2024 Advocacy Fellows Program

AVAC’s Advocacy Fellows Program expands and strengthens the capacity of civil society advocates and organizations to monitor, support and help shape HIV prevention research and rapid rollout of new effective interventions in low- and middle-income countries facing substantial HIV burdens.

The program provides intensive support to emerging and mid-career advocates to execute advocacy projects addressing locally identified gaps and priorities. Fellows receive comprehensive training, financial backing, and technical assistance to strategize and execute a targeted 18-month project hosted by an organization within their country.

While HIV biomedical prevention advocacy remains central, they encourage projects with a strong focus on health equity, structural considerations, and links to TB, STIs, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Advocacy projects related to pandemic prevention, preparedness and response are also welcomed.

Benefits and Role of Host Organizations and Supervisors

• The Host Supervisor is expected to use a small percentage of their time to oversee the Fellow, guide their work, ensure the project is integrated into the Host Organization’s activities and ensure others in the organization are kept abreast of the Fellow’s project.
• The Host Supervisor and the Host Organization’s representatives will have the opportunity to develop their health-advocacy knowledge and skills and expand their network in exchange for hosting and supervision of the Fellow. The organization receives financial support to administer the grant and compensation towards supervision efforts.

Program duration: April 2024 through September 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

• Emerging or mid-career community leaders and advocates who want to advance their advocacy skills and advocate for HIV, SRHR, STI, TB, and pandemic prevention and preparedness.
• Individuals with experience or education in HIV or public health, or in advocacy for key populations (e.g., sex workers, LGBTQIA+ individuals, pregnant individuals, people who use drugs) or for social and economic justice.
• Based in low- and middle-income countries with substantial HIV burdens and ongoing HIV prevention research or introduction of new interventions.
• Please note that for 2024 fellowships, priority focus lies in Eastern and Southern Africa.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.

For more information, visit AVAC.