Deadline: November 19, 2018
The Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment is now accepting applications for the 2019 spring cohort. The program is focused on economic empowerment of people with disabilities through building the capacity of mid-level professionals promoting employment of people with disabilities.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment (PFP-IDE) supports 20 mid-career professionals (Fellows) from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, who are committed to advancing inclusive employment for individuals with disabilities. Fellows will participate in an intensive five-week program at a university-based research and education center for disabilities in the U.S. They will learn innovative strategies to promote economic empowerment of individuals with disabilities through the growth of inclusive employment opportunities.
Fellows will be placed with a university- based research and education center for disabilities that will provide them with mentorship and learning experiences during their stay in the U.S. Hosts will help Fellows apply what they learn during their fellowship, and plan related projects upon their return to their home countries.
The spring cohort will be in the U.S from April 26th to May 31st 2019.
Eligibility
They are looking for 10 individuals from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, aged from 25 to 40 and with a minimum of 2 years’ experience to participate in a five week exchange program at U.S. university centers for disability.
They are looking for applications from a diverse pool of applicants including the government, academia, civil society organizations, private sector etc. People from various geographical regions including rural communities, people with disabilities and women are highly encouraged to apply.
In order to apply to this program as a Fellow (eligibility criteria), you must …
- Be between the ages of 25 and 40;
- Be currently living and working in Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania;
- Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa;
- Be proficient in spoken and written English;
- Speaking proficiency means that you are able to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations on practical, social, and professional topics. Communication in spoken English as interpreted by a sign language interpreter (which will be provided by the Fellowship program) through use of American, Kenyan or Ugandan Sign Language qualifies you for speaking proficiency.
- Reading proficiency means you are able to read standard newspaper items, routine correspondence, reports, and technical materials in your special field.
- Have at least two (2) or more years of relevant work experience with or for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government offices, universities, schools or community-based organizations;
- Have professional interest and/or experience in inclusive employment and disabilities;
- Be self-directed and able to work effectively in a cross-cultural setting;
- Have demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills;
- Be able to participate in the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment in the US either in the spring (April 27- May 27, 2019) or in the fall (October 12- November 11, 2019);
- Be committed to returning to your home country for a period of two (2) years after completion of the program; and
- Be committed to implementing an individual project that will benefit young people with disabilities and promote greater inclusive employment in your region, country, or community following completion of the program.
Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations, including materials in alternative formats (e.g. Braille, electronic, large print), are provided upon request.
Application
Apply to represent Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda as a Professional Fellow on Inclusive Disability Employment (PFP-IDE)! Applicants will be selected through a competitive process by program partners and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
For more information, visit Professional Fellows Program.
