Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) Fellowship Program for African Students 2021

The Fellowship Program at the office of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (“PCA”) in Mauritius offers nationals of African countries who are recent law graduates and young legal professionals the opportunity to work at an international arbitration institution for up to twelve months. The Fellow will gain experience in the operations of the PCA’s Mauritius Office, with an emphasis on both the practical and legal aspects of international arbitration. The Fellow will hold the title of Assistant Legal Counsel during the Fellowship.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration is an intergovernmental organization established by the 1899 Hague Convention on the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes. The PCA has 122 Contracting Parties. Headquartered at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands, the PCA facilitates arbitration, conciliation, fact-finding, and other dispute resolution proceedings among various combinations of States, State entities, intergovernmental organizations, and private parties. The PCA’s Mauritius Office was established in September 2010 in order to assist with the discharge of the Secretary-General’s functions under the Mauritian International Arbitration Act 2008, and with the promotion of Mauritius as a venue for international arbitration and PCA services throughout the African region.

About Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)

Established in 1899 to facilitate arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution between states, the PCA has developed into a modern, multi-faceted arbitral institution perfectly situated to meet the evolving dispute resolution needs of the international community.

PCA Fellowship Program

Aim and Benefits of PCA Fellowship Program

• The Fellow at the PCA’s Mauritius Office receives a monthly allowance of EUR 1,100.
• No other remuneration of any kind shall be paid.
• The Fellow must have adequate health insurance for the period to be eligible.
• If you are selected and you require a travel visa to take up the Fellowship, the PCA will provide documentation in support of your application

Requirements for PCA Fellowship Program Qualification

• A law degree that qualifies the applicant to apply for bar admission in their home jurisdiction (through examination, traineeship, or otherwise) is a minimum requirement. The program is open to applicants whose qualifications exceed this minimum requirement (e.g., advanced law degree candidates and holders, practicing lawyers, and other legal professionals).
• Fluency in English and French are required. Additional language skills are a strong advantage, especially Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese.
• Knowledge of the Mauritius International Arbitration Act 2008 and Mauritian jurisprudence in arbitration is desirable.
• Specialization in international dispute resolution or public international law is an asset.
• IT literacy is required (in particular regarding MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel). IT literacy in supplementary software (e.g. MS Publisher) is desirable.

Interview date, Process and Venue for PCA Fellowship Program

Fellowships are awarded to individuals with outstanding academic and/or professional records who meet the qualifications outlined above, and who seek work experience in the field of international arbitration. Although there is no formal interview process, an official of the PCA may contact an applicant by telephone or e-mail if further information or clarification is required with regard to the application.

Documents Required for Application

Send an email to [email protected] attaching a single PDF comprising an application package with the following documents in English:

1. A carefully written cover letter that indicates (a) how you expect to benefit from the program; (b) how you can contribute to the PCA’s Mauritius Office; and (c) a brief description of areas of interest and knowledge of law.
2. A curriculum vitae;
3. A letter of recommendation from a professor or senior professional;
4. Copies of academic transcripts (scans or photos are sufficient)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit PCA website.