Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) International Fellowship Program
What is Aga Khan Foundation Canada?
For more than 25 years, Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) has worked with
Canada and Canadians to support sustainable improvements in the quality of
life of poor, marginalized communities in Asia and Africa, as well as
foster dialogue on critical global issues to enhance Canada’s unique
leadership in world affairs. For more information about the work and
history of AKFC, please see our website: www.akfc.ca.
What is the International Development Management (IDM) program?
Fellowships in International Development Management (IDM) include a
variety of professional opportunities in research, communications,
monitoring and evaluation and administration in the sectors of health,
education, rural development and civil society strengthening.
The program, designed as a stepping stone for careers in international
development, has proven attractive to young Canadians from a wide variety
of disciplinesâ€"including law, engineering, education, public
administration, and development studiesâ€"wishing to embark on global
careers.
What is involved in the AKFC Fellowship Program?
Founded in 1989, the AKFC Fellowship Program provides an invaluable
learning experience for young adults seeking hands-on experience in
international development. There are two main components to the
Fellowship: the pre-departure Management Seminar and the overseas
placement.
What is the Management Seminar?
The month-long Management Seminar in Ottawa provides fellows with a
thorough grounding in the skills required to contribute effectively to
their host organizations by emphasizing an analytical approach and
strategic thinking. Workshops are taught by some of Canada’s foremost
international cooperation professionals. The Management Seminar is a
one-of-a-kind training opportunity for recent graduates and young
professionals to deepen their understanding of development.
What is the overseas placement?
The overseas placement is eight months in duration, during which time the
Fellows will work with a non-governmental organization in a developing
country. Many of the host organizations are partners and associates of the
Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org). The AKFC Fellowship program
has three distinct streams focusing on different areas of expertise:
International Development Management (IDM), International Microfinance and
Microenterprise (IMM) and Young Professionals in Media (YPM).
What is the start date for the Fellowship?
All applicants must be available for training between May and June 2011.
Overseas placements will begin in July 2011 and conclude in February 2012.
How many applicants are selected?
On average, AKFC accepts 20 Fellows each cycle, although this number may
fluctuate from year-to-year.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
£ Applicant is a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant (please note that
if a landed immigrant, the applicant must provide copies of immigration
documents)
£ Applicant holds, at minimum, an undergraduate university degree
£ Applicant is under the age of 30 at the time of application
£ Applicant demonstrates a strong interest in the field of international
development
£ Applicant will not be enrolled in any educational program for the
duration of the Fellowship
Only applicants meeting ALL of the criteria listed above will be
considered for this program.
Please visit our website at
http://www.akfc.ca/join-us/international-development.html to download an
information/application package.
Deadline for applications is Tuesday, February 1, 2011.
