Call for Applications: The Ahimsa Fellowship [8 Months; Cohort of 2024-25]

Application deadline 8 July’24

Applications are invited from eligible candidates for the cohort of the Ahimsa Fellowship to be launched in 2024-25.

The Ahimsa Fellowship is a beacon of transformative leadership in animal protection, cultivating individuals to drive change across India. Over eight months, Fellows receive rigorous training to tackle critical animal protection issues effectively—they delve into diverse animal protection issues, developing tools to navigate complex advocacy landscapes; and are intensively trained to facilitate their leadership in advocacy efforts towards securing and implementing favourable animal protection policies.

The Ahimsa Fellowship emphasises on continual evolution, expanding with the Indian animal protection movement. It offers a unique learning opportunity for advocates, activists and persons inclined towards making a positive impact in the lives of animals to learn how to protect them through law enforcement and advocacy.

Forty-six committed Ahimsa Fellows have passed out from the previous three cohorts and are already making a difference, working with leading animal protection organisations in the country or launching their own initiatives. Starting from 2024, they established the Ahimsa

Fellowship Incubation Cell that acts as a launchpad for innovative animal protection initiatives by our Fellows. It provides end-to-end support, from mentorship and funding to capacity building, helping them blossom into full-fledged organisations that strengthen the animal protection movement.

The Fellowship curriculum, curated with inputs from leading experts in the fields of animal protection. and the social and corporate sectors, emphasises principles of experiential and peer learning, leadership training, systems-building, and movement-building. Fellows undergo comprehensive capacity building in legal knowledge concerning animal laws, government procedures, law enforcement protocols, advocacy tools, and institutional structures. Additionally, they receive training in other pertinent advocacy modalities such as public outreach, field work and documentation, corporate engagement, media outreach and fundraising.

They invite applications from committed individuals who are motivated about contributing to the animal protection movement in India.

The Ahimsa Fellowship is powered by People For Animals Public Policy Foundation and People For Animals Uttarakhand. It is supported by Ahimsa Trust, Humane Society International – India, Mercy For Animals – India, Fish Welfare Initiative India, India Animal Fund, Kaivalya Education Foundation, Miranda House College (University of Delhi) and NALSAR University of Law.

Eligibility

• Graduation degree in any discipline
• Good communication skills [English and a regional language (desirable)]
• Between 21 and 39 years old
• Be available full time to attend the entire 8-month duration of the programme from their districts

Fellowship Offerings

• Mentorship:  Guidance from leading experts in the field of animal protection and other allied fields.
• Scholarship Opportunities: National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), University of Hyderabad’s One Year Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Protection Laws
• Monthly Stipend: Financial support for assignments.
• Experiential Learning: Hands-on experience in various advocacy modalities.
• Peer-learning Opportunities: Exclusive sessions to learn from your peers at every stage of the Fellowship.
• National Network: Access to a vast network of animal protection organisations and Ahimsa Fellows from the previous cohorts. This network fosters collaboration opportunities, professional development, and a strong support system.
• Placement Opportunities: Fellows graduate equipped to launch successful careers as full-time animal advocates and receive support for placement within animal protection and advocacy organisations.
• Incubation Support: Opportunity to start your own animal protection initiative/organisation after completing the Fellowship.

Selection Process

Stage 1: Online Application Form

Stage 2: Personal Interview (Virtual)

Stage 3: Online Assessment

Stage 4: Panel Interview (Virtual)

How to Apply?

Interested applicants can apply for the Fellowship through the link given at the end of this post

Application Deadline 8 July 2024

Apply Now: https://ahimsafellowship.org/account

Link to the Ahimsa Fellowship Experience Video

FAQ’S

Q.1. What is The Ahimsa Fellowship about?

We are looking to rigorously train dedicated individuals for a period of 8 months to become valuable assets for the animal protection movement in India. By the end of the Fellowship, these Ahimsa Fellows will become proficient in dealing with a variety of Animal Protection issues in the country and working closely with state governments and district administrations to capably enforce and implement animal protection laws. The Fellows will also be well-versed in using legal and policy provisions pertaining to animal protection in India.

The previous two cohorts of the Fellowship have also seen candidates combining their own skills and experience with our 8-month training to carve out a niche for themselves in the animal protection movement.

The sky is the limit when it comes to what the Ahimsa Fellowship is about. There is infinite scope to make the world a better place for all animals. The question is –– Are you ready to commit yourself and learn to bring systemic changes?

