Are you a young leader from Kyrgyzstan? The Fellowships aim to strengthen and deepen democratic awareness and good governance through a study programme in the UK and placements that show the workings of democratic organisations and their role within a democratic society. The ‘ideal’ candidate will be aged 25–35, working in politics, local administration or civil society, with a track record of concern for good governance and promoting democratic values. Good written and spoken English is essential.
The John Smith Fellowship Programme is a partnership between the John Smith Memorial Trust, Ministry of Justice and British Council. The John Smith Memorial Trust is a charity independent of any political party.
The primary objectives of the John Smith Fellowship Programme are to:
- ·Bring together influential young civil society and political leaders to exchange views and receive information on best professional practice and the promotion of good governance.
·Deepen awareness of how a mature democracy supports and develops good governance, the Rule of Law, human rights, and social justice, and encourages citizens’ access and government accountability.
·Promote a dialogue between Fellows within and outside their home countries, and create links with young leaders and those working in similar fields in the U.K.
·Build an active network of young leaders committed to good government.
- The John Smith Fellowship Programme covers the following broad areas:
- Representative government in a democracy.
- Citizenship, law and rights.
- Civil society and the popular voice.
- Public accountability in government, business and public life.
- International institutions and relations.
The Trust wishes to recruit high-flying and influential young leaders who will make a substantial impact on the future development of their countries. The aim is to recruit a mix of political leaders, government or local government officials, journalists/media experts, and influential young leaders from civil society or the NGO sector. Other criteria for suitability are:
- Understanding of the Fellowship Programme: Applicants must have a clear understanding of what our Programme involves and what is expected of participants.
- Age: Successful applicants are normally in the range of 25–35 years of age, with flexibility at both ends for strong candidates.
- Language proficiency: English at IELTS level 6 or above or equivalent. Note: You do not need to submit test results when applying and not everyone is required to sit the test – See “How to Apply” below.
- Experience: Candidates should have work experience, MUST be in employment at the time of application, and MUST be able to demonstrate that they are dealing with challenging issues in one or more of the specified fields. Note: All employers’ references will be checked.
- Professional background: Candidates should be employed in politics, central government, local government or economic development, the media, the law (especially in field of human rights) or the NGO sector.
- Demonstrable leadership and influence now or in future: Candidates should be people who have real prospects of advancement in their work and of making an impact.
- Activism in political/social development: Candidates must show evidence of active participation in politics or civil society, and point to accomplishments.
- Clear vision and motivation: Candidates must have a clear vision of the need for improvements in the practice of governance in their countries.
- Would use experience in UK to improve governance: They must have a clear proposals on how, in their own work, they hope to use their experience to improve the practice of governance.
- Team players – Successful candidates must be team players with a desire to work with and learn from other Fellows.
- Good presentational skills: Candidates should be confident in speaking and should be able to present themselves well.
- Computer literacy: Basic IT skills and an ability to communicate by email are essential.
The Programme will last for 5 weeks starting early in June (the precise dates will be given later this year on our websites), made up as follows:
- Programme Introduction in Edinburgh, Scotland
- An intensive, two-week Seminar Series in Scotland and London on the political process in a mature democracy: A series of discussions and meetings with senior academics and practitioners combined with visits to illustrate how public policy is made and developed.
- Planning and preparation of “individual action plans” setting out how insights gained in the UK can be turned into concrete developments applied at home.
- A weekend conference sponsored by the Leadership Trust in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire; providing an opportunity to explore issues of mutual interest and concern with invited guests from the UK.
- Nine working days of individual attachments to suitable organisations – for example, working with an NGO, “shadowing” a politician, a placement in central government, local administration or the media.
- Visits to Parliament and other institutions, and opportunities to analyse collective experience.
- Visit to the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.
- A concluding seminar during which Fellows present their projects to representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the John Smith Memorial Trust and the British Council.
Fellows are expected to produce a personal plan of action to be carried out when they return home. 9-12 months later a Follow-Up Conference brings all Fellows together to report on their activities and compare progress – and all Fellows are required to attend this as part of their Fellowship. The value of networking after the Fellow returns home and seeks to put into practice what he/she has learned is of great importance. On completion of the Fellowship, the John Smith Fellows join the Alumni Network which has organisations covering all the Fellowship countries and provides a forum for cooperation and joint projects.
| 
