Opportunity Corner is back this week with the latest updates on job opportunities, fellowships, scholarships, internships and even grants. Find your desired opportunity in any of the categories below:
JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERNSHIPS
GOLDMAN SACHS ENGINEERING SUMMER ANALYST PROGRAMME
Join the Goldman Sachs Africa & Caribbean Recruiting Programme for an enriching hands-on experience. Applications are open to 2024 and 2025 graduates from all majors, and this program offers insights into the financial industry, resume-building skills, and networking with professionals.
As a participant in this program, you will delve into a wide spectrum of engineering career opportunities within the financial services sector. This is your chance to acquire valuable skills through engaging workshops, and a unique opportunity to network with seasoned professionals from Goldman Sachs.
MASTERCARD FOUNDATION ASSOCIATE PROGRAM
Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Associate Program offering 12-month entry-level roles for graduates. This program aims to develop leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship skills, helping young people thrive in the workplace. To apply, log into the Baobab Platform, go to the Opportunities page, select Internships, choose your country, and look for positions labelled 'Mastercard Foundation Transitions Community' at the top of each post.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2023.
PERFORMANCE ANALYST, SHELL
The Performance Analyst's primary role at SAMCo involves evaluating clients' investment portfolios. This includes utilizing the Pearl tool (Ortec Finance) to provide insights and attributions for both equity and fixed-income portfolios. Key responsibilities include delivering accurate performance data and analytics, understanding client portfolios and asset classes, contributing to performance analytics advancement, and collaborating on cross-departmental projects.
Qualifications needed include a relevant university degree, financial qualifications (CFA or CIPM preferred), knowledge of financial markets and instruments, experience in performance measurement and attribution (especially for fixed income assets), proficiency in database programming (SQL for Oracle preferred), and effective communication skills. Experience with Pearl and Dimension is a plus.
Application Deadline: Not available
SALES EXECUTIVE AT SEVEN-UP BOTTLING COMPANY
7up needs a Sales Executive, preferably with 1-3 years of experience in the FMCG sector, who can play a pivotal role in advancing their organization's growth and prosperity. The selected individual will have the task of creating fresh business prospects, nurturing robust client connections, and meeting sales objectives within the designated geographical area.
Application Deadline: Not available
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, PUBLIC DIGITAL
Public Digital, a digital transformation consultancy, is seeking a Program Director for a fixed-term contract until October 2024 based in Abuja or Benin City, Nigeria. The role involves leading a complex, long-term capability-building program in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The program aims to enhance the digital capabilities of civil and public servants in Edo State, Nigeria, and establish a digital and data governance agency within the state. Key responsibilities include overseeing program activities, developing capability-building practices, and managing relationships with stakeholders.
The ideal candidate should have experience building digital teams and initiatives in Nigeria, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to lead and negotiate with funders and partners. This role offers the opportunity for career growth, entrepreneurship, and contributing to digital empowerment and effective governance in Nigeria. The application process includes a phone interview, a panel interview with a case study, and an informal meeting chat with a peer.
Application Deadline: Not available
PART-TIME ASSISTANT & RESEARCH POSITION, AFRICAN CLIMATE WIRE (REMOTE)
African Climate Wire is seeking a Part-Time Assistant and Researcher with a focus on social media to help grow its presence and impact. The role involves expanding relationships with African news outlets, enhancing content placement and audience engagement, managing social media platforms (Twitter and LinkedIn), updating the website and newsletter, and facilitating special thematic editions. Candidates should have proficiency in social media, MS Word, and Adobe, excellent communication skills, and experience in climate change law and/or policy research. Experience with website management, Mailchimp, and editorial work is useful.
The position is part-time and consulting-based, with flexible weekday hours (estimated at 10 hours per week). It is remote-based and offers a monthly remuneration of ZAR 15,000. Applicants should submit their CVs to editor@africanclimatewire.org by September 15, 2023.
