The Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2027

Brief Description

Applications are officially open for the 2027 Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship, a prestigious initiative designed to fund and place ten early-career women lawyers across Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and The Gambia. Hosted by the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), this fellowship equips you with immersive practical work experience and hands-on training in diverse human rights and justice organizations. Whether you are aiming to combat child marriage or fight violence against women and children, this program offers a powerful platform to advance your legal career. If you meet the criteria, you can step into a paid placement providing vital legal aid, strategic litigation, and community advocacy.

Name of Host Institution

The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) in partnership with human rights organizations, university legal aid clinics, and government legal institutions in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and The Gambia.

Requirements/Eligibility Criteria

• A law degree from a recognized academic institution
• Practicing Certificate: Admitted to practice as a lawyer in the country of the selected host organization
• Relevant work experience: Up to 5 years of experience in the legal field following graduation or qualification, with a preference for women’s rights and human rights organizations
• Work authorization: Must have the legal right to work in the host organization’s country (Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia); international relocation and work authorization costs are not supported
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in other working languages relevant to host countries is preferred

Key Responsibilities

• Carrying out legal research, drafting documents, and providing client support
• Providing legal representation in court and executing strategic litigation
• Using innovative technology to inform women of their rights and increase efficiency for prosecutors and pro bono lawyers

Location

Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and The Gambia

Salary

Not specified (Paid work placement)

Duration

One fellowship year

Benefits

• Mentorship from the Justice for Women & Children Programme Director, host organization supervisors, and regional human rights experts
• At least one in-person convening with fellow participants, supervisors, and senior CFJ leadership
• Extensive monthly online training led by human rights experts
• Access to a global network of leading human rights experts, lawyers, judges, activists, academics, and next-generation leaders
• Enrollment in the CFJ Fellowship Alumni Programme network upon completion of the fellowship year

Deadline

October 20, 2026

Apply Now

💡 Quick FAQ & IntelligenceTap to Expand

Q: What types of host organizations participate in the fellowship?

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Host organizations include legal aid providers, select universities with legal aid clinics, and government prosecution services in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and The Gambia.

Q: Does the Clooney Foundation cover international relocation or work authorization costs?

No, costs relating to international relocation and acquiring work authorization cannot be supported by the foundation.

Q: What happens after completing the fellowship year?

Fellows are inducted into the CFJ Fellowship Alumni Network for ongoing support, knowledge sharing, professional growth, and collaboration.

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