Oxfam Young Leaders Fellowship Programme 2024

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 group of 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 the fellows to strengthen their capacity to make social change happen and sustain.

Benefits

• International learning opportunities and exposure
• Stipend: Each fellow will receive a total amount of USD 3600 (USD 400 per month x 9 months) as a monthly stipend paid in 3 monthly intervals.
• 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 to independently organise a smaller network for influencing and campaigning.
• An opportunity to understand and learn about the international development sector

Criteria for Nomination

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. 
• Completed Undergraduate or Master’s degree in Social Sciences and Computer Sciences.
• Demonstrate creativity and motivation to make social change happen and sustain.
• Showcase skills and aptitude to use digital/other tools for advocacy.
• Professional English proficiency (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 40-50 hours per month 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 youth 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 either online or onsite (to be determined later).

Application Process

• Candidates must submit their CV, a cover letter identifying the areas of interest as mentioned above and a motivation letter which provides a rationale for why they are interested in specific thematic areas, any previous work/assignment carried out, relevant academic background, their career ambition, and aim from the fellowship via this Google Form. 
• Candidates are also required to 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) in selecting 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