FELLOWSHIPS
CAN AFRICAN CAREER ACCELERATION FELLOWSHIPS 2023
The Crick Africa Network (CAN) is offering African Career Acceleration Fellowships for early-career biomedical scientists. These fellowships aim to support scientists in developing translational scientific programs and establishing themselves as independent researchers. The fellows will have access to research facilities at the Francis Crick Institute and LifeArc in the United Kingdom.
Eligible candidates must possess the following:
Citizenship or permanent residency in an African country.
A relevant PhD with 2–5 years of postdoctoral experience or a clinical PhD (MBChB) with at least 3 years of research experience
Strong scientific potential and a translational science proposal in one of the CAN research areas.
Applications will be screened for eligibility and evaluated by the chosen African partner institution, a Crick mentor, and an external peer reviewer. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the African partner institution, and successful fellows will be determined by an expert panel.
Application deadline: November 12, 2023.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LSA COLLEGIATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM ($66,000 SALARY)
The LSA Collegiate Fellowship Program supports outstanding scholars in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), focusing on the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Fellows should be dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia.
LSA Collegiate Fellows receive a starting salary of $66,000, benefits, and research/conference funding for up to two years. Fellows concentrate on independent research while engaging in pedagogical development activities. Upon completing the fellowship, Fellows are offered a tenure-track position. Applications are due by September 8, 2023, for most fields, while specific fields have an extended deadline of October 16, 2023.
SCHOLARSHIPS
JESI SCHOLARSHIP FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADUATES
Are you a recent graduate, a final-year student awaiting NSS, or someone eager to jumpstart a successful tech career? The Jesi Scholarship 2023/2024 offers recent graduates and passionate individuals an immersive 6 to 12-month program to kickstart a successful career in the tech industry. It provides technical and soft skill development in areas like software development, product design, and digital marketing.
The program includes intensive training, mentorship, internship opportunities, and job connections. Eligibility is open to graduate students, recent graduates, and passionate individuals willing to dedicate time to training. The scholarship covers costs, ensures hands-on practical experience, and supports lifelong learning.
OCBC SCHOLARSHIP INNOVATION CHALLENGE WITH TOTAL ENERGIES
OCBC has unveiled a five-year Climate Strategy aligned with their Net Zero Banking Alliance membership, targeting high-emission sectors for decarbonization. They emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Innovation and technology play a pivotal role in their goal to lead in sustainable banking by 2026. They've launched the OCBC Sustainability Innovation Challenge 2023 in partnership with TotalEnergies to drive a sustainable energy transition.
Startups worldwide are invited to apply, with the chance to win prizes, pilot solutions with TotalEnergies, and access to mentorship and funding opportunities.
ALLAN GRAY CENTRE FOR AFRICA ENTREPRENEURSHIP PHD AND MASTERS SCHOLARSHIP 2024
The Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE) at Stellenbosch University offers fully funded doctoral and master's scholarships to promote data-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem development in Africa. They aim to enhance community well-being through entrepreneurship and seek candidates meeting admission criteria for Stellenbosch University's Ph.D. or master's programs. Scholarships are open to South African citizens and African foreign nationals, with a preference for previously disadvantaged individuals. The AGCAE Doctoral Scholarships are valued at R250,000 per year for three years, while the AGCAE Master's Scholarships are valued at R150,000 per year for two years. The application deadline is September 22, 2023.
COMPETITIONS
THE HAPPY NOISEMAKER PRIZE FOR STORYTELLING
The Happy Noisemaker, a platform founded by Jola Ayeye that celebrates emerging storytellers in Africa, is accepting entries for its storytelling competition. In collaboration with Busha, this initiative offers prizes of up to $1,000 for this year’s competition. With no specific theme this year, all types of stories are encouraged. To qualify, you must be an African citizen aged 18 or older with a unique story of up to 2,500 words. Prizes include $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, $300 for third, and a special $300 prize for a unique story category. Submissions are accepted from August 25th to September 15th, and winners will be announced on November 10th.
