The Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN) invites competitive applications from ARIN Fellows to contribute to three ARIN Regional Dialogues on Bridging the Climate Finance Gap in Africa (2025-2026). These dialogues are building blocks toward the third Annual Conference on Climate Finance in Africa, to be held in April 2026 in Kampala. Insights generated, literature reviewed by ARIN Fellows, relationships built, and evidence synthesized through the three regional convenings will culminate in a State of Evidence Report on Climate Finance in Africa, 2026. This flagship knowledge product will shape the agenda for the 2026 Climate Finance Conference and inform policy, investment, and institutional reforms at both national and regional levels. The conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to strengthen Africa’s capacity to mobilize, deliver, and implement climate finance solutions. 

Role of Fellows 

Selected Fellows will: 

• Work within regional clusters coordinated by ARIN Regional Focal Points.
• Co-develop a regional case study report, drawing on their country perspectives.
• Participate in focus group discussions (FGDs) connected to the NDC finance study, providing grounded insights for the dialogues. 
• Feed into the synthesis of findings for the regional convenings and the continental consolidated report. 

Deliverables 

• A regional case study report, collaboratively produced under the leadership of the relevant Regional Focal Point. 
• Documented inputs from FGD participation. 
• Active participation in the regional convenings. 

Eligibility

• Must be a current ARIN Fellow. (Interests from non-ARIN Fellows will be considered under exceptional circumstances)
• Demonstrated interest/experience in climate finance, sustainable development, or related areas. 
• Commitment to collaborative research and regional engagement. 
• Fellows must apply to join their regional cluster based on country of origin (e.g., East African Fellows apply for the East Africa cluster). Exceptions are only made for Fellows residing in and actively working in another region. 
  

Application Process 

Interested Fellows should submit a short EOI (max. 500 words) addressing:

1. Motivation for participating in the dialogues. 
2. Relevant experience in climate finance, policy, or related research. 
3. The regional cluster they are applying to and the country perspective they will contribute. 
4. Availability and commitment to contribute to outputs throughout the process.

Evaluation Criteria 

Applications will be competitively reviewed by the ARIN Secretariat and Regional Focal Points based on the following: 

• Demonstrated knowledge or work on climate finance, sustainable development, or related thematic areas. 
• Evidence of prior research, policy engagement, or practice in the applicant’s country or region. 
• Clear articulation of why the applicant wishes to participate. 
• Strength of proposed contribution to the regional case study and FGDs.
• Balance across countries within each regional cluster (East, West, Southern Africa).
• Fellows must apply to their own regional cluster unless they reside and actively work in another region. 
• Availability to participate in FGDs, regional convenings, and report drafting.
• Willingness to work collaboratively with Regional Focal Points and fellow researchers.
• Gender balance, early-career researchers, and underrepresented perspectives will be prioritized to ensure inclusivity. 

Applications to be sent to e.akinyi@arin-africa.org, copying e.kowenje@arin-africa.org and j.mandela@arin-africa.org by 7th September 2025.