Designed and implemented by The DO School Fellowships and funded by Mercedes-Benz , beVisioneers was launched in 2023 to equip young people with the tools, resources, skills and networks needed to implement and scale environmental projects.
Job Summary
- Employer: The DO School Fellowships gGmbH
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Environmental Innovation
- Closing Date: 2027-01-31
Key Responsibilities
- During the first 12 months, Fellows develop the skills, knowledge and networks required to launch a market-tested prototype.
- Participants receive access to venture coaching, mentoring, innovation training and project support.
- During the Acceleration Year, Fellows focus on scaling their ventures into sustainable impact projects addressing environmental challenges.
- Fellows gain deeper access to: Venture coaching, Scaling mentors, Skills-gap workshops, Project scholarships, Cost-of-living support, Global summits, Expert workshops, Network events.
Requirements
- Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old on 31 January 2027 , the application closing date.
- Candidates should have either: An environmental project or prototype already in development; or A strong planet-positive idea and readiness to build it.
- Only residents of the following countries will be considered during this admissions round: Albania, Andorra, Åland Islands, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jersey, Kenya, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States and Zimbabwe .
- Applicants should therefore have a good written and spoken command of English. English proficiency will be assessed through applicants’ written application responses and interview video.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to apply for the beVisioneers Mercedes-Benz Fellowship?
You typically need a secondary school certificate with strong results, and tertiary education in environmental science, engineering, business, or related fields is highly advantageous. Demonstrated passion for sustainability through projects, volunteering, or community initiatives often matters more than formal credentials alone.
What would my day-to-day responsibilities look like in this Environmental Innovation fellowship?
You will collaborate with local and international teams to develop sustainable solutions, conduct field research in Zimbabwean communities, and prototype environmental innovations. Expect regular virtual meetings with global mentors alongside hands-on implementation work in your local context.
How does work culture in Zimbabwean environmental sectors typically operate?
Zimbabwean workplaces value respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and relationship-building before task execution. You should expect collaborative team environments with formal communication channels, though innovation roles may offer more flexibility than traditional corporate settings.
What career progression paths exist after completing this fellowship?
Fellows often advance into project management roles within NGOs, sustainability consulting positions, or social entrepreneurship ventures across Southern Africa. The Mercedes-Benz network can open doors to corporate sustainability departments or further international fellowships and graduate studies.
What benefits are typically included in contract-based fellowships in Zimbabwe?
Benefits vary significantly by funder but may include stipends for living expenses, travel allowances for project work, and sometimes health coverage or professional development funds. Always clarify these details in your contract, as Zimbabwean labour law protections differ for fellowships versus permanent employment.
How should I prepare my application to stand out to selectors in Zimbabwe?
Highlight concrete environmental projects you have led or contributed to in your community, such as waste management initiatives or renewable energy pilots. Secure strong references from teachers, employers, or community leaders who can speak to your initiative, and tailor your motivation letter to Zimbabwe's specific environmental challenges like deforestation or water scarcity.
