The ARES International Training Scholarships 2027–2028 offer professionals from 32 eligible countries an opportunity to undertake specialised study and professional training in Belgium with substantial financial support.

The scholarship programme, offered by the Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur (ARES), is designed to strengthen knowledge, skills and professional capacity in partner countries while supporting international cooperation and sustainable development.

Applications opened on 3 August 2026, with the deadline set for 18 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Belgian time (UTC+1).

What the ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 Offer

The 2027–2028 call covers a range of specialised training opportunities in Belgium, including:

• One specialised bachelor’s degree
• Eight specialised master’s degrees
• One continuing education course

The specialised bachelor’s and master’s programmes can last up to 12 months, while continuing training programmes can last up to six months.

The programme is particularly relevant to professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise and return to contribute to development in their countries.

Who Is Eligible for the ARES International Scholarships?

Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.

Candidates must be permanent residents and working in one of the 32 eligible countries. Palestinian nationals are also eligible even if they do not currently reside in one of the listed countries.

Applicants must hold a graduate degree and satisfy the admission requirements of their selected programme. The relevant degree must generally have been obtained no more than 20 years before the beginning of the programme. This period may be extended by one year for each childbirth and/or adoption.

Professional experience is also required. Candidates must demonstrate at least two years of relevant professional experience gained in one of the eligible countries between completion of their most recent graduate degree and the application deadline.

Applicants must also demonstrate a good command of the language in which their chosen programme is taught, including both written and spoken proficiency.

Importantly, each applicant may apply for only one programme.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

The ARES International Training Scholarships are open to applicants from 32 partner countries across Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean.

Correction: the official list includes Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, DR Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Eligible countries outside Africa include Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Vietnam and Palestine.

This makes the scholarship particularly significant for professionals across the Global South who are seeking specialised international training.

What Does the ARES Scholarship Cover?

ARES provides substantial financial support to successful scholarship recipients.

For specialised bachelor’s and master’s programmes, the scholarship includes:

• International travel expenses
• Subsistence allowance
• Tuition fees
• Exceptional costs linked to visa applications
• Insurance costs

For continuing education programmes, the support includes international travel expenses, subsistence support, indirect mission expenses and insurance.

The combination of tuition, travel and living support makes the programme an attractive opportunity for eligible professionals seeking international academic and professional development.

How to Apply for the ARES Scholarship 2027–2028

Applications are submitted electronically through the GIRAF platform.

Applicants who already have a validated GIRAF account can log in and access the relevant competitive call. New applicants must first complete the ARES account creation request.

After accessing GIRAF, applicants should select “Competitive Calls” and then choose “Application – International Training 2027–2028.”

The application can be completed across multiple sessions by saving it as a draft. Once all information has been completed, applicants must select “Submit my application.”

Applicants should note that submitted applications cannot be modified, making it important to carefully review all information and supporting materials before submission.

ARES Scholarship Deadline 2026

The deadline for the ARES International Training Scholarships 2027–2028 is:

18 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Belgian time (UTC+1).

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early, particularly because eligibility, academic qualifications, professional experience and programme-specific admission requirements must all be carefully checked.

View the official ARES International Training Scholarships 2027–2028 call

UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, is a global organization dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children around the world. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNICEF works tirelessly to ensure that every child has access to education, healthcare, and protection from violence and exploitation. As part of its mission, UNICEF offers various career opportunities for individuals passionate about making a difference in children’s lives.

Current Job Openings at UNICEF

UNICEF regularly posts job openings across various functional areas including:

1. Programmes: This area focuses on implementing initiatives that address children’s needs in health, education, nutrition, and protection.
2. External Relations: Roles in this category involve advocacy, fundraising, and partnership development to support UNICEF’s mission.
3. Management: Positions here are aimed at enhancing operational performance through strategic management practices.
4. Executive Management: These roles involve leadership responsibilities that prioritize outcomes for children.

Job categories include International Professionals, National Officers, General Service staff, and Consultants/Individual Contractors. Each category has specific qualifications and experience requirements tailored to the roles available.

To explore current job openings at UNICEF, candidates can visit the UNICEF Jobs page where they can search for positions based on their skills and interests.

