Opportunity Desk

Category: Africa

Opportunities for Africans

ICFJ Early Childhood Development Reporting Fellowship 2018
Deadline: March 4, 2018

Entries are now invited for the 2018 ICFJ Early Childhood Development Reporting Fellowship. The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), in partnership with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and Fundação Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal, is recruiting for 10 Early Childhood Development Reporting Fellows. The goal of the fellowships is to improve news coverage of child health and form a global network of reporters covering this critically-important issue.

Interested in becoming an influencer and leader for children’s development in your country? If producing high quality reporting and solutions-oriented stories about nutrition and early childhood development issues is one of your passions, then apply to this year-long fellowship, which will include two international reporting trips as well as continual mentoring and several virtual webinars.

About the Fellowship

This is the third of three groups of fellows that will participate in the program between 2017 and 2019. The fellowship term for this second cohort will run from March 2018 – March 2019. During the year-long program, the fellows will receive virtual training, mentoring and financial support to produce regular stories on nutrition and early-childhood development, relevant to their home countries.

The program will begin with a virtual orientation (webinar) after which each fellow will be assigned a mentor who will work with them as they produce stories on early childhood development issues. ICFJ will conduct regular webinars during the year of the fellowship.

The program also includes two reporting trips. ICFJ will send all fellows to a country that is implementing a successful and innovative approach to supporting childhood development. The fellows will meet with early childhood development experts in the field and will produce stories with the help of their mentors.

Benefits

ICFJ and its partners are currently working on selecting the dates and destinations for both trips. ICFJ will cover all of the fellowship expenses.

Eligibility
- The Fellowship is open to journalists covering issues of child health and development for news outlets based in Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania.
- Journalists from all mediums are encouraged to apply: radio, broadcast, print, and online.
- An ideal candidate will have previous experience covering early childhood development issues, but journalists who currently cover health or nutrition-related topics and are interested in increasing their coverage of children’s issues are welcome to apply.
- Successful applicants must be employed by a news outlet or have a commitment to publish/broadcast from a news outlet to participate.
- Applicants must be proficient in English.
- Stories submitted may be written in your native language; however, reporting project proposals must be submitted in English.
Application

To become an ECD Reporting Fellow, candidates must complete a Fellowship application. Applicants should include:

• A resume or CV
• Examples of stories produced on early-childhood development
• A reporting-project proposal that outlines story ideas the Fellow will pursue and a reporting and publishing/broadcasting plan.

Entries must be submitted by 11:59p.m. U.S. Eastern time on Sunday, March 4, 2018.

Apply here.

For more information, visit ICFJ Early Childhood Development Reporting Fellowship.
January 12, 2018
2018/2019 PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme for Nigerians to Study in Germany/France/China
Deadline: February 5, 2018

Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme. PTDF, the Federal Government agency with the mandate of developing indigenous human capacity and petroleum technology to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships to institutions under its strategic partnership initiative. Successful candidates will be awarded scholarships to study in Germany/France/China commencing in the 2018/2019 academic session.

Under this scheme, candidates are invited to apply through PTDF to specific programmes at the partner institutions in any of the three countries (full list of sponsored courses is available below).

Award

The award includes the provision of flight tickets, payment of health insurance, payment of tuition and bench fees (where applicable) as well as the provision of allowances to meet the costs of accommodation and living expenses. The programmes will also include language classes to aid scholars settle into their new environments.

Please note that the Fund will be responsible for obtaining admissions for the candidates to their selected programmes.

Eligibility

PTDF scholarships are highly competitive and only candidates who are outstanding across the board are selected. A selection committee will be constituted to assess applications using the following criteria;
- Academic merit as evidenced by quality of degrees, full academic transcripts, other professional qualifications acquired, and relevant publications to be referenced by applicant (PhD applicants only)
- Membership of professional bodies
- The viability of the study/research plan.
- Applicants are required to make a case for their scholarship by submitting a statement of purpose (maximum 500 words) stating the reason(s) they want to undertake the study, the relevance of the proposed study to the industry and its expected impact on national development.
Requirements

MSc
- A minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) qualification in their first degree or a Second Class Lower (2.2) with relevant industry experience
- Must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC)
- Must be computer literate
- Possession of 5 O/level credits including English Language.
PhD
- Must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC)
- Must be computer literate
- A minimum of Second Class Lower (2.2) in their first degree and a good second degree certificate;
- Must submit a research proposal relevant to the oil and gas industry (of not more than 5 pages) to include: Topic, introduction, objective, methodology and mode of data collection;
- Applicants must also include their masters degree project
Application

Applicants are advised to scan copies of the following documents and attach to their online application forms:
1. First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result
2. NYSC discharge certificate
3. WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results as well as the PIN numbers on the application forms to enable PTDF view the O’level results on the relevant website).
4. Recent Passport Photograph
5. Local Government Identification Letter
6. Master’s Degree Certificate (PhD Applicants only)
7. Evidence of membership of professional associations
*Candidates who successfully scale through the first round of screening will be requested to submit their transcripts; all applicants are therefore advised to prepare their transcripts for submission in anticipation of such a request.