ENTREPRENEURS ORGANISATION GLOBAL STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS (UP TO $100,000)
The GSEA 2023-2024 competition season is calling all student entrepreneurs to participate in this competition that rewards student entrepreneurs. Eligible countries and areas are listed on the official website. If your location is not listed, choose "Other" in the application, and you will be assisted in finding a suitable competition. As a candidate, you must be enrolled for the current academic year at a university/college as an undergraduate or graduate student at the time of application. You must also be the owner, founder, or controlling shareholder of your student business, which must have been in operation for at least six consecutive months prior to the application.
JACARANDAFM/ACCESS BANK SOUTH AFRICAN WOMENPRENEUR HER PERFECT PITCH 2023 (UP TO R2,000,000 IN PRIZES)
Jacaranda FM and Access Bank have joined forces to empower female entrepreneurs and recognize successful women-led businesses during Women's Month. Over R2 million in prizes, including advertising packages, cash, educational rewards, and business support, are up for grabs.
Prizes include:
Grand Prize: R500,000 in Jacaranda FM radio airtime, R100,000 cash, investment guidance, business support, and a 6-week mentorship.
Runner Up: R75,000 cash with investment guidance.
Third Place: R50,000 cash with investment guidance.
Top 10 Finalists: R100,000 Jacaranda FM airtime and a R50,000 educational study voucher from Access Bank.
To participate, you must be a female business owner with at least 50% ownership, reside in South Africa, be aged 18 or older, have operated a South African registered business for at least a year, and provide accurate contact details. Foreign participants need a valid visa.
UN FAO INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MILLETS PHOTO CONTEST
The IYM 2023 Photo Contest invites photographers and millet enthusiasts to share their photos highlighting the various benefits of millets, such as nutrition, climate resilience, economic opportunities, cultural significance, and versatility.
To participate in the contest, candidates are to do the following:
Choose up to five millet-related photos and add captions.
Submit the registration form for each photo by October 31, 2023.
Share your photos on social media with #IYM2023 and #YearOfMillets, tagging @FAO.
Await the announcement of contest winners!
WORLD BIENNAL OF STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST 2023
The Student World Biennial, organized by the Academy of Arts, University of Novi Sad, is accepting submissions for its photography competition. Open to undergraduate and graduate students, the competition has no specific theme, and participants can submit up to ten photographs created as part of an academic assignment. There is no entry fee, and the submission deadline is midnight CET on October 27, 2023. An international jury will judge the entries, with prizes including €1000 for the 1st prize, €600 for the 2nd prize, €300 for the 3rd prize, 3 honourable mentions, and a special prize for the best student project in the national category. The awards ceremony will take place on December 20, 2023, in Novi Sad.
CLIMATE STORY LAB LAGOS 2023 FOR CREATIVE CHANGEMAKERS
The Climate Story Lab in Lagos 2023 is calling for creative changemakers and storytellers in West Africa, particularly Nigeria, to participate in a creative storytelling initiative. They seek projects that raise awareness about climate change and its intersection with social issues like water, health, energy poverty, and more. The lab is interested in non-fiction films, immersive stories, podcasts, and even fiction films with a climate perspective. These projects should be in the production, post-production, or distribution stages. Selected creatives will attend a training session to learn how to use their storytelling skills to address the local climate crisis. This initiative aims to facilitate collaboration between storytellers and various stakeholders to drive social impact regarding climate issues.
GRANTS
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIGERIA FOUNDATION FARMERS FOR THE FUTURE GRANT 2023 (UP TO #10,000,000)
The Farmers for the Future (F4F) Grant is an agricultural entrepreneurship initiative sponsored by the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) in partnership with NYSC and executed by FATE Foundation. It targets current National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, providing equity-free capital and support to young individuals with viable agricultural businesses. The grant aims to make agribusiness attractive, reduce youth unemployment, encourage youth participation in agriculture, and offer agro-practices training and empowerment.