How to Apply for Jobs at UNICEF

Applying for a position at UNICEF involves several key steps:

1. Search for Jobs: Begin by visiting the UNICEF Careers page to find open positions that match your skills and interests. You can set up job alerts to receive notifications about new opportunities.

2. Self-Assessment: Conduct an honest self-assessment of your skills and experiences relevant to the position you are interested in. This will help you tailor your application effectively

3. Prepare Your Application:
   • Online Recruitment Profile: Create a comprehensive online profile that highlights your qualifications.
   • CV/Resume: Prepare a concise CV or resume summarizing your professional experience and expertise.
   • Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter addressing why you are suitable for the role based on your previous experiences1.

4. Submit Your Application: Once you have completed your profile and documents, submit your application through the online portal. Be mindful of deadlines as they vary by position.

5. Shortlisting Process: After submission, hiring teams will review applications to shortlist candidates based on eligibility criteria outlined in the job description.

6. Assessment and Outcome Notification: Shortlisted candidates may undergo assessments or interviews before final decisions are made. Candidates will be notified of their application status following these evaluations.

Note: UNICEF states that it does not charge applicants fees at any stage of recruitment, including applications, interviews, travel, processing or training. Be particularly careful with anyone asking for money or banking information in connection with a UNICEF job.

GIZ, the German Corporation for International Cooperation, is a global service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ operates in more than 130 countries worldwide, supporting governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector in various development projects.

Open jobs at GIZ

GIZ offers diverse career opportunities for individuals looking to contribute to sustainable development initiatives globally. The organization seeks professionals with a wide range of skills and expertise to work on projects that aim to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and economic development.

The organization recruits for various roles across different thematic areas such as agriculture, education, health, governance, and environmental sustainability. Positions may range from project management and technical advisory roles to administrative and support functions.

GIZ regularly advertises open positions on its official website ( 46 Open Positions) .

Application Procedure at GIZ

To apply for a position at GIZ, interested candidates typically need to visit the GIZ careers portal on the official website. Here are the general steps involved in the application process:

1. Visit the GIZ career website: Go to the GIZ recruitment portal 
2. Explore job opportunities: On the GIZ website, you can find information about job opportunities and career paths. Visit the “Jobs and Careers” section to learn more about the available positions and the application process.
3. Review job vacancies: Browse through the job vacancies listed on the website to find a position that matches your skills and interests. 
4. Application Submission: Once a suitable position is identified, applicants need to create an account on the GIZ careers portal and complete the online application form. This usually involves uploading a CV/resume, cover letter, and any other required documents.
5. Screening Process: The applications are reviewed by the HR team at GIZ to assess candidates’ qualifications and suitability for the role. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessments or interviews.
6. Interviews and Selection: Successful candidates will be invited for interviews either in person or via video conferencing. The selection process may involve multiple rounds of interviews to evaluate candidates’ skills, experience, and fit with GIZ’s values and mission.
7. Offer and Onboarding: Upon successful completion of the selection process, an offer will be extended to the chosen candidate. The onboarding process will include orientation sessions and training to familiarize new employees with GIZ’s policies, procedures, and expectations

UNICEF continues to advertise consultancy opportunities for professionals working across education, child protection, health, nutrition, climate policy and other areas affecting children. Current and recent postings include home-based, remote, office-based and field assignments in countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

For professionals looking to work with a major international organization without necessarily taking a traditional permanent position, UNICEF consultancy assignments can provide an opportunity to contribute specialist expertise to programmes serving children and families around the world.

UNICEF’s careers portal currently lists a broad range of consultancy positions, including assignments that allow consultants to work from home, sometimes with travel requirements.

UNICEF Consultancy Opportunities at a Glance

UNICEF consultancy assignments vary significantly in terms of location, duration, eligibility and working arrangements. Some are open internationally, while others are restricted to nationals of the country where the assignment is based.