Application Forms can be obtained via this link www.ptdf.flexisaf.com However applicants are advised to read through the requirements below before applying.

For more information, visit PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship.
January 12, 2018
Apply for Ashinaga Africa Initiative Leadership Programme 2018 (Full financial Support to Study Abroad)
Deadline: February 25, 2018

The Ashinaga Africa Initiative is now accepting applications 2018 Leadership Programme. Become a leader with one of Japan’s largest NGOs. Its mission is to contribute to Sub-Saharan Africa’s expanding role in global development through increasing access to higher education abroad. They support orphaned students who are committed to returning home and initiating change, by providing access to full financial support to study at a university abroad (equivalent to an undergraduate degree).

Ashinaga is a Japan-based non-profit organization, which provides educational and emotional support to orphaned students. The organization has supported over 100,000 orphans in the last 54 years, and many of its graduates are actively contributing to society in a variety of fields across the world.

The Ashinaga Africa Initiative began in 2014. Its mission is to contribute to Sub-Saharan Africa’s expanding role in global development through increasing access to higher education abroad. We support orphaned students who are committed to returning home and initiating change by providing access to full financial support to study at university abroad (equivalent to undergraduate degree), including tuition, room, travel cost and other necessary fees.

Benefits

Ashinaga support covers tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and other necessary fees.

Eligibility

The application is open to those who:
1. Have lost one or both parents.
2. Have completed 12 years of education (primary and secondary school) within the last two years, or those who will complete 12 years of education by December 31, 2017.
3. Have citizenship and have completed/are completing high school in one of the following countries: Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
4. Were born after 1 ^stOctober, 1995.
5. Do not have the financial means to attend university.
6. Are proficient in English.
7. Have an outstanding academic performance at high school.
8. Are able to participate in the two Ashinaga preparatory programs, over the course of one year, before attending university.
9. Are willing to return home, or to Sub-Saharan Africa, and contribute to society in Sub-Saharan Africa after graduating from university.
10. Have no dependents who could interfere with academic progress.
11. Are in good health condition and capable of studying abroad.
Countries
- Anglophone and Lusophone Recruitment (October to February) – Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Application

Documents to submit.PLEASE NOTE: All documents must be submitted in English. If it is not in English, candidates must have the documents translated. Use Gregorian (Western) calendar to fill in the application:
- Completed application form
- Working email address and telephone number
- Document proving the death of one or both parents, such as a death certificate
- Proof of age, such as a birth certificate, national ID or passport
- Secondary school/high school graduation certificate
- Results from final national exams
- Academic report cards from the last two years of high school/secondary school
- Recommendation letter from a principal or teacher
- Passport-style photo of yourself
- Both essays described below
Essays

Please type/write using a separate sheet of paper. If you choose to handwrite your essays, please write in print and with black ink. Essays written with pencils will not be accepted.
- Essay 1: Please describe how you grew up and experienced losing your parent(s). What challenges have you faced after the loss of your parent(s) and what have you done in order to overcome them? Please write in detail, especially the actions you took to continue and further your education. (Maximum 500 words)
- Essay 2: Please describe the goals you wish to achieve after graduating from university abroad. Outline how the skills and knowledge you gain from a university degree would help you reach your goals when you return to Sub-Saharan Africa. (Maximum 500 words)
Remember that these essays are personal—they are about you and so should only be written by you. Ashinaga is interested in how you make the most of what is available to you.

Complete the online application.

For more information, visit Ashinaga Africa Initiative Leadership Programme.
January 12, 2018
Apply for the Rice Business Plan Competition 2018 ($1.5 million in cash and prizes)
Deadline: February 9, 2018

Apply now for the 2018 Rice Business Plan Competition, the world’s richest and largest student startup competition! The competition is designed to offer student entrepreneurs a real-world experience to fine tune their business plans and elevator pitches to attract funding to successfully commercialize their product. In 2018, for the 18th time, students will have the opportunity to win more than $1.5 million in cash and prizes.