The top 6 finalists receive equity-free grants (₦3 million for the 1st Prize, ₦2 million for the 2nd Prize, and ₦1 million for the 3rd Prize), assistance in accessing additional financing, technical support, mentorship, and membership in the F4F alumni network. The competition involves application submission, a virtual boot camp for selected businesses, a pitch event, and mentorship for the winners, who also join the F4F alumni network for ongoing support and opportunities.
AAUW CAREER DEVELOPMENT CAREER DEVELOPMENT GRANT (UP TO $20,000)
The Career Development Grants, with funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, are open for applications from August 1st to November 15th annually. These grants support women with bachelor's degrees who are advancing, changing careers, or re-entering the workforce in fields like education, health, STEM, and social sciences. Priority is given to women of colour pursuing their first advanced degree in nontraditional fields. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a bachelor's degree received before June 30, 2016, and no earned graduate or professional degree.
The grant covers various programs, including master's degrees and certifications in accredited U.S. institutions. Distance or online learning is accepted. Applications are evaluated based on criteria like commitment to education, career goals, and potential for success. The grant year is from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
MQ MENTAL HEALTH TRANSDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH GRANT (UP TO $50,000)
The MQ Mental Health Transdisciplinary Research Grants, in partnership with Wellcome, support researchers from diverse disciplines beyond psychiatry, psychology, and neuroscience to explore innovative ideas and methods in mental health science. Awardees, either individuals or small teams, have six months to produce a publishable viewpoint paper and a summary. Up to £50,000 GBP in grants for research costs, emphasizing innovative approaches to understand and address depression, anxiety, or psychosis, will be provided. Applicants from any academic background worldwide are eligible, and applications follow a multi-step process. Funding decisions consider potential contributions to mental health science, idea novelty, applicant qualifications, and project feasibility.
YOUTH CLIMATE JUSTICE FUND
The Youth Climate Justice Fund (YCJF) provides core, flexible funding to emerging youth climate justice collectives. Groups led by young people aged 35 and below, especially those facing discrimination and marginalization, can apply for grants of up to USD 10,000, which can be used over 12 months.
Eligibility Criteria:
Your group is led by young people aged 35 and below.
Your group is based in North America or Western Europe but is led by young people facing discrimination or marginalization.
Your group believes in inclusive organizing, collective action, and intersectional movement building.
Your group is based in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, or Central and Eastern Europe.
Your group is non-partisan, non-violent, and operates legally.
CONFERENCES AND TRAINING PROGRAMS
AFREXIMBANK AND IMPACTHER ONLINE EXPORT READINESS TRAINING PROGRAM FOR WOMEN
The ShowcaseHER program, sponsored by Afreximbank and powered by ImpactHER, is a no-cost initiative for women business owners in Africa. This 3-month online incubation program, starting on September 15, 2023, aims to equip Women-led Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (WSMEs) with skills and resources for cross-border trade, leveraging the African Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA). Eligible participants, including SMEs from various African countries, will receive export readiness and digitization training, access to trade finance, and mentorship support. The application deadline is August 30, 2023.
UNITAR TRAINING PROGRAM 2023
UNITAR is inviting women and youth from 24 African countries to apply for its program, "Developing Essential Digital Skills for Women and Youth in Africa." This program aims to enhance employment opportunities and livelihood development in the digital economy. Participants will undergo a six-month journey to build high-demand digital skills, foster entrepreneurial leadership, and drive change in their communities. The program spans three phases, combining online training, self-led projects, virtual boot camps, and sustainability/community leadership training.
Participants who complete course-related assignments and assessments will receive a certificate of completion from UNITAR. The program is offered free of charge, thanks to support from the Government and People of Japan. Applications are open until September 4, 2023.
We wish you success as you apply for these openings. See you next week with more opportunities.