We are no longer accepting applications for 2009 Fellowship Programme. The application process is now closed. The application process for the 2010 Fellowship Programme will open in September 2009.

What is John Smith Fellowship Programme

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. Candidates may be required to take an IELTS test at the final stage of the selection process. Not all finalists are required to sit a test. However, the interview panel reserves the right to require a test at their discretion. The costs of testing are covered by the John Smith Memorial Trust.

Programme Objectives

			Bring together influential young civil society and political leaders to exchange views and receive training and information on democratic practices 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 democratic access and 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 UK.
			Build an active network of young leaders committed to good government.

Areas of Study

The John Smith Fellowship Programme is a partnership between the John Smith Memorial Trust, the British Council and the UK Ministry of Justice. The Programme covers the following broad subject 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.

Selection criteria

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 In the range 25–35 years, with some flexibility at both ends for exceptional candidates.
			Language proficiency English at IELTS level 6 or above or equivalent.
			Experience Candidates should have work experience, and MUST be in employment at the time of application. 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 or 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/democratic development 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.

Programme Dates and Structure

The Fellowship Programme will last for five weeks, starting in June 2009 (the precise dates will be given later this year), 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.
			A concluding seminar during which Fellows present their projects to representatives of the Department for Constitutional Affairs, the John Smith Trust and the British Council.

Fellows are expected to produce a personal plan of action to be carried out when they return home. Nine months later a Follow-Up Conference in one of the Fellowship countries 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. The Trust expects Fellows to maintain contact through Alumni networks, the Trust website and other means long after the Programme has ended.

How to apply

We are no longer accepting applications for 2009 Fellowship Programme. The application process is now closed. The application process for the 2010 Fellowship Programme will open in September 2009.

Local interviews for 2009 Fellowship Programme will take place during January 2009, and should bear this in mind when planning holidays and travel.

Successful interviewees may be asked to sit an English exam at the end of January 2009. A minimum level of IELTS of 6.0 is normally needed for successful candidates. We may require you to take an IELTS test at the final stage of the selection process. This only applies to applicants who have been short listed for interview and selected by the interview panel for inclusion in our final short list. Not all finalists are required to sit a test. However, the interview panel reserves the right to require a test at their discretion. The costs of this exam and related costs will be covered by the John Smith Memorial Trust.

Final selection of candidates will be concluded by mid February 2009.

References
In addition to the application form, the John Smith Memorial Trust requires 2 written references for each applicant — one from your current employer and one additional reference. This additional reference might be from a previous employer, a partner organisation or another individual you have worked with who is able to talk in detail about your skills and experience. All references must reach the British Council by the application dedaline.

Each reference should be written on official letter headed paper and signed -only original copies will be accepted (an official stamp will be accepted instead of a letterhead.

The reference must cover the following three areas or it will not be accepted and your application may be invalid. The referee should comment on:

• the applicant’s ability to work as part of a team
• the applicant’s leadership potential
• whether they believe the applicant is an ‘agent for change’.

Transcripts
Applicants must also provide original or notarised copies of all university transcripts. All transcripts must reach the British Council by the application deadline.

Please see more details about programme dates,
structure and how to apply

Contact us

Ana Anghel
British Council Project Coordinator in Moldova

Telephone +373 22 251840
Fax +373 22 251859
Mobile +373 69051319