Women and Clean Energy in West Africa Scholarship and Green Jobs Program
Applications are currently open for the 2024/2025 Women and Clean Energy in West Africa (WOCEWA) Scholarship and Green Jobs Program. The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) has secured funding amounting to CAD 1.5 million from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Canada to execute a project titled Women and Clean Energy in West Africa (WOCEWA). This initiative is designed to support the goals of the ECOWAS Policy for Gender Mainstreaming in Energy Access, which seeks to eliminate obstacles to the equal involvement of women and men in enhancing energy access throughout West Africa. The project specifically targets the policy aim of integrating gender considerations within the private sector and boosting women’s roles as both consumers and providers of clean energy.
In alignment with this objective, the WOCEWA Scholarship and Green Jobs Program has been enhanced to cultivate a future generation of women in the energy sector. By providing scholarships alongside guaranteed internship placements within ECOWAS energy institutions and agencies, ECREEE intends to tackle the underrepresentation of women in the energy field. The initiative will support six (6) young women from West Africa in pursuing their master’s degrees. Additionally, these individuals will receive funding to undertake internships in the ECOWAS energy sector for a duration of six (6) months, thereby improving their prospects for employment in the industry.
WOCEWA Scholarship and Internship Program – Women and Clean Energy in West Africa Scholarship and Green Jobs Program
The WOCEWA project will offer scholarships to young women from West Africa who are aspiring to enroll in master’s programs related to energy. Scholarships will be awarded to those with outstanding academic achievements. Moreover, these young women will have the opportunity to secure internships at ECREEE, the West African Power Pool (WAPP), the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC), and other specialized agencies within the ECOWAS Commission and ECREEE.
1Scholars are required to present proof of admission to any accredited West African university that offers master’s degrees in a STEM discipline with a focus on sustainable energy. Applicants for the WOCEWA Scholarship must fulfill the following general requirements:
– Be a citizen of one of the ECOWAS Member States.
– Applicants must have secured enrollment in the first year of a master’s program at a university in West Africa.
– Be a female with a STEM background emphasizing energy. The maximum age for scholarship applicants is 32 years by the end of 2024.
– Applicants must possess a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.5/5, which corresponds to an Upper Second-Class (equivalent to an average of 14/20 in the francophone system).
– Applicants must not hold an existing scholarship from another organization. Note: Any false declarations will lead to a permanent suspension of support.
Scholarship and Internship Value
The WOCEWA Scholarship will be structured as follows:
The scholarship offers a maximum value of US$3200 per year for a duration of up to two (2) years per individual.
The funding may cover:
– Tuition fees and health insurance, capped at US$2500. These fees will be paid directly by ECREEE to the educational institution. Should the tuition and health insurance exceed this limit, the applicant will be responsible for the remaining amount. Conversely, if the tuition is less than the maximum, any surplus funds will be allocated to the applicant.
– A computer valued at a maximum of US$700.
– An internship program at ECREEE or one of the ECOWAS institutions within the energy sector, lasting six (6) months, which will include travel, insurance, and living expenses. The intern will receive a monthly stipend of $800 to cover costs.
Scholars are required to maintain high academic performance following their first-year master’s examinations to qualify for the scholarship in their second year.
Application Procedure: Women and Clean Energy in West Africa Scholarship and Green Jobs Program
Candidates are required to submit a comprehensive CV along with the necessary documents (refer to the attached Terms of Reference) via email exclusively to [email protected]. It is imperative to indicate “WOCEWA SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM” in the subject line. The submission deadline is set for 23:59 (UTC-1) on 03rd October 2024. For additional information or clarification, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]. Note that including either of these email addresses in your application will result in disqualification.
How to Apply – Women and Clean Energy in West Africa Scholarship and Green Jobs Program
Applications must be submitted solely by the candidates themselves. An application will be deemed complete only if it contains the following documents:
– A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
– A copy of the passport biodata page
– Certified copies of the bachelor’s degree certificate
– Official transcripts from the bachelor’s program
– Proof of enrollment in master’s degree courses
– Bank details of the university for tuition payments
– Evidence of admission to an accredited West African university in the relevant field of study
Applicants are required to submit a motivation letter addressed to the Executive Director of ECREEE, with a word count ranging from 300 to 500 words. Furthermore, applicants must agree to adhere to the program’s terms and conditions. A selection committee will evaluate the applications, ensuring an objective and transparent process. For any inquiries regarding the proposal, please contact Prisca Zidago at [email protected] or Erica Flan at [email protected].
- For details visit the official webpage dedicated to the Women and Clean Energy in West Africa (WOCEWA) Scholarship and Green Jobs Program.
- Deadline is October 3, 2024
