Oxfam Young Leaders Fellowship Programme 2024

Application deadline 19th May 24

Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. We are working across regions in about 70 countries, with thousands of partners, and allies, supporting communities to build better lives for themselves, grow resilience and protect lives and livelihoods also in times of crisis.

Because we want lasting solutions, we fight the inequalities that keep people locked in poverty and injustice, we tackle not the symptoms but the systems, and we campaign for genuine, durable change.

Asia Centre is a research institute in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council. The Centre undertakes evidence-based research, convenes events, and advocates for human rights issues through media and social media engagement.

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.
• Demonstrate creativity and motivation to make social change happen and sustain.
• Showcase skills and aptitude to use digital/other tools for advocacy.
• Have a good command of English (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 30-40 hours per week 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

The Judging Panel will consist of media professionals and inequality experts, members of Asia Centre, Oxfam International, and independent practitioners.

Judging Criteria

Q: I am neither a citizen nor a full-time resident of the following countries with an Oxfam office in Asia: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong-SAR, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam. Am I eligible?

A: Only those from the specified countries are eligible to apply.

Q: I am a citizen of one of the mentioned countries. But I am currently residing outside the country. Am I eligible?

A: Only citizens who are currently residing in one of the mentioned countries are eligible to apply.

Q: I am 27 years and some months old. Am I eligible?

A: Only those whose age is no more than 27 years old by 1 July 2024 are eligible to apply.

Q: When does the fellowship start?

A: The fellowship commences on 1 July 2024. A week-long introductory meeting will be convened in Bangkok in the last week of June 2024.

Q: When does the fellowship end? 

A: The fellowship concludes on 31 March 2025. All selected fellows are required to fully join the fellowship programme as agreed.

Q: Can I apply as a representative of an organisation?

A: We are looking for individual fellows to be mentored by experienced officers.

Q: Can I submit application documents in my local language?

A: Only application documents in the English language will be accepted.