Applications are now open for the WWF-Amano Fellowship 2027 in Zimbabwe, a leadership and mentorship opportunity designed to support young people committed to conservation, climate action, environmental education and sustainable development.
The programme is being offered by WWF Zimbabwe in partnership with Amano and targets young Zimbabwean leaders between the ages of 21 and 30 who have demonstrated leadership experience and a record of creating positive change in their communities or regions.
The nine-month virtual fellowship will provide selected participants with access to expert-led workshops, peer-to-peer learning and mentorship sessions focused on leadership, conservation and sustainable development.
Participants will also have an opportunity to connect with other emerging leaders and strengthen their capacity to promote inclusive, community-centred approaches to conservation.
The Amano Fellows Program is a nine-month mentorship initiative intended to nurture the next generation of conservation and sustainable development leaders.
The programme focuses on equipping young leaders with practical leadership and communication capabilities while connecting them with experienced practitioners in conservation and development.
WWF Zimbabwe is particularly encouraging applications from young leaders from Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, as well as candidates who come from or work closely with these communities.
The fellowship is designed around the idea that effective conservation should be inclusive and connected to the needs, knowledge and experiences of communities.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
Selected fellows will participate in a range of activities throughout the nine-month programme.
These activities are designed to strengthen both personal leadership capabilities and participants’ ability to contribute to conservation and sustainable development initiatives.
The programme offers fellows opportunities to:
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Participate in expert-led workshops
- Engage in peer-to-peer learning
- Receive mentorship from experienced practitioners
- Learn about conservation and sustainable development
- Build networks with other emerging young leaders
- Strengthen their capacity to advance inclusive conservation
- Connect with practitioners and peers working toward positive community change
Because the fellowship is virtual, applicants should be prepared to participate consistently online throughout the programme.
Who Can Apply for the WWF-Amano Fellowship 2027?
The opportunity is open to Zimbabwean young leaders aged 21 to 30.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong record of leadership and meaningful contribution to their communities or region.
Candidates should also have a clear commitment to inclusive conservation and sustainable development.
Preference is indicated for applicants who are from or work closely with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
Applicants should also meet the programme’s practical participation requirements.
These include:
- Being aged between 21 and 30
- Being Zimbabwean
- Demonstrating leadership experience
- Having a proven record of community or regional impact
- Showing commitment to inclusive conservation and sustainable development
- Having reliable internet access
- Having access to a laptop or mobile phone
- Being fluent in English
- Being able to commit approximately 5–8 hours per month to fellowship activities
No Financial Benefits
Prospective applicants should note that the WWF-Amano Fellowship is primarily a leadership and mentorship opportunity.
According to the programme information, there will be no financial benefits associated with participation.
Applicants should therefore consider the fellowship based on the professional development, mentorship, networking, learning and leadership opportunities it provides rather than as a paid programme.
How Will the Fellowship Benefit Young Leaders?
For emerging conservation and development leaders, the programme can provide an opportunity to strengthen skills while learning directly from experienced professionals.
The mentorship component can help participants reflect on their leadership journey, identify areas for development and strengthen their approach to community-based initiatives.
The peer-learning component also creates opportunities for fellows to exchange experiences with other young Zimbabweans working to create positive change.
Over the nine months, participants can develop stronger networks and gain perspectives that may support their future work in conservation, environmental education, climate action and sustainable development.
What Applicants Need to Submit
Interested applicants are required to submit their CV together with written responses to four application questions.
Applicants should provide concise but substantive answers within the specified word limits:
1. Why should WWF consider you for the Amano Fellows Program?
Maximum: 100 words
Candidates should explain what makes them suitable for the fellowship and demonstrate their motivation for participating.
2. Describe Your Leadership Journey and Impact
Maximum: 150 words
Applicants should highlight their leadership experience and explain the lasting change they have helped create within their community or region.
3. Demonstrate Values-Based Leadership
Maximum: 150 words
Candidates should provide evidence of how they have demonstrated commitment to values-based leadership through their work, community activities or other initiatives.
4. Explain How the Programme Will Benefit You and Your Work
Maximum: 250 words
Applicants should explain what they hope to gain from the fellowship and how the experience will strengthen their current or future conservation and sustainable development work.
How to Apply for the WWF-Amano Fellowship
Eligible applicants should prepare their CV and responses to all four questions before submitting their application.
Applications should be sent by email to:
The application deadline is 17:00 hrs on Monday, 16 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required information is included.
Application Deadline and Key Details
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | WWF-Amano Fellowship 2027 |
| Location | Zimbabwe |
| Format | Virtual |
| Duration | 9 months |
| Target group | Zimbabwean young leaders |
| Age | 21–30 |
| Focus areas | Conservation, climate action, environmental education and sustainable development |
| Time commitment | 5–8 hours per month |
| Financial benefit | No financial benefits |
| Application | CV + four written responses |
| Deadline | 16 September 2026, 17:00 hrs |
| [email protected] |
Why Young Zimbabwean Leaders Should Apply
The WWF-Amano Fellowship provides a platform for young people who are already creating change to further develop their leadership capabilities and expand their professional networks.
Its emphasis on inclusive conservation, community-centred development and values-based leadership makes it particularly relevant to young Zimbabweans working at the intersection of environmental sustainability and community development.
For emerging conservation leaders, the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and engage with peers can provide valuable perspectives that can be applied to projects and initiatives beyond the fellowship.
Final Thoughts
The WWF-Amano Fellowship 2027 offers young Zimbabwean conservation and sustainable development leaders a structured nine-month opportunity to learn, connect and strengthen their leadership capabilities.
Through workshops, mentorship and peer-to-peer learning, fellows will be supported to develop the skills and networks needed to contribute more effectively to inclusive conservation and sustainable development.
Young Zimbabweans aged 21–30 with demonstrated leadership experience, a record of community impact and a commitment to conservation are encouraged to consider applying.
With the deadline set for 16 September 2026 at 17:00 hrs, eligible candidates should prepare their CV and application responses early and submit them to email
For more information and application details, visit our website: WWF Zimbabwe – Amano Fellows Program
