Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2027
About this opportunity
Fellowship funds and places early-career women lawyers in sub-Saharan Africa for 2027. Ten positions available.
The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) offers the 2027 CFJ Fellowship, a one-year paid work placement for early-career African women lawyers focused on advancing gender justice in Africa. Fellows will work at human rights organizations, legal clinics, or government institutions in Kenya, Malawi, The Gambia, or South Africa, supporting legal representation, strategic litigation, and outreach to end violence against women and children. The fellowship includes mentorship, training, networking, and access to a global human rights network, with an in-person convening and monthly online sessions. Fellows will also be part of the CFJ Fellowship Alumni Programme for continued support post-fellowship.
What it offers
- Paid placement with a competitive gross annual salary in local currency.
- Mentorship from the Justice for Women & Children Programme Director, host organization supervisors, and regional human rights experts.
- Monthly online training led by human rights experts and one in-person convening with fellows, supervisors, and senior CFJ leadership.
- Access to a global network of leading human rights experts, lawyers, judges, activists, and academics.
- Alumni network for continued collaboration and support after the fellowship.
- Support for strategic litigation and outreach activities focused on women’s and children’s rights.
- Travel opportunities for regional events and legal work, though not fully covered.
Who can apply
The fellowship is open to early-career African women lawyers with less than five years of professional experience since admission to practice law in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia. Applicants must have work authorization in the host country and fluency in English (preference for other relevant working languages).
What you'll do
- Work on legal projects addressing violence against women and children, including strategic litigation and direct legal assistance.
- Support at least one major strategic litigation case with CFJ.
- Conduct two outreach activities for students on women and children’s rights.
- Participate in mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
- Collaborate with host organizations on research, drafting, advocacy, and community engagement.
How to apply
- Submit an application through the CFJ website by October 20, 2026.
- Provide evidence of law degree, practicing certificate, work experience (up to 5 years), and work authorization in the host country.
- Include relevant skills, commitment to justice, and alignment with CFJ’s mission.
- No application fee is required.
Good to know
- The fellowship runs from January 2027 to December 2027.
- In-person work is required, with hybrid options possible on a case-by-case basis.
- Travel costs for relocation or work authorization are not covered by CFJ.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.
The Clooney Foundation for Justice is a registered charity in the UK.
Key details
What you get
- Paid placement with a competitive gross annual salary in local currency
- Mentorship from Justice for Women & Children Programme Director, host organization supervisors, and regional human rights experts
- Monthly online training sessions led by human rights experts
- One in-person convening with fellows, supervisors, and senior CFJ leadership
- Access to a global network of human rights experts, lawyers, judges, activists, and academics
- Support for strategic litigation and outreach activities focused on women and children’s rights
- Alumni network for continued collaboration and support post-fellowship
Documents needed
- Law degree from a recognized academic institution
- Practicing certificate (admission to practice law in the host country)
- Proof of work experience (up to 5 years)
- Work authorization in the host country (Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia)
- Resume/CV
- Letters of recommendation (preferably from legal professionals or human rights organizations)
- Statement of purpose aligning with CFJ’s mission and the host organization’s mandate
How to apply
- Submit an application through the Clooney Foundation for Justice website by October 20, 2026.
- Include required documents: law degree, practicing certificate, work experience proof, work authorization, resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
- Ensure fluency in English and, if applicable, proficiency in other relevant working languages for the host country.
- No application fee is required.
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