Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 Shaping Futures Academy hosted by the German Institute for Development and Sustainability (IDOS). The program will run between April and October 2026 and is structured into a combination of three online part-time modules and one full-time in-person session.

The in-person component will be held at IDOS headquarters in Bonn, Germany, and will be conducted in partnership with the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). This residential phase is scheduled from May to July 2026, featuring two leadership courses interspersed with two academic sessions, one of which will be created and led by CDD-Ghana. Participants will conclude the in-person phase with study excursions to Berlin and Brussels.

The online components, planned for April, September, and October 2026, will take place on a part-time basis. These sessions are designed to include approximately three hours of peer learning per day, delivered through a blend of virtual group meetings, plenary sessions, independent study, and collaborative discussions conducted both online and offline.

The program is open to early- to mid-career professionals who hold citizenship or permanent residency in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Tunisia, Zambia, or any European Union, EEA, or United Kingdom member state. Eligible candidates should be between 25 and 40 years of age, actively engaged in fields connected to sustainable development or governance, and have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience, whether paid or voluntary. Applicants must also demonstrate strong English proficiency equivalent to CEFR level B2, possess a valid passport, and show a willingness to work collaboratively and respectfully across cultures. Additionally, candidates must secure written approval from their employers and commit to participating in the entire duration of the Academy. Both the applicant and their supervisor are required to attend a mandatory online briefing session on 14 January 2026 from 13:00 to 14:00 CET.

Participants may receive financial support for internet data costs during the online segments. While attending the in-person portion in Germany, IDOS will cover accommodation expenses and provide a daily stipend intended to meet local living needs. In some cases, exceptions might apply to individuals already residing in Bonn. Furthermore, IDOS will arrange health, liability, and accident insurance for all attendees throughout their stay in Germany. However, the stipend is designed to support the participant only and is not intended to cover dependents or family members.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity