Applications are now open for the EERC Fellowship & Visiting Research Supervisor Opportunities 2026

Application Deadline: February 27, 2026

Applications are now open for the Environmental and Economic Resource Centre (EERC) Fellowship Cohort III (Spring 2026) and the Visiting Research Supervisor Program — two prestigious opportunities designed to nurture research excellence and strengthen evidence-based policymaking in Nigeria and across Africa.

As the world grapples with complex challenges like climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, the EERC Fellowship provides early-career researchers a platform to contribute actionable knowledge to shape a more sustainable future. At the same time, the Visiting Research Supervisor initiative connects emerging scholars with experienced academics to accelerate local innovation and impact-driven research.

Both programs reflect EERC’s commitment to advancing inclusive, policy-relevant research that improves livelihoods, builds capacity, and supports Africa’s long-term development agenda.

About the Environmental and Economic Resource Centre (EERC)

The Environmental and Economic Resource Centre (EERC) is one of Africa’s leading scientific research organizations, working to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practice. Through partnerships with local and international institutions, EERC promotes sustainable livelihoods, inclusive agriculture, and environmental resilience.

Its work is organized under four key programs:

Agriculture and Environmental Management (AEM)
Natural Resource Conservation (NRC)
Livelihood and Economic Development (LED)
Human Resource and Capacity Building (HRCB)

EERC’s multidisciplinary approach covers critical topics such as climate-smart agriculture, food systems, biodiversity, land and water management, renewable energy, and gender inclusion. Through this framework, it empowers researchers to produce data-driven insights that inform national and regional development strategies.

EERC Fellowship Cohort III (Spring 2026)

The EERC Fellowship is a three-month intensive research program designed for early-career researchers affiliated with Nigerian universities or research institutions. It aims to build their technical expertise, strengthen policy engagement, and enhance their contribution to sustainable development in agriculture and the environment.

Fellows are encouraged to use evidence-based approaches to address pressing issues in Nigeria’s agri-food and environmental sectors, focusing on policies that improve food security, resource management, and resilience to climate change.

Thematic Research Areas

Fellows will conduct research under one or more of these focus themes:

Land-Use Systems and Governance
Climate Change and Biodiversity
Gender and Social Inclusion
Water–Energy–Food Nexus

Program Duration

Selected fellows will be hosted at EERC Headquarters for three months, starting April 13, 2026, and will work closely with senior researchers and mentors from Nigerian universities.

Benefits of the EERC Fellowship

Successful fellows will receive extensive professional and academic support, including:

Monthly stipend to support living expenses
Fully funded accommodation with 24-hour electricity, internet, and gym facilities
Mentorship from senior academics and in-house EERC researchers
Access to training workshops and professional development opportunities
Support for co-authored publications and policy briefs
A strong network of researchers and policymakers

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Hold a Master’s or PhD in a relevant field (obtained within the last 5 years)
Be currently affiliated with a Nigerian university or research institution
Demonstrate proficiency in statistical/econometric software (R, Stata, etc.)
Have relevant background in Agricultural Economics, Environmental Science, Agroecology, or Development Studies
Submit a research concept aligned with at least two of EERC’s thematic areas

Application Requirements

Interested candidates must submit:

Two reference letters (Head of Department and institutional representative)
Motivation letter
Concept note (maximum 5 pages) outlining research background, objectives, methods, and expected outcomes
CV including publications
Evidence of qualifications and institutional ID

📧 Applications should be emailed to apply@eerce.org by February 27, 2026 (midnight).

Inquiries close on February 13, 2026.

Final selections will be announced by March 31, 2026, following screening and interviews.

EERC Visiting Research Supervisor Opportunities 2026

In parallel with the Fellowship, EERC invites experienced researchers to apply for the Visiting Research Supervisor Program — a unique chance to mentor emerging African scholars and contribute to advancing high-impact, policy-relevant research.

Supervisors will play a vital role in shaping fellows’ research outcomes through mentorship, review, and collaboration. This is ideal for established academics seeking to expand their professional networks, publish jointly, and contribute to Africa’s sustainable development discourse.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Review fellowship applications and provide feedback
Mentor assigned fellows throughout the program
Co-author publications and contribute to policy briefs
Participate in research presentations and dissemination events

Eligibility for Supervisors

Applicants should:

Hold a PhD in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Environmental Management, or related fields
Have at least 10 years of postdoctoral experience
Be a lead author of 10+ high-impact publications
Have prior experience mentoring early-career researchers
Be affiliated with a Nigerian academic or research institution

Supervisor Benefits

Opportunities for joint publications and collaborations
Access to EERC’s research facilities and datasets
Fully funded participation in research presentations and workshops

Applications should be sent to apply@eerce.org by February 20, 2026 (midnight).
Queries close on February 13, 2026, and selection will occur on a rolling basis.

Why You Should Apply

Whether you’re an early-career researcher seeking to sharpen your academic profile or an established scholar looking to mentor the next generation, the EERC Fellowship and Supervisor Programs offer unmatched opportunities for growth.

You’ll not only expand your research capacity but also join a powerful network of professionals committed to solving Africa’s environmental and agricultural challenges through evidence-based innovation.

Here are a few tips for a strong application:

Clearly define how your research aligns with EERC’s thematic priorities.
Demonstrate your ability to produce policy-relevant insights.
Highlight prior research or publications that show your commitment to sustainable development.
Submit polished, data-informed proposals that reflect methodological rigor and originality.

Conclusion

The EERC Fellowship and Visiting Research Supervisor Opportunities 2026 are more than academic programs — they’re a call to action for researchers ready to shape Africa’s future through science, policy, and innovation.

If you’re passionate about sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and policy-driven impact, this is your chance to contribute to real change.

Apply today and be part of a growing network of changemakers driving sustainable research in Africa.

For more information, CLICK HERE