The Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program is an internship that intends to balance a dose of theory with real-world application and equip participants with the requisite multi-disciplinary intellectual development, practical skills, and research abilities to think in more innovative ways to solve complex governance challenges. The Program is also a strategy to build a pipeline of young pan-African leaders to provide a sustainable path for good governance.
The core of our ambition is to train and nurture young people in an enabling working environment through a structured capacity development process. These will include training on transformational leadership development, professional and career development, and digital communication and technology skills. Essentially, beyond the technical training in resource governance, interns will be exposed to the tools and guidance needed to set and achieve realistic personal and professional goals, coupled with well-rounded and ethical leadership training.
ACEP is calling for applications for the 7th cohort of the Program, which will run from September to December 2024.
Applicant must be a young African residing in Africa who demonstrates a passion for ensuring the continent’s vast extractive resources translate to sustainable and inclusive development. Among others, the applicant must possess:
- Relevant academic qualifications, preferably in any or a combination of economics (including energy), engineering (petroleum/electrical), oil and gas management, public policy, law, political economy, development studies, development finance, project management, communications, statistics, mathematics, etc.
- Good writing skills with clarity and logical flow of thought
- Adequate knowledge of relevant qualitative and quantitative analytical tools (R, Stata, Eviews, NVivo, Atlas.ti etc.)
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet multiple deadlines
- Good interpersonal skills and team spirit
- The ability to think creatively and take the initiative in solving problems
- A good sense of ownership and responsibility for his/her decisions and actions
- A strong sense of leadership
NextGen Leaders will deliver timely and quality evidence-based policy analysis, training, and advocacy through strong collaborations, ensuring that ACEP remains a thought-leader in Africa’s energy and the extractive policy space. Specifically, the NextGen Leaders will:
- Contribute to writing research reports and policy briefs on the energy and extractives sector of Africa
- Support media engagement activities on ACEP’s outputs and position on energy and extractive sector issues in Africa
- Contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of annual programmes
- Support organizational development activities
- Support in resource mobilization efforts, including grants and proposal writing
- Contribute to programme management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities
ACEP will provide:
Support for growth and development through:
- Opportunities for training and development
- Coaching, mentorship, and peer support
- Creating room for creativity and innovation
A generous stipend and free lunch for the duration of the program.
Decent accommodation for international NextGen Leaders.
An approved return ticket from the NextGen Leader’s home country to Ghana.
The required application documents are:
- Curriculum vitae in reverse chronological order
- Copies of your higher education degree certificates (requested upon qualification for the interview stage)
- Motivational statement (not exceeding 500 words)
- A current written reference from a university lecturer, former employer, or other professional, but not from a family member
- Written response to one of two provided essay questions. Find the application essay questions here.
NB: Documents not in English should have their English translations attached.
Please Note:
- Answer only one (1)
- Your answer should not exceed 500 words (excluding bibliography)
- Use of ChatGPT or other AI assistance is strongly discouraged.
- Copying content from other sources without proper attribution is unacceptable.
- Include your full name and email address at the top of your essay response.
- Save file with your full name and the question number in pdf. Example: John_Doe_Question1
- Saved files should be uploaded alongside other required documents on the NextGen application portal on the ACEP website.
Question 1
Nuclear energy has been a topic of debate for decades, especially in terms of its potential to provide a stable and sustainable energy source for the future. Countries like France and Japan have heavily invested in nuclear energy, achieving significant portions of their energy needs from nuclear power. However, incidents like the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the Fukushima disaster in 2011 have raised concerns about the safety and environmental impact of nuclear energy. Despite these concerns, advancements in nuclear technology, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and improved safety measures, offer promising solutions to mitigate risks. Africa, with its growing energy demands and need for sustainable development, faces a critical decision in considering nuclear energy as part of its energy mix.
Examine the readiness of African nations to adopt and manage nuclear energy technology, including associated risks, availability of skilled personnel, and technological infrastructure. Additionally, propose strategies for establishing a robust policy and regulatory framework to govern the safe and effective use of nuclear energy in Africa. Support your discussion with examples from African countries or regions that have successfully integrated nuclear energy into their energy mix. (500 words max)
Question 2
The global push for a transition to renewable energy sources has increased the demand for green minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are essential to produce batteries, electric vehicles, and various renewable energy technologies. Africa is rich in these critical minerals, positioning the continent as a key player in the global energy transition. However, the exploitation of these resources brings both opportunities and challenges.
Nelson Mandela once said, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” This message resonates as African nations navigate the complexities of harnessing their mineral wealth to benefit their populations while contributing to global sustainability goals. Kwame Nkrumah also emphasized the importance of resource-based economic independence: “We shall accumulate machinery and establish steel works, iron foundries and factories; we shall link the various states of our continent with communications.”
Evaluate the role of green minerals in Africa’s contribution to the global energy transition agenda. Discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with the extraction and processing of these minerals, considering the continent’s historical experiences with resource exploitation and paradox of plenty. Propose strategies for African nations to manage their green mineral resources sustainably, ensuring that the benefits support local development and contribute to global sustainability efforts. Use examples and data from African countries or other regions that have successfully managed similar resources. (500 words max)
The language of instruction is English. Applicants are expected to have a working knowledge of the English language.
All required documents are key in the selection process. Successful candidates who make it through the initial review will be invited for an interview in mid-August 2024.
Interested individuals can apply by clicking the button below. The application period starts on Monday, July 29, 2024, and ends at 11:59 PM GMT on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