The Rice Business Plan Competition is the world’s richest and largest graduate-level student startup competition. It is hosted and organized by the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business and the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, which is Rice University’s internationally-recognized initiative that supports entrepreneurship.

The competition is designed to give collegiate entrepreneurs a real-world experience to fine tune their business plans and elevator pitches to generate funding to successfully commercialize their product. It provides an unparalleled experience for the participants by designing a diverse program over the course of three-days, with significant time designated for feedback and interaction with the judging panel. Judges will evaluate the teams as real-world entrepreneurs soliciting startup funds from early-stage investors and venture capital firms.

Categories

More than 500 teams are expected to apply for 42 spots representing four categories:
- life sciences/medical devices/digital health
- digital/information technology/mobile
- energy/clean technology/sustainability
- and other innovations
Benefits
- Real-world opportunities to learn what’s required to successfully launch a new business
- Chance to receive mentoring from investors and experienced entrepreneurs
- Scheduled opportunities to network with potential venture capitalists and other investors for three days
- High caliber of judges, all senior level investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders
- Opportunities to receive individual feedback during three separate sessions
- 2016: $1.7 Million + in prize money was awarded with all teams winning at least one cash award
The goal of the RBPC is to provide the best overall educational and entrepreneurial experience of any business plan/new venture competition and we were very gratified by the feedback we have received from past competitors and judges.

Prizes

In total, more than $1.5 Million in cash and investment prizes will be awarded to the teams at the 2018 Rice Business Plan Competition. The prizes are structured so that all 42 teams are guaranteed to win cash and/or investment prize money.
- $300,000 – GOOSE Society Investment Prize
- $200,000 – OWL Investment Prize
- $100,000 – The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Houston Angel Investment Prize
- $100,000 – Houston Angel Network Investment Prize
- $100,000 – Cisco Global Problem Solver Prize
- $50,000 – RBPC Runner-up Prize (2nd Place Overall)
- $50,000 – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Clean Energy Prize
- and many more!
Eligibility

In general, any student startup team, in a broad range of industries, from any university, in any degree program can apply to the RBPC.
- The competition is for degree-seeking students currently enrolled on a full- or part-time basis. This includes students who graduated or will graduate any time after July 1, 2017.
- At least one of the team founder must be a graduate-level student.
- Typically, the teams have a technology component in one of three sectors:
  - Energy/Clean Technology
  - Life Science/Biotechnology
  - Information Technology
  - Other Innovation (for those startups which don’t fit neatly in another category)
- The presenting team that joins the competition must include two to five current students.
- All ventures must be seeking outside equity capital, typically early-stage venture capital investment or early-stage angel investment.
- All ventures must be “for-profit” entities. This is an early-stage pitch competition, therefore, startups that have raised more than $250,000 in equity capital from sources other than the students or their friends or families prior to July 1, 2017 are not eligible to compete.
Application

They use Startup Rounds to manage our RBPC applications:
- Answer a survey about your team
- Upload a 2-5 page Executive Summary in PDF format
- Optionally submit a 60-second video pitch (judges really like to see/hear about your startup!)
- You can read more about submission guidelines here.
Take your chance to accelerate your startup and kickstart your entrepreneurship career.

Apply for the Competition 2018!

For more information, visit Rice Business Plan Competition.
January 12, 2018
L’Oréal Brandstorm Innovation Competition 2018 (Fully-funded to the World Finals in Paris)
Deadline: Varies by Country (February 5, 2018)
L’Oréal Brandstorm calls for innovators worldwide. Bring your boldest ideas and win up to €30,000! The aim of the Competition is to offer the students a pedagogical and professional experience and the opportunity to innovate within the beauty industry. This project is a part of the L’ORÉAL international human resources communication strategy and aims to enhance students’ entrepreneurial skills, creativity skills, and perception of the L’ORÉAL business.

Join the ultimate innovation competition to disrupt the future of beauty. This is an innovation competition like no other. Over the past 26 years, students from all over the world have participated in, learned and grown from this amazing experience.

