Oxfam Young Leaders Fellowship Programme 2024 by Asia Centre [Monthly Stipend of Rs. 33k; 9 months]: Apply by May 19

Applications are invited for the Oxfam Young Leaders Fellowship Programme 2024. The application deadline is May 19, 2024.

About Asia Centre

Asia Centre is a research institute that aims to create a social impact in the region. It was first established in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2015, and in 2018, a second Centre was established in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. In 2021, the Asia Centre was granted the UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status. It serves as a knowledge partner, undertaking evidence-based research on issues affecting the Asian region and developing toolkits for CSOs, development aid agencies, INGOs, media workers, and policy-makers. It convenes events such as conferences, seminars, webinars and workshops and amplifies its advocacy by producing digital content for media and social media to widen public engagement.

About Fellowship

Development challenges continue to rise in many parts of Asia as democratic civic engagements fall due to repressions and restrictions, raising concerns about inequality, social justice, gender rights, and climate change is becoming a challenge amid rising authoritarian trends. In a world with declining democracies, retreating of human rights, and shrinking civic engagement, the need to empower the next generation of empathetic leaders has never been more pressing.

Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, Oxfam in Asia and Asia Centre are thrilled to announce the 2nd Cohort of the Oxfam Young Leaders Fellowship Programme in Asia. This transformative initiative aims to equip the selected young leaders with tools, skills, knowledge and networks to drive positive change in their communities. Through close mentorship and hands-on practice, this initiative offers an invaluable opportunity for fellows to strengthen their capacity to make and sustain social change happen.

Eligibility Criteria

Prospective young fellows must meet the following criteria:

• Aged 27 or below.
• Be a citizen of one of the following countries within Oxfam in Asia offices: Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam.
• Demonstrate creativity and motivation to make social change happen and sustain.
• Showcase skills and aptitude to use digital/other tools for advocacy.
• Have a good command of English (written and spoken).
• We encourage women and those from minority communities to apply.
• Not currently employed and will not take full time employment during the fellowship.
• Interest to contribute to the following thematic areas:

Expectations/Tasks

• Dedicate a minimum of 30-40 hours per week to implement the proposed activities agreed with mentors for 9 months from the starting date.
• Attend an in-person induction workshop in Bangkok, Thailand.
• Create and maintain a network of 50 or more young individuals.
• Attend monthly online meetings and report progress and setbacks to mentors.
• Undertake leadership and activity roles throughout the fellowship, including during the induction workshop, monthly meetings and end-of-project convening.
• Develop content for the Civic-Asia website.
• Attend an end-of-project convening online or onsite (to be determined later).

Application Process

• Candidates must submit their CV, a cover letter identifying the areas of interest mentioned above, and a motivation letter providing a rationale for why they are interested in specific thematic areas, any previous work/assignment carried out, relevant academic background, career ambition, and aim from the fellowship via this Google Form.
• Candidates must also submit two recommendation letters from relevant individuals who can vouch for their skills, achievements, and professionalism.
• Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by a panel of judges, who will use the criteria (see Judging Criteria below) to select eight Young Fellows to participate in the Programme.
• As part of the selection process, candidates will be tasked with a written exercise to further demonstrate their commitment to the programme.

Timeline

Judging Panel

The Judging Panel will consist of media professionals and inequality experts, members of Asia Centre, Oxfam International, and independent practitioners.

Judging Criteria

How to Apply?

Interested candidates can directly apply through this link.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please email: contact[at]asiacentre.org.

Stipend and Other Benefits

• Stipend: Each fellow will receive USD 3600 (USD 400 per month x 9 months) as a monthly stipend paid in 3 monthly intervals.
• International learning opportunities and exposure
• Opportunity to be mentored by experienced international professionals in various fields.
• Opportunity to work with Oxfam in Asia and Asia Centre leadership teams from different regions.
• Support the independent organisation of a smaller network for influencing and campaigning.
• An opportunity to understand and learn about the international development sector

Deadline

The last to apply for this fellowship is May 19, 2024.

Click here to view the official notification of the Oxfam Young Leaders Fellowship Programme 2024 by Asia Centre.

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