Deadline: February 1, 2024
Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) is now accepting applications for the AKFC International Youth Fellowship 2024. Founded in 1989, the AKFC International Youth Fellowship program is a 9-month professional development program for Canadians seeking hands-on experience in international development. The Fellowship includes three unique streams: International Development Management (IDM), International Microfinance and Microenterprise (IMM), and Young Professionals in Media (YPM). Fellows are placed with field partners in over 10 different countries.
Each year AKFC selects between 10 and 15 Fellows to participate in the Fellowship. The number of candidates selected varies based on available funding and finding the suitable candidates for the available placements.
The Fellowship program is nine months in duration, and consists of:
- a 3-week management training seminar in Ottawa (May 22 – June 15, 2024)
- an 8-month overseas placement (July to February)
Benefits
AKFC covers most of the costs associated with living and working overseas including; travel, accommodation, vaccinations, health insurance, and a modest stipend to cover the cost of living. Successful candidates are required to make a one-time contribution of $1,000.00 towards the costs of the Fellowship.
Eligibility
All Fellows must meet the following application criteria:
- Hold, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution by April 30, 2024, with a record of strong academic performance
- Will not be enrolled in any educational program for the duration of the Fellowship program (May 2024 – February 2025)
- Demonstrated a commitment to international development through related volunteer, professional or academic experience
- Be 30 years of age or under on or before February 1, 2024
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- Be fluent in English
- Present all appropriate documentation (CVs, degrees, transcripts, references, etc.)
There is no flexibility on the eligibility criteria, and any applications not meeting the requirements will automatically be disqualified.
Selection Criteria
In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria listed above, successful candidates have demonstrated leadership potential and excellence in their academic and professional lives. Fellows also complement a strong interest in international development with volunteer and extracurricular activities that demonstrate their willingness to support the growth of communities both at home and abroad.
While overseas, Fellows are expected to live simply, often in rural communities or large urban centres. As such, individuals with the flexibility and maturity to adapt to new contexts and communities are ideal as Fellows.
Candidates will be expected to communicate realistic and mature expectations of the Fellowship experience and a sophisticated understanding of general development concepts and issues. Additionally, candidates should be able to discuss their own experiences relating to intercultural sensitivity, initiative, flexibility and adaptability, teamwork, and maturity.
AKFC looks for Fellows who demonstrate humility and a commitment to change. Individuals who are self-starters and show a commitment to development and learning are highly valued.
Application
For more information, visit AKFC.