Award categories
1. The Brand Award will reward the most innovative experience with a fully integrated marketing strategy focused on establishing a strong, long-term relationship with both end-consumers and professionals.
2. The Tech Award will reward the most innovative experience and new services for both end-consumers and professionals, built on connected device(s), machine(s), technologies, software(s) or hardware(s).
3. The CSR Award will reward the most sustainable innovation based on the following criteria:
  
  Its contribution to a positive environmental and social impact of L’Oréal’s activities
  
  Its comprehension of the whole value chain (from eco conception to supply chain optimization)
  
  Respect for biodiversity
  
  Raising consumer awareness about sustainable living
Benefits
- BUILD a team of three and DISRUPT the future of beauty.
- GROW with a real-life case and e-learning resources.
- PITCH your project to L’Oréal experts in Paris and take a chance to WIN up to €30,000!
No matter your specialization, hack the mission: Invent the professional salon experience of the future.

Prizes

The National winners will be invited to join the World Finals held in Paris on the 16th and 17th of May 2018. The travelling expenses (flight tickets and/or train tickets, transfer costs between airport/train station and the hotel or offices) and the hotel accommodation will be covered by L’ORÉAL. L’ORÉAL will be in charge of the booking and payment related to the travelling expenses.

Win:
- Brand Award 10 000€
- Tech Award 10 000€
- CSR Award 10 000€
Grow:
- Mentoring
- Dedicated coaching
- Access to e-learning
Connect:
- Fly to Paris
- Meet international students
- Network with L’Oréal
Eligibility
- The competition is open to students with any specialization who are studying and undergraduate and graduate level.
- Students must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to participate. Any under-age Participant must have the consent of his or her parent or legal guardian to accept the Official Rules
- Students attending a post-graduate course (e.g. doctorate programme or MBA) cannot participate
- Students eligible to participate should not yet have acquired considerable professional experience (i.e. not more than two years of work experience. Internships, apprenticeships, summer job experiences and auto-entrepreneurial work do not account into work experience).
- Students who have already played the Competition in a previous year and reached the international finals cannot participate another time.
- Students who did an internship in the department of the brand concerned by the case study during the two (2) years preceding the Competition cannot participate in the current edition.
Rules
- The Participants have to compose a team of three (3) students.
- Students participating in an international exchange programme, e.g. Erasmus or exchange students have to participate for the country they are studying in at the point of registration.
- Participants are only allowed to register in one team.
- The three (3) members of a team must be studying in the same participating country (hereinafter the “Team”). It is not possible to change the university during the competition. If a Participant changes universities during the Competition, he or she will still be registered under the starting university.
Judging Criteria

At each step, the projects will be evaluated out of 100, based on the following criteria:
- Innovative
- Useful
- Feasible
- Scalable
Application

To register Participants should:
- Go to the Platform
- Click on [SIGN UP] to start the registration
- Follow the registration procedure and fill in the registration form, providing all mandatory information (first name, last name, e-mail address, password, country of residence, country of participation, school or university, specialization, …)
- Click on [SIGN UP] to confirm their registration
Sounds interesting? Apply here today!

For more information, visit L’Oréal Brandstorm Innovation Competition.
January 12, 2018
GlobalGiving Accelerator Program for March 2018
Deadline: February 1, 2018

Applications are open for March 2018 Accelerator. The GlobalGiving Accelerator is an opportunity for you and your organization to build skills, access tools, and grow your base of supporters to achieve crowdfunding success. When you graduate, your organization becomes a permanent member of GlobalGiving, and you’ll have access to all the tools, training, and one-on-one support available in the GlobalGiving community.

The GlobalGiving Accelerator is a virtual training program and crowdfunding campaign that will help you take your fundraising to the next level. Following an optional one-week training curriculum, you’ll be entered into an Accelerator campaign where you’ll raise at least $5,000 total from a minimum of 40 different donors in order to graduate and secure a permanent fundraising spot on the GlobalGiving platform.

Benefits
- GlobalGiving will provide $20,000+ in matching funding and bonus prizes for participating organizations.
- Organizations that successfully complete the GlobalGiving Accelerator by raising at least $5,000 total from a minimum 40 different donors will earn:
  - Permanent membership in the GlobalGiving community, including ongoing opportunities to attract new corporate and individual donors
  - Inclusion in a GlobalGiving press release announcing the Accelerator graduates
  - A custom media kit to help promote your accomplishment
  - A certificate of completion from GlobalGiving
  - Additional promotional opportunities, including through GlobalGiving’s social media or homepage, for top-performers
GlobalGiving provides several opportunities for organizations to win Bonus prizes or matching funds during the Accelerator crowdfunding campaign.
- Bonus Day: During the Accelerator, GlobalGiving will have one Bonus Day during which GlobalGiving will match online donations up to $1,000.
- Most Funds Raised Prizes: At the conclusion of the Accelerator campaign, the project with the most funds raised during the campaign will receive $3,000. The organization that raises the second highest amount will receive $2,000 and the organization with the third highest amount will receive $1,000.
- Most Unique Donors Prize: At the conclusion of the Accelerator, the project with the most unique donors during the campaign will receive an exclusive reward.
Eligibility
- Any registered nonprofit (anywhere in the world!) is eligible to apply.
Timeline for March 2018 Accelerator