Current and recent opportunities have included:

• Education programme and policy consultancy
• Digital learning and education coordination
• Child protection and social behaviour change
• Health and nutrition
• Climate education and child-responsive climate policy
• Research, evaluation and evidence
• WASH and climate-resilient services
• Social protection and child poverty
• Data and digital systems
• Communications and programme support

Education Consultancy Opportunities

Education remains one of the major areas in which UNICEF engages consultants.

One example listed by UNICEF is a Gateways to Public Digital Learning Initiative Coordination Consultant based in Amman, Jordan, with a 12-month home-based arrangement with travel. The assignment is connected to UNICEF’s education work and digital learning initiatives.

UNICEF has also advertised education consultancy assignments involving education programme implementation, policy development, evaluation and sector planning.

For professionals with experience in education policy, curriculum development, digital learning, education systems, programme management or monitoring and evaluation, UNICEF’s consultancy listings can therefore be an important source of opportunities.

Child Protection and Social Behaviour Change

Child protection is another important area of UNICEF’s consultancy work.

Recent UNICEF listings have included a Social Behaviour Change Consultant supporting the Global Programme Division’s Child Protection work. The consultancy was designed to develop a strategic roadmap for strengthening UNICEF’s global knowledge, learning and thought leadership on social and behaviour change to help prevent harmful practices including female genital mutilation and child marriage.

UNICEF has also advertised consultancy assignments focused on implementing child protection approaches within education systems.

For example, a national consultancy in São Tomé and Príncipe was designed to support the implementation of child protection interventions in schools, including referral pathways, standard operating procedures and child-friendly approaches.

These assignments can be particularly relevant to professionals with backgrounds in child protection, social work, social and behavioural change, education, safeguarding, policy development or programme implementation.

Health, Nutrition and WASH Consultancies

UNICEF consultancy opportunities also extend into health, nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene.

The organization’s consultancy listings have included technical assignments supporting large-scale food fortification and iodine nutrition across West and Central Africa. One such consultancy was structured around technical support to UNICEF’s nutrition agenda and involved work in Abuja with travel across the region.

UNICEF also advertises assignments related to WASH systems, including work examining how systems-strengthening support can improve services and outcomes.

These opportunities may appeal to specialists in public health, nutrition, health systems, WASH, epidemiology, programme management and monitoring and evaluation.

Climate Change and Climate Education

Climate change is increasingly connected to UNICEF’s work because environmental risks can have significant consequences for children’s health, education, safety and well-being.

UNICEF has advertised consultancy assignments focused specifically on climate education and child-responsive climate policy.

For example, a consultancy in Tanzania focused on developing a gender-responsive climate education curricular framework for primary and lower-secondary education. The assignment was structured as home-based work with travel and involved supporting the integration of climate education into national education frameworks.

UNICEF has also advertised roles supporting child-responsive climate policies, plans and programmes, including technical assistance and training related to climate adaptation and disaster-risk prevention.

Professionals with experience in climate policy, environmental policy, education, sustainable development, disaster risk reduction or child-focused climate programming may find these assignments particularly relevant.

Home-Based and Remote UNICEF Consultancies

One of the most attractive features of some UNICEF consultancy assignments is the possibility of working remotely or from home.

However, candidates should read each vacancy carefully because home-based does not always mean completely travel-free.

Some assignments are explicitly described as home-based with travel, while others are remote or work-from-home arrangements. UNICEF also advertises office-based consultancies and assignments that combine office work with travel.

Eligibility can also differ. Some consultancies are open to international applicants, while others are specifically designated for nationals of the relevant country.

What Qualifications Do UNICEF Consultants Need?

Requirements vary considerably depending on the consultancy.

A typical consultancy may require:

• A university degree relevant to the assignment.
• Several years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in the subject area.
• Experience working with governments, international organizations or development partners.
• Strong research, analytical and writing skills.
• Knowledge of relevant policies, programmes or technical standards.
• Strong communication and coordination abilities.

Some assignments require a financial proposal in addition to a CV, cover letter and technical proposal.

Candidates should therefore avoid treating UNICEF consultancies like standard employment vacancies. The application requirements can be highly specific to the individual assignment.

How to Find UNICEF Consultancy Opportunities

The safest way to find current UNICEF consultancy opportunities is through the organization’s official careers portal.

