Application Deadline: August 2013
Acumen’s East Africa Fellows Program is providing the opportunity for emerging leaders to receive world-class training and collaborate with like-minded individuals so that they can be the change that East Africa needs.
During the fellowship year, Fellows remain in their jobs and meet every 6-8 weeks throughout the year for 4 seminars and 2 collaborative projects, each about a week long. In addition to the three core areas of Acumen’s leadership model, Fellows also meet with prominent leaders from across sectors, and create strong relationships with their cohort and Acumen Fellows Alumni around the world.
Hundreds of NGOs exist in East Africa, and millions of dollars in foreign assistance reach the region each year, yet many are still living in poverty. 75% of East Africa’s population lives in rural areas, most of whom are smallholder farmers living on less than $2 per day. In urban areas, 60% of the population live in slums and lack basic services like water, sanitation, and electricity.
The next phase of development in East Africa must take a drastically different direction, a direction guided by a new generation of East African leaders who are willing to challenge broken systems, who possess an unwavering moral compass, and who can see opportunity where others see only challenges.
FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
Fellows learn about Acumen’s model and leadership philosophy, explore the philosophical roots of a just society through discussions based on the Socratic method, and set leadership goals for the fellowship year.
MORAL IMAGINATION SEMINAR
The core of this seminar is a multi-day workshop focused on adaptive leadership facilitated by the Cambridge Leadership Associates. Through this training, Fellows evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, clarify their purpose in life, and apply the concept of adaptive leadership to changing the world.
FINANCIAL SKILLS SEMINAR
Fellows learn key financial tools for social impact leaders – including personal finance, basic business economics, and ethics. During this seminar, Income/Outcome leads a business simulation designed to engage individuals at any level of financial skill.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE SEMINAR
This seminar features a design thinking workshop facilitated by IDEO.org in which Fellows apply the human-centered design process to a real-life social problem. Fellows also learn about project management, organizational structure, and best practices in scaling social impact organizations.
HOW TO APPLY
Each year, the East Africa Fellows Program brings together up to 20 emerging leaders from different regions, sectors, and socio-economic backgrounds in East Africa.
WHO BECOMES A REGIONAL FELLOW?
- Entrepreneurs and leaders within organizations (for-profit, non-profit, and government) with a compelling social change project that has been operating for the last 2-3 years
- Individuals who plan to continue developing their initiative for the duration of the program
- Individuals with a deep passion and commitment to East Africa
- Individuals with a proven track record of leadership and management responsibilities
- Individuals with unrelenting perseverance, personal integrity and critical thinking skills
THE SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for this program is very rigorous and highly competitive. Here is a general timeline of the process:
- Online Applications: July to August 2013
- Telephone Interviews: September to October 2013
- In-Person Interviews: November 2013
- Final Selection: December 2013
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The online application consists of:
- Background information
- Resume/CV
- Two references
- Short & long answer questions
Application Instructions: For more guidance on how to answer the application questions, please click here.
Downloadable Application Form: If you are unable to submit an application online because of internet connectivity issues, you may send us a paper application.The application form and mailing instructions will be available in July 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions: For a list of Frequently Asked Questions and their answers, please click here.
Click here to Apply Now for the 2013 Acumen East Africa Fellowship Programme