
Join the NRC Volunteer Program
Help identify and profile 6,000+ impactful changemakers across Africa for the NESA-Africa 2025 Awards
About the NRC Program
The NESA Nominee Research Corps (NRC) is a specialized volunteer taskforce responsible for the critical pre-nomination research phase of NESA-Africa 2025. Our volunteers ensure quality, credibility, and balanced representation across all award categories before public nominations open.
Our Mission
Compile a verified database of 6,000+ changemakers worthy of recognition across Africa and the diaspora.
Quality Assurance
Ensure each nominee is documented with verifiable information reflecting impact and alignment with core values.
Global Impact
Support a seamless launch of public nominations and ensure balanced representation across all regions.
Volunteer Responsibilities
As an NRC volunteer, you'll play a crucial role in building the foundation for Africa's most prestigious education awards.
Key Responsibilities
- Research and document 200+ verified nominee profiles
- Validate achievements and impact stories
- Ensure alignment with SDG 4, AU Agenda 2063, and ESG principles
- Submit profiles through structured digital forms
- Participate in weekly check-in calls
- Tag entries with appropriate award categories
Ideal Volunteer Profile
- Passionate about education and Africa's development
- Excellent research and writing skills
- Basic knowledge of SDG/Agenda 2063/ESG concepts
- Familiar with digital tools (Google Sheets, Docs, online forms)
- Committed to completing 200+ profiles in 30 days
- Available for remote work during engagement period
Program Structure
The NRC operates in two strategic phases to ensure comprehensive coverage and quality data collection.
1Staff & Volunteer Research Phase
August 15 – October 15, 2025
- Internal verification of subcategory structures
- Research and pre-upload of 6,000+ nominees
- Coordination with local chapters and regional teams
2Public Nomination Phase
September 1 – November 15, 2025
- Public nominations for outstanding changemakers
- Profile uploads via NESA-Africa platform
- Validation of incoming nominations
Regional Coverage
North Africa
Algeria, Morocco, Egypt...
East Africa
Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda...
Central Africa
Cameroon, DRC...
West Africa
Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal...
Southern Africa
South Africa, Zambia...
Diaspora
UK, USA, France, Caribbean...
Who Can Join the NESA-NRC?
NESA-NRC is a special task force of researchers, education advocates, and data curators mobilized to identify and document changemakers across Africa and the diaspora.
How to Apply
Platform Access
- Secure login credentials for NRC Portal
- Access to nomination forms and dashboards
- Data curation and management tools
Nomination Process
- Africa Icon Blue Garnet Awards (Lifetime Impact)
- Gold Certificate Awards (Competitive)
- Platinum Certificate Recognition (Institutions)
Internal Staff
SCEF/NESA Team Members
Core team members with expertise in education, project management, or regional knowledge.
- Platform testing and validation
- Pre-populate high-priority subcategories
- Ensure national representation
- Coordinate with DevOps and content teams
How to Apply:
Internal staff are assigned based on expertise. SCEF/NESA team members can express interest through the internal portal.
Regional Volunteers
Africa & Diaspora
Selected representatives from African countries and major diaspora regions.
- Research and nominee interviews
- Data uploads and verification
- Social impact alignment checks
- Geographic subcategory management
How to Apply:
Apply through the NRC Portal. Selection based on regional representation and research capabilities. Must commit to at least 3 subcategories.
International Observers
Research Fellows
Specialists and diaspora professionals with expertise in African education.
- Advisory contributions
- Endorsement support
- Data research assistance
- Institutional nominations
How to Apply:
Submit your expertise profile and areas of interest. Selected based on experience in African education and research.
General Public
Public Nomination Role
Open to anyone from Africa or the diaspora starting September 1, 2025.
- Submit nominee details
- Provide nomination justification
- Upload supporting materials
- Share impact evidence
How to Apply:
Access opens September 1, 2025. Submit nominations through the public portal with required documentation and justification.
Verification & Publishing Process
Impact Alignment
Entries validated against SDG 4, ESG principles, and AU Agenda 2063 goals
Authentication
Verification of nominee track record and credentials
Documentation
Review of public-facing work and supporting evidence
Benefits & AGC Rewards
Join a meaningful mission while earning recognition and AGC tokens for your valuable contributions.
Digital Certificate of Service
Official recognition as NESA-NRC Volunteer Officer
SCEF Membership
Free 1-year SCEF Membership with exclusive benefits
Priority Access
VIP access to all NESA Week 2025 events
Media Feature
Featured spotlight on NESA TV or 'It's In Me Radio'
AGC Wallet Rewards
Earn AGC tokens for verified nominee entries
AGC Token Incentives
Earn AGC tokens for your research contributions and performance
First 10 Uploads
5 AGC total
(partially withdrawable)
Weekly Best Researcher
3 AGC bonus
Verified Entry
0.5 AGC
(non-withdrawable)
Program Timeline
A structured approach to identifying and documenting Africa's education changemakers
Aug 10–17
Orientation & Kickoff
- Portal access setup
- Training sessions
- Team briefing
Aug 18–Sept 15
Initial Research Phase
- Nominee research
- Weekly uploads
- Team coordination
Sept 16–Oct 20
Intensive Upload Phase
- Bulk data entry
- Internal validation
- Quality checks
Oct 21–Nov 20
Finalization Phase
- Final edits
- Handover prep
- Documentation
Nov 21–30
Program Wrap-up
- Recognition ceremony
- Report submission
- Award preparations
Tools & Platforms
Access a suite of powerful tools to streamline your research and collaboration
NESA NRC Portal
Secure platform for nominee data upload and management
- Dashboard access
- Data entry forms
- Validation tools
Collaboration Tools
Efficient team coordination and file management
- Google Drive/Sheets
- Asana/Trello
- Document templates
Communication Platforms
Team communication and training channels
- Telegram/WhatsApp groups
- Weekly Zoom meetings
- Training sessions
Ready to Make an Impact?
Join 30 passionate volunteers in building the foundation for Africa's most prestigious education awards. Applications close July 14, 2025.