EnerTracks Fellowship
Six-week training equipping participants with all essentials for successful policy work to drive transformation
Impressions
About our Fellowship
The EnerTracks Fellowship is a six-week part-time training programme that combines theory with practical project development and research, aiming to strengthen participants’ profiles as energy transition policy experts. Agora has developed a holistic course, covering the four pillars that are essential for successful policy work: technical expertise, policy analysis, communication and advocacy, and stakeholder collaboration and engagement.
For the duration of six weeks, a small group of nine Fellows is invited to the Agora Energiewende office in Berlin, Germany. During this period, the Fellows continue working part-time for their home institution while participating in training sessions that are prepared and facilitated by Agora Energiewende energy experts. These multidisciplinary sessions cover a variety of topics such as energy markets, power system flexibility, stakeholder messaging and research methodologies. Online and reading materials, as well as group discussions, complement each of these sessions.
With the support of their Agora Energiewende mentors, each Fellow tackles one specific transformation topic of their choice. The topic should be relevant from the perspective of the Fellow’s home institution, with the intention of transferring lessons learned to their domestic work. Several “case clinics” allow Fellows to discuss their ongoing projects with peers and mentors to obtain valuable feedback, reflection and advice.
“Taking part in the EnerTracks Fellowship was the highlight of my year. The programme equipped me to think through the energy transition challenges Kenya and Africa face in a more holistic way. Up to today, my policy and research work continues to reflect many aspects I gained through the Fellowship.”
Our upcoming trainings
What to expect
Over the course of the 6-week EnerTracks Fellowship programme, participants will receive:
- Circa 45 hours of tailored sessions delivered and prepared by the Agora Energiewende teams
- Inclusion in the day-to-day work of Agora Energiewende’s Berlin office
- One-to-one mentoring from Agora Energiewende experts
- A trip to Brussels, including expert sessions on the EU energy transition, visits to important political sites, and the Agora Energiewende Brussels office
Upon completion of the programme participants will receive:
- A certificate documenting participation
- Access to the Alumni Network
Who is eligible
To be considered eligible for the Fellowship, participants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Applicants must be a national of an Official Development Aid (ODA recipient) country.
- Applicants must be currently employed or affiliated with a think tank or other civil society organisation and/or an academic body researching energy policy or another relevant field (exceptions see below). Unfortunately, currently enrolled bachelor’s/master’s university students and job seekers are not eligible to join our programmes.
- Applicants must have around five years of professional experience in the energy or climate sector at the time of application. We’re looking for participants with leadership potential who are at a “tipping point” stage in their careers, rather than those who fit a particular age requirement.
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited university, in economics, environmental science, engineering, political science, or similar (master’s degree preferred).
- Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Applicants should have a sincere interest in tackling climate change issues and the energy transformation in their home country.
- Applicants should possess a high level of intellectual curiosity and humility.
Our training package
The Fellowship takes place in-person in Berlin. To facilitate participants’ travel to and stay in Berlin, the following training package – including modest financial support – is offered to all participants:
- A letter of support for visa processes
- A travel grant covering half of the costs (up to max. 450€) of participants’ international travel expenses (excluding visa costs)
- All-expenses paid accommodation in Berlin
- Berlin-wide public transport tickets for the duration of the Fellowship
- A modest daily stipend
- International travel health insurance for the duration of the Fellowship
The following costs must be borne by the participant:
- Any costs or fees connected to visa processes
- Travel costs for transport to and from airports
- Other personal costs arising during the time in Berlin
