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 8th cohort of the Program.
The applicant must be a young African residing in Africa, aged not exceeding 32 years, who demonstrates a passion for ensuring the continent’s vast energy and extractive resources contribute to sustainable and inclusive development. Among other qualifications, 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 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 stakeholder 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 programs
- Support organizational development activities
- Support in resource mobilization efforts, including grants and proposal writing
- Contribute to program 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 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.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV):
- Present your CV chronologically, listing the most recent experiences and achievements first.
- Higher Education Degree Certificates:
- Submit only copies of certificates for your completed higher education degrees (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, or equivalent).
- Do not include high school certificates or diplomas.
- For certificates not in English, attach their English translations to the corresponding document within the same PDF file.
- Motivational Statement:
- Submit a written statement explaining your reasons for applying to the NextGen Program. It should outline your goals, aspirations, and how your background and interests align with the program’s objectives.
- Limit this to 500 words.
- Reference Letter:
- Provide a current written reference from one of the following: a university lecturer, a former employer, or any other professional (not a family member)
- Essay Response:
- Submit a written response to one of the two provided essay questions.
- You can find the application essay questions here.
- National ID
Important Notes:
- All required documents should be combined into one PDF file and uploaded in the designated section of the application form.
- Ensure documents not in English have their English translations attached to the corresponding document within the same PDF file.
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 the number to the question you’re answering at the top of your essay response.
Question 1
The Africa Mining Vision (AMV) was designed to serve as Africa’s unified framework for ensuring broad-based socio-economic development from the extraction of its mineral resources. However, a significant obstacle to achieving the AMV’s aspirations lies in the fact that national mining policies in many countries have yet to align with its recommendations and propositions. Even in nations where mining policies are progressive and align with the AMV, implementation challenges often impede the realization of its goals. Using relevant examples and citing specific challenges, how can the aspirations of the AMV be effectively achieved in your country?
Question 2
Africa faces the dual challenge of continuing fossil fuel exploitation while striving to meet energy transition goals. Additionally, it remains the continent with the lowest rate of energy access and socio-economic development. Using relevant examples, how can Africa navigate these challenges in achieving a just and equitable energy transition?
The language of instruction for the program 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 by end of February, 2025.
Interested individuals can apply by clicking the button below. Applicants are required to provide answers to the questions asked in the application form and upload the required document as one PDF file in the appropriate section. Applications are open until 11:59 PM GMT on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
