2016 Legacy International and Bridges Center (LIBC) Professional Fellows Program for Young Professionals from North Africa (Fully Funded)

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Morocco and Tunisia Application deadline: DECEMBER 15, 2015

 Egypt and Algeria: Opens January 2016

The Legacy International and Bridges Center (LIBC) is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for its 2016 Professional Fellows Program (PFP). This two-way citizen exchange program is a capacity-building and professional development initiative that serves individuals working in civil society in Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.

This program is designed for  early- to mid-career professionals, with strong leadership skills, who are and who are committed to making a lasting positive impact  in their communities through civil society (NGO/CSO/Associations).   Areas of interest may include, but are not limited to:

• Public health
• Social Development
• Women and children’s issues
• Rule of law
• Arts and culture
• Education reform
• Transparency
• Free speech and media
• Youth engagement
• Human rights
• Citizen participation

Eligible candidates must be:

• A resident and citizen of Egypt, Algeria, Morocco or Tunisia
• Between 25 and 40 years of age
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)
• Have two years minimum experience with local NGO’s, advocacy and reform organizations and networks, civil society organizations, unions, or other related fields.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have NOT previously traveled to the U.S. on a government-sponsored exchange program.

Program Details

• 34 Fellows are selected from four countries (8-9 each from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia)
• Fellows will participate in a month-long, fellowship placement in an American organization, including service organizations, advocacy groups, grassroots organizations, federal agencies, and congressional offices.
• DATES:  Spring delegation (Tunisia and Morocco): May 6 to June 8, 2016
•  Fall Delegation: (Egypt and Algeria) October 9-November 13,  2016.

Selected fellow will learn:

• Effective practices in organizational management (staff training, human resources, program evaluation)
• Increase ability to run effective outreach and public relations programs
• Acquire new skills to engage with policymakers and government officials
• Fundraising and proposal writing skills
• Exchange best practices with American peers in their field

How does the selection process work?

• Participants are selected through a merit-based, competitive application process.
• Each complete application is read by at least two evaluators who have been trained to evaluate and score applications and who have experience with prior exchange programs.
• Evaluators are asked to assess applicants’ level of commitment and motivation for involvement in the exchange and demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Evaluators review a candidate’s essays, resume and work experience. Applicants are also encouraged to articulate clearly how the study of governance,  civil society, and politics is linked to their current and future professional goals.
• Successful applicants tend to be those who are able to effectively articulate both the impact they would like to make and demonstrate how they intend to do so.

Semi-finalists will be interviewed by a 3-person interview panel in your country in January 2016.  Application materials and interview reports are then reviewed by a selection panel at Legacy International’s headquarters in the United States. The selection committee seeks a diverse group of participants. Finalists will be notified and then apply for the necessary visa (called a J-1 visa).

Apply Now for the 2016 Legacy International and Bridges Center (LIBC) Professional Fellows Program

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the 2016 Legacy International and Bridges Center (LIBC) Professional Fellows Program