Search UNICEF Consultancy Vacancies

Applicants can search the portal using keywords such as consultant, consultancy, home-based, remote, education, child protection, climate, health, nutrition, WASH and other areas matching their professional expertise.

Because vacancies have individual closing dates, applicants should always check the specific vacancy before preparing an application.

Important Notice for Applicants

UNICEF states that it does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection or hiring process. The organization also says it will not ask applicants for bank account information during the recruitment process.

Candidates should therefore be cautious of anyone claiming to represent UNICEF and requesting money in exchange for an application, interview, appointment or recruitment service.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is inviting applications for an Africa Division Intern based in its Nairobi office, with the internship focusing on human rights research and projects in Uganda and Tanzania. The application deadline is August 27, 2026.

The internship offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience with an international human rights organization while supporting research, media monitoring and other projects related to Uganda and Tanzania.

The position is expected to begin in early October 2026 and continue through January 2027. The schedule is flexible, with HRW ideally seeking interns who can work between 18 and 35 hours per week.

Africa Division Intern: Key Details

• Organization: Human Rights Watch
• Position: Africa Division Intern
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Focus: Uganda and Tanzania
• Internship period: October 2026 to January 2027
• Hours: 18–35 hours per week
• Monthly stipend: KES 30,000 gross, pro-rated according to internship hours
• Application deadline: August 27, 2026
• Work authorization: Valid authorization to work in Kenya is required

What Will the Intern Do?

The successful candidate will support the Africa Division with research and other activities related to HRW’s work in Uganda and Tanzania.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting legal and background research on human rights issues in Uganda and Tanzania.
• Monitoring Ugandan and Tanzanian news media.
• Compiling reports and relevant information from media sources.
• Assisting with the translation of documents in Swahili when required.
• Attending internal meetings and assisting with note-taking and minute-taking.
• Supporting other projects based on the needs of the team and the intern’s interests and abilities.

Interns may also have opportunities to attend lectures, training sessions, professional development workshops and special events related to human rights.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates from accredited undergraduate or graduate programs.

Human Rights Watch is seeking candidates who are:

• Well organized and reliable.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Detail-oriented.
• Strongly interested in human rights issues.
• Familiar with internet-based research.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, Excel and other computer applications.

Relevant academic coursework is highly desirable.

Language Requirements

Proficient reading and writing skills in Swahili are required.

Knowledge of an indigenous Ugandan language would be an additional advantage.

Work Authorization

Applicants who receive an internship offer must have valid work authorization in Kenya for the entire duration of the internship.

Human Rights Watch Internship Stipend

Interns based in Kenya will receive a gross monthly stipend of KES 30,000.

The stipend will be pro-rated according to the number of internship hours and is intended to help offset living expenses in accordance with Human Rights Watch policy and applicable local requirements.

Students may also be able to arrange academic credit for the internship through their educational institutions. Applicants interested in academic credit should check directly with their universities or colleges for applicable requirements.

Why Consider This Human Rights Internship?

The internship provides students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience inside an international human rights organization.

The role combines research, media monitoring, legal research, translation and administrative support. Interns can also gain exposure to HRW staff, other interns and professionals working in the human rights sector.

For candidates interested in human rights, international affairs, law, journalism, research, African affairs or international organizations, the position could provide valuable professional experience.

How to Apply for the HRW Internship

Applicants should submit their applications through the Human Rights Watch online careers portal.

Human Rights Watch Careers Portal

Applicants should attach the following documents:

• CV or résumé
• Letter of interest or cover letter
• Brief writing sample, preferably submitted as a PDF and unedited by others

HRW advises candidates to apply as soon as possible rather than waiting until the deadline.

Only complete applications will be reviewed, and because of the large number of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates experiencing technical problems with the online application can contact internships@hrw.org. However, applications submitted by email will not be accepted.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the Human Rights Watch Africa Division Intern position is August 27, 2026.

The internship is scheduled to begin in early October 2026 and continue through January 2027, with dates and working hours offering some flexibility.

Interested students and recent graduates should review the eligibility requirements and submit a complete application through the HRW careers portal before the deadline.

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