Deadline: September 15, 2019
Are you a scientist, technologist, or STEM enthusiast with a social science background? Apply now for the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Ambassadors Programme 2019. NEF Ambassadors are the NEF’s young science and technology champions, one from each African country.
NEF Ambassadors, who are all under 42 years, drive the NEF’s local public engagement activities while growing their own careers through the NEF’s partnerships that offer opportunities for mentorship and collaborations with established researchers. In particular, the NEF Ambassadors attend the biennial NEF Global Gatherings. The next NEF Global Gathering will be held in 10-13 March 2020 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Responsibilities
- Act as NEF’s ambassador representing one’s own country at NEF events.
- Attend the prestigious, invitation-only NEF Global Gathering in March 2020 alongside Nobel Prize winners, Heads of State and representatives from leading global corporations. Ambassadors will receive paid travel expenses to the NEF Global Gathering event in 2020
- Participate in interviews, panels and the showcasing of research, NEF work, and articles on science, social science and technology, among other events during/following the NEF Global Gathering 2020
- Organize the annual NEF Africa Science Week in their country
- Write original content and cross-post content for the NEF, including but not limited to blog articles, news updates on science in one’s local community, profiles of scientists in one’s community, and other activities to promote the NEF
- Be part of the NEF Community of Scientists, Talk positively about the NEF to people whenever you can
- Actively promote the NEF to your social media following and regularly contribute ideas to the NEF team about ways to keep the online community informed and interested in the NEF
- Ambassadors should expect to spend a total of between 1 to 2 hours per week writing, editing, posting updates, news and articles related to science in Africa and the NEF, and conversing with NEF Fellows and the scientific community at large. The hours may increase during the week of the Global Gathering event
- Make presentations to students, audiences, special classes and events about the NEF and science in Africa
- Other responsibilities suggested and recommended by you
Benefits
- Ambassadors will receive significant exposure to the NEF readership community
- Have the opportunity to network with other experts and NEF Ambassadors and NEF Fellows, as well as top scientists, social scientists and technology leaders from around the world
- Have the opportunity to influence science, social science and technology policy through NEF articles and documents and share their own work
- Get the chance to pitch their own projects and ideas to high profile NEF members and contribute to the establishment of a positive global view of science in Africa
Eligibility
- Applicants should be 42 years of age or less as of December 31, 2017 (Born after 1 January 1975)
- Resident and citizen of an African country with a history of leadership and engagement in the residing community
- Advanced studies or professional certificates, personal projects, demonstrated entrepreneurial achievements and similar – a PhD is not required
- Applicants are encouraged from all fields of science, including basic sciences, STEM, health and social science fields.
- Outstanding writing and keen critical thinking capabilities, and be comfortable working in a collaborative environment.
- Demonstrated passion for raising Africa’s profile in science and/or social science
- Having an active profile in the community of work/study and/or online including social media
- Able to clearly communicate to an audience in English or French
Selection Criteria
The selection process will take into account the following criteria:
- (20%) Advanced studies or professional certificates, personal projects, demonstrated entrepreneurial achievements and similar – a PhD is not required
- Outstanding academic qualifications, as measured by the standards of the particular academic discipline. Examples of notable achievements include:
- Publication record
- Prizes and other awards, such as especially distinguished fellowships or memberships in prestigious academic circles (for example, in high-ranking committees, bodies, academies, etc.)
- Independently raised funding from outside sources in a competitive process
- Number of patents
- The type and number of invited talks at international conferences
- Outstanding academic qualifications, as measured by the standards of the particular academic discipline. Examples of notable achievements include:
- (20%) Demonstrated passion for promoting the sciences, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics or social science in Africa
- (20%) Outstanding writing and keen critical thinking capabilities, and be comfortable working in a collaborative environment and the ability to clearly communicate to an audience in English or French
- (30%): You must have an active presence either on one of the social media channels or in a reputable organization in your community. This criteria involves having a strong audience and consistent engagement with your followers.
- (10%) Other distinctive characteristics
Application
Click here to apply in English or French
For more information, visit NEF Ambassadors.
