About the opportunity
The CRCA Emerging Conflict Analysts Fellowship is a 12-week online professional development programme running from September to December 2026. Designed to equip emerging analysts with essential knowledge, analytical frameworks, and practical skills, the programme covers conflict analysis, evidence evaluation, early warning, risk assessment, conflict data, intelligence analysis, and professional analytical writing within African conflict contexts. It features weekly analytical seminars, applied Analyst Labs, mentoring, and practical experience analyzing live African conflict situations, culminating in a professional analytical portfolio.
Funding and benefits
- Full access to the 12-week structured online fellowship.
- Offered at no cost to selected fellows (no fellowship fee).
- Access to the CRCA Emerging Conflict Analyst Field Manual and Fellow Workbook & Analytical Toolkit.
- Weekly analytical seminars and applied Analyst Labs.
- Mentoring and portfolio development.
- Practical analytical experience on live African conflict contexts.
- CRCA fellowship certificate upon successful completion.
Who can apply?
- African nationals or residents, and others working substantively on African conflict contexts.
- Early-career researchers, analysts, practitioners, journalists, or policy professionals.
- Postgraduate or final-year students in peace and conflict studies, international relations, political science, security studies, development, law, economics, or related disciplines.
- Civil society, humanitarian, governance, and early-warning practitioners seeking analytical depth.
- Strong written English skills and a demonstrated interest in evidence-based analysis.
- Ability to participate fully and consistently for the entire 12-week cycle.
- No prior formal training in intelligence or risk analysis is required.
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in PDF or DOCX format (maximum 10 MB).
- Statement of Interest (completed within the online application form).
- Writing sample in PDF or DOCX format (maximum 10 MB).
When to apply
- Applications close on August 31, 2026, at 21:59 West Africa Time (WAT).
- The 12-week programme begins on September 14, 2026, and runs through December 2026.
How to apply
- Access and complete the online application form on the official CRCA website.
- Provide basic personal, academic, and professional information, and confirm availability for the full 12-week programme.
- Complete the Statement of Interest directly within the online form.
- Upload the required CV and writing sample in PDF or DOCX format (up to 10 MB each).
- Submit the completed application prior to the deadline on August 31, 2026, at 21:59 WAT.
Additional information
- Time commitment: Approximately 4–6 hours per week, including weekly seminars, Analyst Labs, and independent work.
- Modules cover Foundations of Conflict Analysis, African Conflict Landscapes, Actors/Interests/Incentives, Drivers/Triggers/Accelerants, Evidence & Source Evaluation, Conflict Data & OSINT, Structured Analytical Techniques, Intelligence Analysis Practice, Early Warning Systems, Risk Assessment, Forecasting & Scenario Building, and Analytical Writing & Briefing.
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 analysts or researchers focusing on African conflict contexts
- Practitioners in humanitarian, policy, or security fields seeking formal analytical frameworks
- Individuals comfortable with a 12-week remote learning commitment of 4-6 hours per week
What should you think carefully about?
- The program requires consistent participation over the full 12-week cycle
- Applicants must submit a writing sample and a statement of interest to be considered
- The curriculum is specifically tailored to African conflict landscapes, which may be less relevant for those focused on other regions
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship serves as a valuable bridge for those looking to formalize their skills in risk assessment and intelligence analysis. It is perfect for someone aiming to build a professional analytical portfolio while gaining practical experience in evidence-based conflict research.
Our take
This is a strong fit for early-career professionals or students looking to specialize in African conflict analysis. Those seeking a broader global focus or who cannot commit to the weekly seminar structure should consider other options.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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