentorship and peer learning.
• Can participate in online sessions.
• Have reliable internet access.
• Have a laptop or mobile phone.
• Are fluent in English.
• Can commit the required hours each month for nine months.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Young leaders play an increasingly important role in addressing environmental and community challenges.

Conservation is not only about protecting ecosystems. It also involves people, livelihoods, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, sustainable development, governance, and long-term community participation.

For this reason, developing young leaders who understand both conservation and community needs can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable solutions.

The Amano Fellows Program seeks to contribute to this leadership development by bringing young Tanzanian leaders into a structured nine-month mentorship experience.

For participants, the program could provide an opportunity to reflect on their leadership journey, learn from experienced mentors and experts, connect with peers, and strengthen the work they are already doing.

Final Thoughts

The Amano Fellows Program presents an opportunity for young Tanzanian leaders between the ages of 21 and 30 to strengthen their leadership capacity while continuing their commitment to conservation, sustainable development, and community impact.

The nine-month program combines expert-led workshops, peer discussions, and mentor meetings, providing participants with opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and receive guidance as they develop their leadership journeys.

However, applicants should remember that this is not a paid opportunity. There are no financial benefits associated with participation. Applicants should therefore be prepared to participate primarily for the leadership development, mentorship, knowledge, networking, and professional growth opportunities that the program provides.

Eligible young Tanzanian leaders who meet the requirements should prepare thoughtful responses to all four application questions, attach an up-to-date CV, and submit their application by 17:00hrs on Monday, 17 August 2026.

With its emphasis on young leadership, inclusive conservation, community impact, and sustainable development, the Amano Fellows Program could be a valuable opportunity for emerging Tanzanian leaders seeking to increase the impact of their work and contribute to a more sustainable future.