Application Guide

How to Apply for Re- Advertisement- Sustaining Defenders Programme Intern (Francophone)

at Urgent Action Fund-Africa

🏢 About Urgent Action Fund-Africa

Urgent Action Fund-Africa is a feminist pan-African fund that provides rapid response grants to support women's rights and feminist movements in Africa. What makes it unique is its focus on unanticipated, time-sensitive initiatives and its commitment to feminist principles, including trust-based grantmaking and supporting grassroots activists. Working here means contributing to a nimble, values-driven organization that prioritizes the safety and well-being of women human rights defenders.

About This Role

As a Sustaining Defenders Programme Intern, you will be the first point of contact for Francophone applicants, managing grant applications from receipt to review. This role is impactful because it directly supports women human rights defenders in crisis, ensuring they receive timely funding and support. You'll also conduct due diligence and coordinate with advisors, gaining hands-on experience in feminist grantmaking and movement building.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start by checking the grant application inbox and acknowledging new submissions in French and English. You’ll then assign applications to the review committee, coordinate with advisors for endorsements, and conduct online due diligence meetings with potential grantees. You’ll also update tracking systems and respond to applicant queries, ensuring timely communication throughout.

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🎯 Who Urgent Action Fund-Africa Is Looking For

  • A degree in Social Sciences, Women’s Studies, Political Science, International Development, Law, or related fields, with a strong understanding of feminist and human rights frameworks.
  • Fluent in both French and English (written and spoken) to communicate effectively with Francophone applicants and English-speaking team members.
  • 1-2 years of experience in grantmaking, including reviewing proposals, conducting due diligence, and managing grant cycles.
  • Highly organized and able to multitask, with excellent attention to detail and ability to handle multiple applications simultaneously.

📝 Tips for Applying to Urgent Action Fund-Africa

1

Highlight your grantmaking experience explicitly, including examples of reviewing proposals and conducting due diligence.

2

Demonstrate your fluency in French and English by submitting a bilingual cover letter or mentioning specific translation/interpretation work.

3

Show your understanding of feminist principles and trust-based philanthropy, as UAF-Africa values these in grantmaking.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with women’s rights, human rights, or social justice organizations.

5

Mention any experience working remotely or with distributed teams, as this role is fully remote.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your commitment to feminist values and women’s rights in Africa, and how your background aligns with UAF-Africa’s mission.', 'Highlight your bilingual French-English skills and provide examples of using both languages in professional settings.', 'Describe your grantmaking experience, particularly with rapid response or emergency funding, and your ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.', 'Explain why you are interested in this specific internship and how it fits your career goals in feminist philanthropy.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read UAF-Africa’s annual reports and strategic plans to understand their grantmaking priorities and impact.
  • → Familiarize yourself with their rapid response grantmaking model and how it differs from traditional philanthropy.
  • → Learn about the Sustaining Defenders Programme and its focus on supporting women human rights defenders in crisis.
  • → Explore UAF-Africa’s feminist principles and how they operationalize trust-based philanthropy.
Visit Urgent Action Fund-Africa's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you handle a high volume of grant applications while ensuring each gets thorough attention?
2 Describe your experience conducting due diligence on potential grantees. What key factors do you consider?
3 How do you ensure effective communication with Francophone applicants who may have limited English?
4 What feminist principles guide your approach to grantmaking, and how do they align with UAF-Africa’s values?
5 Tell us about a time you had to multitask and prioritize tasks. How did you manage your time?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter without mentioning UAF-Africa’s specific mission or feminist approach.
  • Overlooking the requirement for 1-2 years of grantmaking experience; ensure your resume clearly shows this.
  • Not demonstrating fluency in French; provide evidence such as language certificates or examples of work in French.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 6, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Urgent Action Fund-Africa!

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