February 1, 2018 – Application submission deadline

February 19, 2018 – You will be notified by our staff of your application status

February 26 – March 2, 2018 – Accelerator training program

March 2, 2018 – Project posting deadline

March 12, 2018 – Accelerator crowdfunding campaign begins

March 30, 2018 – Accelerator crowdfunding campaign ends

End of April, 2018 – Funds are disbursed to organizations

Application
- The first step is to complete the online application. The next deadline to submit applications is February 1, 2018 but they accept applications at any time!
For more information, visit GlobalGiving Accelerator Program.
January 12, 2018
Call for Nominations: BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards 2018
Deadline: June 28, 2018

Nominations are now open for the 11th edition of the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards. The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards recognize fundamental contributions in a broad array of areas of scientific knowledge, technology, humanities and artistic creation, as listed in point 2 of these call conditions.

The BBVA Foundation annually makes awards to recognize innovative and fundamental advances in science, culture, and collaboration. Thematic areas include ecology and conservation biology; climate change; and development cooperation (among others). In each prize category, BBVA awards €400 thousand plus a diploma and a commemorative artwork.

Categories

The disciplines and domains of the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards are:
- Basic Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
- Biology and Biomedicine
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Ecology and Conservation Biology
- Climate Change
- Economics, Finance and Management
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Music and Opera
The Climate Change award recognizes both research endeavors in confronting this challenge and impactful actions informed by the best science. In Humanities and Social Sciences, the award will alternate annually between these two disciplinary domains, with this eleventh edition dedicated to the Humanities. Finally, the Music and Opera category encompasses composition, instrumental and vocal performance, musical and stage direction, and video art creation associated with musical or operatic works.

Award
- The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards consist of 400,000 euros, a diploma and a commemorative artwork in each of their eight categories.
- In the event that an award is shared by more than one person, its monetary amount will be divided equally among all recipients.
- All awards, in whatever category, will be subject to the withholding and other taxes prescribed by current legislation, which will be deducted from their total amount.
Eligibility
- The awards are open to individuals and organizations of any nationality.
- Candidates may be one or more natural persons of any nationality, without limitation of number, that have made independent or convergent contributions to a given advance, whether due to a formal collaboration (with the nominees belonging to one or more groups) or parallel working.
- The awards are also open to scientific or cultural organizations that can be collectively credited with exceptional contributions to scientific knowledge, cultural creation or the fight against climate change.
- Awards may not be granted posthumously.
Nomination:

Any scientific or cultural organization or institution can submit nominations, following their own internal procedures. Among them:
- Scientific or artistic societies and organizations
- National and regional academies of science or culture
- Public or private R&D centers
- University schools, departments or institutes and research or teaching institutes
- Hospital departments and biomedical research centers
- Schools of music
- Orchestras, orchestra associations, opera theaters and opera associations
- Public agencies and supranational, national or regional organizations substantially engaged in analysis and/or activities relating to climate change
- Other scientific, cultural and environmental organizations
Winners of the Nobel Prize in any of its categories are likewise eligible to nominate, as are past winners of the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards.

The BBVA Foundation may also invite nominations from researchers and cultural creators that have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields, establishing consultative or advisory panels to this end.

The same organization, institution or individual nominator may put forward more than one candidate without limitation of number, but no candidate may be nominated in more than one award category.

How to Submit

The nominating institution or individual must provide the following information and documentation, as specified at the above web address:
1. Award category for which the candidate is nominated
2. Name of the nominating institution and officer/body, with the corresponding contact data (postal and e-mail address, plus landline and cell phone numbers)
3. Letter of nomination signed by the nominating officer/body
4. Candidate particulars including institutional affiliation and contact data
5. Description of the salient contributions of the candidate and reasoned arguments for the nomination (maximum of three pages, single spaced)
6. Candidate’s curriculum vitae
Both nominations and the accompanying documentation must be submitted in English only.

All nominations should be submitted using the dedicated form.

For more information, visit Frontiers of Knowledge Awards.
January 12, 2018
Apply to join the FP2020 Reference Group as the Youth Seat Representative
Deadline: January 22, 2018

Are you committed to ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people and adolescents? If so, APPLY TODAY to join the FP2020 Reference Group as the youth seat representative.

