Call for Applications to the Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL) Fellowship 2024 (US$1000 stipend)

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The Paradigm Initiative (PIN) welcomes applications for its virtual 4th Edition of the Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL). Successful applicants will participate in a four-month fellowship programme from 10 August 2024 to 10 December 2024.

Paradigm Initiative (PIN) connects under-served young Africans with digital opportunities and ensures the protection of their rights. They have worked in communities across Nigeria and across Africa, building experience, community trust, and an organisational culture that positions us as a leading non-governmental organisation in ICT for Development and Digital Rights on the continent. Across the regional offices in Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and beyond, they have impacted youth with improved livelihoods through the digital inclusion and digital rights programmes.

Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL) Purpose

To build expertise on digital rights topics among digital rights actors in the Global South.
To increase advocacy skills among digital rights actors for effective policy influencing in the Global South.
To build a network of digital rights advocates in the Global South.

Fellowship Benefits

PIN will provide a US$1000 stipend to the selected fellows, covering participation in the Fellowship.
Fellow submissions will be published on PIN’s website and shared with the digital rights community.
Fellows will be connected to industry experts who will lead sessions.
Fellows will have an opportunity to join the Net Rights Coalition for continuous engagements.
PIN will cover communications costs associated with fellow activities and provide opportunities for fellows to be embedded within the digital rights ecosystem.
The fellowship will provide editorial and technical support for reports/Policy Briefs and guidance on advocacy campaigns.

Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL) Outcomes

Increased expertise among fellows on digital rights topics
Increased advocacy skills among digital rights actors
Improved participation in digital rights networks

Fellows’ Responsibilities

Fellows will be expected to dedicate at least 10 hours per month to the fellowship spread across two meetings and assigned activities during the fellowship.
The fellows will be expected to publish research and deliver an advocacy campaign on digital rights or digital inclusion in Africa and India.
Fellows may have an opportunity to travel to the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) in April 2025 in Lusaka, Zambia and host a session.
The fellowship will end with a closing ceremony on 11 December 2024. The fellowship is open to potential fellows living in Africa and India.

Target Audience

Potential candidates must be early-career individuals with at least two years of experience as technology or social innovators, media practitioners, researchers, policy experts, and/or entrepreneurs.

Region Focus for Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL)

Africa and India

Eligibility Criteria for Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL)

Fellows must have relevant undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications and be exceptional individuals who will bring new learnings and innovations and gain exposure to the digital ecosystem.