Introduction:
U-Save Foundation recognizes the urgent need for skilled and passionate leaders in the field of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) amidst the challenges posed by climate change and nutritional deficiencies. As part of our commitment to building sustainable solutions, we are proud to launch the U-Save Foundation Fellowship Program. This 6-month immersive experience will empower emerging professionals to drive positive change in water sustainability, community health, climate resilience, and nutrition. This program aims to nurture emerging leaders passionate about creating positive change in their communities through innovative WASH and nutrition initiatives that consider the impacts of climate change.
Program Overview:
The U-Save Foundation Fellowship Program is a rigorous and hands-on opportunity for young professionals and recent graduates to gain practical experience, develop leadership skills, and make a tangible impact. Fellows will be placed in diverse projects across Nigeria, working alongside our expert team to implement innovative WASH initiatives with a focus on WASH, climate change adaptation and nutrition.
Program Objectives:
- Capacity Building: Enhance fellows’ expertise in sustainable WASH practices, climate-resilient nutrition programs, and the interconnections between climate change and nutrition.
- Community Engagement:
- Empower fellows to lead impactful projects addressing water access, sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition challenges in the face of climate change.
- Empower fellows to drive community engagement, promote behavior change for climate resilience and nutrition security, and advocate for sustainable water practices.
- Leadership Development: Cultivate leadership qualities and foster a network of change-makers committed to sustainable development in the WASH and nutrition sectors.
- Build a network of passionate professionals committed to addressing water challenges, climate change adaptation, nutrition security, and promoting health equity.
- Provide fellows with practical experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring WASH projects that are resilient to climate change impacts.
- Foster leadership skills through mentorship, workshops, and hands-on fieldwork in addressing WASH challenges, climate change challenges and promoting sustainable nutrition practices.
Program Structure:
- Training Workshops: Covering topics such as WASH principles, climate-sensitive nutrition programs, climate change impacts on food systems, and sustainable diets.
- Mentorship: Pairing fellows with experienced professionals in the WASH, climate change, and nutrition fields for guidance and support.
- Field Projects: Hands-on experience in implementing community-based WASH and nutrition initiatives that consider climate resilience.
- Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with experts in WASH, climate change, nutrition, and sustainable development.
- Capstone Project: Fellows will develop and implement a capstone project integrating climate change adaptation, nutrition security, and WASH solutions in collaboration with their project team. This project allows them to apply their learning, address specific community needs, and showcase their leadership skills.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Recent graduates or young professionals with a background in environmental science, public health, engineering, social sciences, nutrition, or related fields.
- Passion for sustainable development, public health, and improving WASH, climate change and nutrition outcomes.
- Strong communication skills, ability to work in diverse teams, and willingness to learn and adapt in dynamic environments.
Program Benefits:
- Gain hands-on experience in implementing climate-resilient WASH projects, integrating nutrition-sensitive approaches.
- Develop leadership skills through mentorship by A-list industry specialists, workshops and training on WASH, climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and promoting balanced nutrition.
- Expand professional networks by engaging with experts, community leaders, and fellow change makers in the fields of WASH, climate change, and nutrition.
- Make a tangible impact on communities by promoting climate resilience, improving nutrition security, and enhancing access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Application Process:
- Interested candidates will submit a comprehensive application including a CV, cover letter, and statement of purpose outlining their interest in the fellowship and interest in WASH, climate change, and nutrition nexus.
- Review of applications by a selection committee.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews and assessments to determine their suitability for the program.
- Selected fellows will be notified and provided with detailed program schedules, orientation materials.
Expected Outcomes:
- Fellows equipped with comprehensive knowledge to drive impactful WASH and nutrition projects considering climate resilience.
- Implementation of community-based initiatives addressing water access, sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition challenges under the umbrella of climate change.
- A network of empowered leaders committed to sustainable development in the WASH, climate change, and nutrition sectors.
Program Timeline:
Application Period: June, 2024
Fellowship Duration: 6 Months
Start Date: July, 2024
End Date: December, 2024
Capstone Project Presentation: December, 2024
Application Link:
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Conclusion:
The U-Save Foundation Fellowship Program integrates critical elements of WASH, Climate Change, and Nutrition to empower fellows with the skills needed to address complex public health challenges while considering the impacts of climate change on food systems and nutrition outcomes. Through this program, we aim to create a cohort of leaders capable of driving positive change in their communities by promoting sustainable practices that enhance health outcomes while building resilience against climate change impacts.
