GET READY TO APPLY: 2027 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship at the UN Economic Commission for Africa
UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Apply on their own site: https://www.uneca.org/sites/default/files/vacancies/2027MIFFellowshipProgrammeENGLISH.pdf
This checklist: https://qualifyafrica.com/o/mo-ibrahim-leadership-fellowship-uneca-2027
Built only from what the listing states. Lines marked (our advice) are ours.
A long application, by our reading.

1. CHECK YOURSELF AGAINST WHAT THEY ASK
[ ] A national of an ECA member State (any African country), living anywhere in the world
[ ] Under 40 on 20 Nov 2026; women under 45 with children are also considered
[ ] At least a master's degree in economics, social sciences, development, business, law, finance, engineering or another field relevant to ECA
[ ] At least 7 years of relevant work experience, including strategic planning, policy work and research or analysis
[ ] Fluent in English or French
[ ] Not currently employed by the UN Secretariat or ECA

2. WHAT TO GET READY
[ ] Cover or motivation letter (Short, written for this one: why this, what you have done that fits.)
[ ] References: three (Ask your referees now and send them the listing. Give them time.)
[ ] Certificates or degree copies (Scan or photograph them clearly, in good light, flat.)
In their words: "UN Administrative Profile from Inspira as PDF with cover letter, master's degree copies, three reference letters, and the online survey screenshot, emailed together"

3. DATES
- Closes 20 November 2026, in 29 days.
- Ask your referees by 6 November 2026, two weeks before it closes. Others need time to write and send. (our advice)
- Aim to send it by 17 November 2026. Websites slow down near a deadline, and data runs out. (our advice)

A job never asks you to pay to apply. A listing that charges shows the fee above, and it is paid only to the organisation. If anyone asks for money any other way, stop, and tell us: hello@qualifyafrica.com