Applications are open for the 2027 Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship. The Fellowship Programme funds and places ten early-career women lawyers in diverse human rights and justice organizations in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and The Gambia. These include legal aid providers, select universities with legal aid clinics, and government prosecution services, providing legal services for women and children at all stages of the justice process. The programme equips fellows with the tools they need to advocate for the rights of women and children, especially against child marriage and violence against women and children, through immersive practical work experience and hands-on training in legal research, drafting, client support, and legal representation in court.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Education: Hold a law degree from a recognized academic institution.
- Practicing Certificate: Be admitted to practice as a lawyer in the country of the selected host organization.
- Work Experience: Have up to 5 years of experience in the legal field following graduation or qualification as a lawyer. Experience in women's rights and human rights organizations is preferred.
- Work Authorization: Have the right to work in the host organization's country, specifically Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia. Costs relating to international relocation and acquiring work authorization cannot be supported.
Relevant Skills
- Alignment with CFJ's mission and the relevant host organization's goals.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding.
- Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
- Self-starter with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to justice and human rights, and creativity in crafting strategies for women and children who are victims of violence or child marriage.
- Fluency in English required; proficiency in other relevant local languages preferred.
Fellowship Benefits
- A paid work placement at a human rights organization, university legal aid clinic, or government legal institution in one of the four eligible countries.
- Mentorship from the Justice for Women & Children Programme Director, host organization supervisors, and regional human rights experts.
- At least one in-person convening with other fellows, supervisors, and senior CFJ leadership, plus a monthly online training programme.
- Access to a global network of human rights experts, lawyers, judges, activists, and academics.
- Enrollment in the CFJ Fellowship Alumni Network upon completion, for continued support and collaboration.
How to Apply
Apply before the deadline of October 20, 2026, through the official Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship webpage.
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