Professional Fellows Program 2018 for young Professionals from North Africa (Fully Funded to USA)

Application Deadline:

Morocco and Tunisia Application deadline: Nov 30, 2017

 Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon and Libya :  Accepting applications beginning in February 2018

The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) for the Middle East and North Africa is a fully funded 6-week program (including a 4-week fellowship placement) in the U.S. for young professionals committed to empowering their communities through innovation and entrepreneurship, socially responsible businesses, and workforce development.

 Spring 2018 Program Dates: 21 April -2 June open to fellows from Morocco and Tunisia.
Fall 2018 Program Dates: 6 October-17 November Open to fellows from Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon and Libya.

Requirements:

• Entrepreneurs, and Social Innovators
• Small & medium business Owners and Managers who are investing in innovative socially conscious products and programs
• Individuals working in Civil Society/NGOs working on youth workforce training and development, increasing the role of marginalized populations in the economy, building financial literacy, training in technology use and IT development, and other efforts around economic empowerment
• Individuals working in  University incubators, accelerators, and job-readiness programs, and programs focusing on business development, financial literacy, sustainable tourism, or economic development.
• Individuals working in Government Agencies/Ministries, national policy offices, think-tanks, and offices working to increase the presence of underrepresented citizens in the economy.

Eligibility:

• 25-40 Years old
• A current citizen and resident of: Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, or Lebanon
• Speak fluent to English (enough to work full-time in a US fellowship)
•  Have at least two years‘ work experience in their field
• Currently employed
• Interest in hosting reciprocal program for Americans in your country
• Able to convene 25 or more colleagues for post-trip briefings, presentations, and project work
• Have demonstrated strong leadership skills and commitment to community
•  Demonstrates initiative, teamwork, and openness
•  Preference will be given to those who have not previously traveled on a U.S. government funded program.

The Professional Fellows Program is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and administered by Legacy International with assistance from multiple  partners in the United Stated and  the MENA region.

Benefits:

Selected fellow will learn:

• Effective practices in business management (developing a business plan, financing and accounting, human resource management, marketing, strategic planning, and networking, etc.);
• principles of social entrepreneurship and increase the ability to run effective community outreach and public relations campaigns;
• Best practices from American colleagues in workforce development, gain exposure to models and innovative and practical ideas and tools in increase effectiveness of these programs;
• Increase the ability to think “outside of the box,” and spark creative, innovative approaches to problems, products, and marketplaces;
• Acquire new skills and strategies to engage effectively with policymakers and government officials;
• Form new or improved strategic partnerships.

 Other Program Components

• Both the spring and fall programs will conclude with a 4-day “Professional Fellows Congress” in Washington, DC. This event will bring approximately 350  fellows from around the world together at the end of their fellowship. Fellows will have the opportunity to build relationships with fellows from dozens of countries and learn the tools of effective leadership.

•  Each fellows will spend time developing an idea for a follow-on project to be implemented upon returning home.  Fellows will participate in a number of training sessions to learn project design skills and write a project proposal during their time in the US.
• US delegates who acted as hosts or mentors during the US immersion segment will be selected to travel to Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, or Tunisia to co-lead training seminars and gain first-hand knowledge of the country and its people. Fellows will assist in planning the US Delegation’s visit and hosting them.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Professional Fellows Program 2018