Trustee-in-Training Fellowship 2026: FirstRand Empowerment Foundation 12–24 months

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) Trustee-in-Training Fellowship is a unique opportunity for young professionals under 35 years to gain exposure to board governance, strategic decision-making, and leadership development within a high-impact social development context.

This programme is offered by FirstRand in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Programme Overview

Position: Trustee-in-Training Fellow
Location: Johannesburg
Type: Part-time fellowship
Duration: 12–24 months
Time Commitment: 2–6 hours per week, approximately 16 days per annum
Closing Date: 06 March 2026

The fellowship offers exposure to the FREF board of trustees and committee work, providing insights into governance, financial oversight, and strategic planning.

Purpose of the Fellowship

FREF was established to:

Address poverty and inequality in South Africa
Promote B-BBEE through public benefit activities
Develop the next generation of leaders who understand business’s role in society

The Trustee-in-Training programme allows fellows to:

Gain board-level exposure
Develop skills in governance, leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement
Participate in board committee deliberations
Contribute perspectives of youth in social and financial development initiatives

Participant Selection Criteria

Candidates must:

Be under 35 years old at appointment
Hold at least a 3-year degree or equivalent
Demonstrate interest in social development, youth development, and systemic change
Show engagement in relevant activities such as volunteering, community activism, or NGO work
Have work experience; public sector experience is advantageous
Be able to present youth perspectives in board discussions
Preferably be alumni of FirstRand Foundation International Scholarship Programme or associated empowerment partners

Desirable Personal Characteristics

Successful fellows are expected to:

Listen, analyse, and think creatively
Work well individually and in groups
Prepare for and attend board and committee meetings
Take responsibility and follow through on assignments
Exhibit honesty, integrity, and sensitivity to differing views
Demonstrate leadership, community-building skills, and professionalism

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Requirements for Successful Applicants

Full participation in FREF board and committee meetings
Active involvement in social investment programme activities
Engagement for 12–24 months, with reporting and reflection at programme end
Participation in assessment and review by the Trustee Affairs and Governance Committee
Commitment to learning and development as defined by the foundation

Application Documents

Candidates must submit:

Completed application form
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Certified copy of South African ID
Motivation letter (max 1000 words)
Short reference/recommendation letter (max 1000 words)

Why Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for young professionals seeking:

Hands-on governance experience
Exposure to strategic decision-making at board level
Development of leadership, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement skills
A pathway to future senior executive roles

FREF provides a high-impact learning environment and a platform to contribute to social change while developing your professional skills.

Mbalizuke Nkosi

Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to sharing opportunities, education updates, and career development information. The editorial team focuses on producing clear, reliable, and easy-to-understand content for students, job seekers, and young professionals.

With a strong interest in youth empowerment, skills development, and access to opportunities, Youth Admin curates and publishes content covering learnerships, internships, bursaries, and study guides across South Africa.

The aim of Mbalizuke Nkosi is to simplify important information and make it accessible to young people who are building their future careers.