One Acre Fund Future Leaders Program 2026: How to Apply for the 12-Month Paid Fellowship

Applications are now open for the 2026 Future Leaders Program by One Acre Fund. This 12-month, full-time leadership development programme is designed for high-potential professionals seeking to build impactful careers in agriculture, rural development, and the social enterprise sector across Africa.

The programme offers a structured pathway for professionals who want to combine career advancement with measurable social impact. With hands-on project execution, executive mentorship, and exposure to large-scale agricultural operations, the Future Leaders Program stands out as a competitive opportunity within the African development job market in 2026.

Program Overview

The Future Leaders Program immerses participants in real-time operational and strategic initiatives within One Acre Fund’s agricultural systems.

Selected fellows work closely with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to drive projects that improve farmer productivity, strengthen internal systems, and scale sustainable impact across rural communities.

Participants are expected to transform high-level strategic priorities into structured execution plans. They will build operational frameworks, develop partnerships, and apply data-driven insights to inform business decisions. The programme emphasizes leadership, accountability, measurable outcomes, and long-term scalability.

For professionals interested in international development jobs, agriculture management careers, or nonprofit leadership roles, this programme provides hands-on experience in large-scale social enterprise operations.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2026 Future Leaders Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Applicants must have the legal right to work in at least one of One Acre Fund’s countries of operation, including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Burundi, or Malawi. The organisation does not sponsor work permits.

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from a recognized institution.

Applicants should possess two to four years of relevant professional work experience.

Strong working proficiency in English is required.

Fluency in additional languages such as Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Amharic, Chichewa, or French is considered an added advantage.

Key Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate strong project management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Applicants should be able to convert strategy documents into clear, structured, and executable project plans.

Experience in designing systems, processes, or partnerships from the ground up is highly valued.

Strong analytical ability is essential, including the use of data and sound business judgment to guide operational and strategic decisions.

While prior experience in agriculture, rural development, consulting, or social enterprises is advantageous, it is not mandatory. Professionals from corporate, startup, or development sector backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Program Benefits and Career Growth Opportunities

Participants in the Future Leaders Program receive direct mentorship from senior leadership within One Acre Fund, providing exposure to executive decision-making and strategic planning.

Fellows gain hands-on experience working on high-priority operational and growth initiatives that deliver measurable social and economic impact.

The programme includes structured leadership training and professional development support to strengthen management and execution skills.

Participants also benefit from exposure to large-scale agricultural systems and social enterprise management models across Africa.

Upon successful completion of the programme, high-performing fellows may be considered for long-term employment opportunities within One Acre Fund, depending on organisational needs and individual performance.

Important Application Information

One Acre Fund does not support work permit applications. All applicants must already have the legal right to work in one of the eligible countries at the time of application.

Given the competitive nature of funded leadership development programmes and international nonprofit career opportunities, candidates are advised to prepare strong applications highlighting measurable achievements and professional impact.

How to Apply for the One Acre Fund Future Leaders Program 2026

Interested and qualified professionals can submit their applications through the official One Acre Fund recruitment portal.

Early applications are strongly encouraged, as leadership development fellowships and paid social impact programmes in Africa typically attract a high number of qualified applicants.