About the opportunity
peak The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) Fellowship Program offers early-career African women lawyers a full-time, one-year placement from January to December 2027 at host organizations in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia. Host institutions include human rights organizations, university legal aid clinics, and government legal bodies. Fellows deliver direct legal assistance, conduct research and advocacy, and collaborate with CFJ on at least one major strategic litigation case in national, regional, or international courts. The program provides mentorship, monthly expert-led online training, an in-person cohort convening, and access to a global network of human rights practitioners and alumni.
Salary and benefits
- Paid host organization placement delivering a competitive gross annual salary in local currency equivalent
- Mentorship from the Justice for Women & Children Program Director, host supervisors, and regional human rights experts
- At least one in-person convening with cohort fellows, supervisors, and senior CFJ leadership
- Extensive monthly online training program led by legal and human rights experts
- Access to a global network of legal experts, judges, activists, and academics
- Enrollment in the CFJ Fellowship Alumni Program network upon completion for ongoing collaboration
Who can apply?
- Early-career African woman lawyer with up to 5 years of post-qualification/law school graduation experience
- Law degree from a recognized academic institution
- Admitted to practice law as a lawyer in the host organization country (Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia)
- Possess legal work authorization and the right to work in the chosen host country
- Demonstrated commitment to human rights, gender justice, and tackling violence against women and children
- Fluency in English required; proficiency in other regional working languages preferred
Required documents
- Online application form
- Proof of legal qualification and law degree from a recognized institution
- Practicing certificate / evidence of admission to practice law in the relevant host country
- Proof of current legal authorization to work in the selected host country
When to apply
- Applications open: September 8, 2026
- Application deadline: October 20, 2026
- Fellowship placement duration: January 2027 – December 2027
How to apply
- Access the official CFJ Fellowship application portal online between September 8 and October 20, 2026
- Complete the application form and indicate preferences and work authorization details for host country placements
- Submit required verification materials before the October 20, 2026 deadline
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by CFJ for selection interviews
Additional information
- Fellows must reside in the host country and work on-site at their designated host organization offices; hybrid arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis by host hosts.
- CFJ and host organizations do not cover costs related to international relocation or acquiring work authorization.
- Fellows will carry out at least two student outreach activities focused on women and children rights during the fellowship year.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early-career women lawyers in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia who are licensed to practice law in their host jurisdiction
- Lawyers seeking hands-on exposure to strategic legal litigation and human rights advocacy alongside global legal leaders
- Self-starters with experience or strong dedication to protecting women and children from violence, child marriage, and injustice
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must already hold valid authorization to work and practice law in one of the four host countries, as no relocation or visa support is provided
- Requires a full-time, one-year in-person commitment from January through December 2027
- High competition is expected as only shortlisted applicants will be contacted following the October deadline
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship provides early-career African women legal professionals with paid, high-impact clinical experience in gender rights, strategic litigation, and community outreach. Participating in the program strengthens technical advocacy skills, establishes strong institutional ties across Africa, and embeds fellows within a global network of human rights lawyers.
Our take
An outstanding opportunity for early-career women lawyers already licensed and authorized to work in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia who wish to advance strategic gender-justice litigation and public interest law.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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