Russell E. Train Fellowships open for applications for individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation for the 2014/2015 academic session. Train Fellowships support individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation for up to 2 years. Applicants may request up to US $30,000 per year.
EFN is offering the best and brightest future conservation leaders from Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia the opportunity to pursue graduate-level study anywhere in the world with the goal of advancing conservation in their home country to ensure the long term success of conservation efforts. Each year, WWF supports committed conservationists from target countries to receive financial support for their studies and field research.
Program Objective The primary objective of this fellowship program is to build and strengthen the capacity of individuals working in these countries by supporting graduate-level academic studies and research in the following fields: community based natural resource management, environmental policy, wildlife management, protected area and land management, agroforestry, forest and watershed management, natural resource economics.
Worth of Award: Applicants may apply for up to two years of funding and request up to $30,000 per year.
Eligibility Applicants should note that eligibility criteria vary by country. They are to be sure they submit all relevant documentation as noted under the guidelines for their country To be eligible for a Train Fellowship, all applicants must:
- be a citizen and legal permanent resident of a participating country
- have a minimum of two years of work experience in conservation and a clear interest in working in your home country or region
- be enrolled, admitted, or have applied to an institution of higher education before submitting your application
- begin studies within one year (by January 2015) from the application deadline
- submit all required documents by the application deadline (February 28, 2014)
- Individuals who have received a fellowship or scholarship from EFN in the past and who wish to pursue a second degree are NOT eligible.
- Applicants who have received EFN professional development grants (short-term training grants) in the past ARE eligible to apply.
- Current WWF employees, consultants, and employees seconded to WWF should contact EFN before applying.
Eligible Countries
- Botswana
- Cambodia
- Democratic Republic of Congo (en Françias)
- MesoAmerican Reef – Belize, Guatemala, Honduras (en español)
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Zambia
How to Apply
In addition to the online application you will also be asked to upload the following documents:
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers; professors, and/or professional colleagues. Recommendations from family members will not be accepted.
- Most recent academic transcripts.
- Proof of admission to the academic program which may be a letter of acceptance or letter confirming submission of your university application.
- Document from the university listing program costs – i.e. tuition, fees, living expenses, books, etc. (if available)
- CV or resume detailing your professional and academic history.
- Proof of additional funding sources (if available)
All Train Fellows must complete a two year work requirement in his/her home country or region upon completion of the WWF supported program. Only submit an application if you are committed to work in conservation and will conduct this work in your home country or region.
Application Instructions:
- Click on the link below to access the application.
- You may save and return to your application at any time. To save your application, click the “save” button at the bottom of the screen. We highly recommend saving your application every 5 minutes.
- Answer all questions completely. All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required before submission.
- When you have completed your application click the “submit” button at the bottom of the page. Once your application has been received you will receive a confirmation email from EFN.
- Applicants are to review all guidelines for their country or topic before completing an application.
- Eligible candidates must submit a completed online application which includes two letters of recommendation, a signed personal service agreement, academic transcripts, and CV or resume.
Selection Criteria: Train Fellows are selected through a competitive, merit-based process. An independent, interdisciplinary panel of experts is convened in each country to review applications and to identify the top candidates based on the following criteria:
- Professional qualifications as evidenced by previous and current conservation-related positions, references from colleagues in the field, publications, and other sources.
- Demonstrated leadership through involvement in community and volunteer activities, the workplace, local and national government, and other areas.
- Prior academic achievement as shown by grades, academic awards, references from teachers and professors, and so on.
- Motivation and commitment to contribute to conservation in a participating country and to share what is learned with others in their field and in their home communities.
- Potential impact of proposed study/research on conservation efforts in the home country or region.
Deadline Application closes February 28, 2014
Click here for more details and to apply online