Q.2. Will the Ahimsa Fellows be paid a stipend?

Yes. The stipend amount is meant to cover cost of executing assignments. Travel and accommodation for the residential contact classes will be covered by Team Ahimsa Fellowship and is NOT to be borne my the candidate. Any rare out of pocket expenses not included in the stipend are reimbursed on a case-by-case basis.

For the first 2 months out of the 8 months, fellows will be credited a stipend of Rs. 10,000 per month. Post that, they will received a stipend of Rs. 20,000 per month.

Q.3. What is the duration of the Ahimsa Fellowship Program?

8 months

Q.4. Do I have to attend the Residential Contact Classes?

Yes. It is mandatory to attend the 10 Days Residential Contact Classes. The travel and accommodation for the same would be booked by Team Ahimsa Fellowship.

Q.5. How many Residential Contact Classes are there?

3 to 4 such sets of contact classes/group assignments will be conducted across the span of 8 months of the Ahimsa Fellowship

Q.6. What activity is there other than the Residential Contact Classes?

Fellows are expected to implement the learnings gained during the online and contact classes. They will be given varied assignments ranging from field work, drafting reports, working with government authorities, organising small online/offline campaigns and events etc. for the remaining quarter in their respective cities.

Q.7. Is it compulsory to attend all training lectures, including online lectures?

Yes, absolutely. The Ahimsa Fellowship is a full-time programme meant for dedicated individuals who take it seriously.

Q.8. How many hours a day will I need to commit?

This is a full-time Fellowship programme. Fellows are expected to commit a minimum of 6 hours a day from Monday to Saturday, on an average – the timings may vary each day.

Q.9. Will I be entitled to take days off during the Fellowship Programme?

The Ahimsa Fellowship is a full-time professional commitment. Taking a leave or days off with respect to personal exigencies will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prior intimation will be required.

Q.10. Will I be working directly with animals?

The Fellowship does not involve direct care-giving/sheltering of animals. Fellows will be working with State Governments and District Administration to facilitate implementation of animal welfare laws and policies. Hence, Fellows will be engaged in helping create better living conditions for animals through advocacy efforts.

Q.11. Can I join the Ahimsa Fellowship on a part-time basis or for only 6 months?

No. Only individuals who are willing to commit to the full duration of 8 months may apply.

Q.12. Will I get a job after completing the Fellowship?

Animal Protection is an emerging sector with opportunity for work in various organisations as well as scope for self-employment. The selected candidates who successfully complete this fellowship program will be recommended for placements in organisations across India and supported in forming their own organisations.

Q.13. What languages do I need to know to pursue the Fellowship?

Having good command over written and spoken English is necessary. Additionally, command over Hindi language (in a Hindi speaking State) or dominant vernacular language (in non-Hindi speaking States) is highly preferred.

Q.14. Will I be working with other organisations?

Yes. Fellows will be given an opportunity to intern with other organisations across India.

Q.15. Will study material be provided?

Yes. Comprehensive study material will be provided to the Fellows.
They will also be enrolled in NALSAR University’s Advance Diploma in Animal Protection Laws.

Q.16. How much animal-related experience do I require to participate in the Fellowship?

No prior animal-related experience is required however we expect fellows to be dedicated and committed to the cause.

Q.17. I don’t know the law properly, can I still participate?

Absolutely. Training on animal protection laws is one of the key focus areas of the Ahimsa Fellowship. We invite applications from people who are self-motivated and keen to understand the legal and policy regime of the country with respect to animal protection.

Q.18. Will I have to do rescue work?

No, the Ahimsa Fellowship does not require Fellows to do any rescue work by themselves. During the course of the Fellowship, we will briefly cover addressing cruelty cases through the government machinery. We encourage fellows to have basic knowledge about rescuing animals however it is, by no means, a requirement.

Q.19. Is advocacy the only form of intervention we will learn about? What if I have other interests/strengths?

Advocacy is a very broad field and includes anything from building alliances, meeting stakeholders, organising campaigns, litigation, drafting reports and representations etc. The programme will equip you with a variety of skills required in the movement – legal and policy knowledge, leadership skills, communication skills, presentation skills amongst others. Other skill sets such as design, art, community outreach, networking and fund raising – all are advantageous and can be put to great use in the animal protection movement.