About the opportunity
The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) Fellowship Programme offers early-career women lawyers an in-person placement with partner host organisations across Africa. Fellows engage in legal work addressing violence against women and children, agreeing on a workplan with CFJ and their host organisation at the start of the fellowship. This includes undertaking at least one major strategic litigation case with CFJ.
Salary and benefits
- Full-time in-person fellowship placement from January 2027 to December 2027
- Hands-on professional experience in strategic litigation and legal advocacy addressing violence against women and children
- Collaboration with established human rights host organisations and the Clooney Foundation for Justice
Who can apply?
- Open to early-career women lawyers
- Must be admitted to practice law in the country of the selected host organisation and have the right to work there
- Available to participate on a full-time basis from January 2027 to December 2027
Required documents
- CV or Resume in PDF format, maximum two pages
- Completed application form including a statement of interest essay
- Contact information for two professional references
When to apply
- Launch Date: September 8, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 20, 2026, at 12:00 pm SAST
How to apply
- Select a host organisation from the approved list matching your country of admission to practice law
- Complete the online application form with personal, professional information, and statement of interest
- Upload your CV/Resume in PDF format (maximum two pages)
- Provide details for two professional references
- Submit the application before the deadline of October 20, 2026
Additional information
- Host organisations include entities in Malawi (CHREAA, WLA, DPP, LAB, UNIMA), South Africa (Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria), The Gambia (FLAG, IHRDA), and Kenya (Katiba Institute).
- References will only be contacted if the applicant is shortlisted.
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 with a demonstrated commitment to human rights and women's and children's rights will find a strong alignment with the fellowship's core mission.
- Professionals seeking hands-on strategic litigation experience alongside prominent human rights organisations will benefit significantly from the structured casework.
- Candidates who are already admitted to practice law in one of the eligible host countries can seamlessly meet the primary jurisdictional requirement.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must commit to a full-time, in-person placement spanning an entire year from January to December 2027.
- Strict eligibility requires being admitted to practice law specifically within the jurisdiction of the chosen host organisation.
- Relocation may be necessary depending on your current residence relative to your chosen host organisation's country.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship serves as a powerful stepping stone for early-career lawyers aiming to specialize in international human rights law, gender justice, and strategic litigation. By embedding fellows directly within established regional institutions, it builds high-level practical litigation skills and expands professional networks across Africa.
Our take
Early-career women lawyers admitted to practice in the eligible host countries with a passion for defending women and children should strongly consider applying before the October 20, 2026 deadline. Those unable to commit to a full-time in-person placement throughout 2027 should not apply.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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