FP2020 is seeking applicants interested in a leadership role in the movement to provide insights and expertise to address these challenges and to strengthen young people’s voice and participation within the partnership. Successful candidates will be family planning champions in their country and well-connected to national, regional and/or global networks committed to ensuring the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people and adolescents.

Family Planning 2020 (FP2020) is a global partnership that supports the rights of women and girls to decide, freely, and for themselves, whether, when, and how many children they want to have. FP2020 is governed by the Reference Group, which sets the overall strategic direction and drives coordination among the partnership’s stakeholders. Reference Group members are drawn from governments, multilateral organizations, civil society, donor agencies, and the private sector, and are accountable for ensuring that 120 million more women and girls have access to voluntary family planning information, services and contraceptives by the year 2020. Serving as a Reference Group member offers a unique opportunity for meaningful participation for young people at the highest level of FP2020’s governance.

About the Position

Family Planning 2020 (FP2020) is in search of two young people to join the FP2020 Reference Group, which provides leadership and oversight across the FP2020 partnership’s efforts and currently consists of 23 members representing multi-lateral organizations, civil society, governments, and the private sector.

The Youth Representative Seat on the FP2020 Reference Group is intended to incorporate the perspectives of young people and provide an opportunity for meaningful participation at the highest levels of FP2020’s governance. The two individuals selected through this process will participate in all Reference Group activities and share the seat during in-person meetings.

The Youth Reference Group Members will serve as a critical link between FP2020 and networks of adolescents and young people in the family planning community. Successful candidates will have the ability to articulate insights that reflect a strong understanding of issues, concerns, and opportunities that are unique to young people and adolescents.

Eligibility

The Youth Representatives on the Reference Group must be filled by individuals who:
- Are a member of at least one youth network engaged in work to advance the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people, specifically related to ensuring the right to contraceptives;
- Born after January 1, 1990 (in the year 2020 you must be 30 or younger);
- Are able to serve for a two-year period;
- Are available to participate in two annual Reference Group meetings each year and an additional 1-2 global convenings each year (approximately 3 weeks of travel per year);
- Are from one of FP2020’s focus countries.
To successfully serve on the Reference Group, applicants should demonstrate the following qualities and capabilities:
- Proven advocate for family planning both in their own country and globally;
- Well-versed in sexual and reproductive health and rights issues, especially those related to young people and family planning;
- Well-connected to youth networks and organizations in their own country and globally;
- Comfortable voicing their perspective and the perspective of other young people amongst high-level leaders in the family planning community;
- Prepared to present ideas and solutions to the major challenges impacting adolescent and youth access and use of contraception.
Application

Applicants will be notified of a decision via email in late February 2018. For any questions about this form or the application process, please email [email protected].

Complete the online application.

For more information, visit FP2020 Reference Group.
January 11, 2018
Apply to Speak at the 10th ICT4D Conference in Lusaka, Zambia (Scholarship Available)
Deadline: January 15, 2018

The organizers of the 10th Conference on Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) are now accepting speaker applications for the conference taking place in Lusaka, Zambia from 8-10 May, 2018. The conference brings together public, private & civil society organizations from across the humanitarian & international development community. They are looking for practical case studies and presentations on truly cutting-edge applications and innovation in the use of ICT for development.

Speaking is a great way to share your experience in implementing ICT4D solutions, stimulate discussion about the challenges and best practices surrounding their use, and introduce people to new ways of doing relief and development work. Speakers for conference tracks are selected on a competitive basis.

Tracks

The agenda for the 10th ICT4D Conference 2018 is currently in development. The organizing committee is accepting presentation submissions on truly cutting-edge ICT innovations and applications for the conference tracks below:
- Agriculture and Environment
- Digital Financial Inclusion
- Humanitarian Response
- Health & Nutrition
- Collaboration & Openness In ICT
- Livelihoods & Education
Apply to become a speaker at the 10th ICT4D Conference in Lusaka, Zambia. This is an opportunity lend your voice and insights as a leader, expert and global ambassador to further the advancement of the SDGs.

Scholarship

*A limited number of scholarships are available upon successfully meeting application criteria.

Eligibility
- Open to anyone who is:
  - working on cutting-edge ICT4D innovations
  - developing new ways of doing relief and development work
  - able to speak on the practical use of ICT4D in Agriculture, Health, Nutrition, Education, Livelihoods, Financial Inclusion, and Humanitarian Response
Conference attendees consist of:

C-level executives, senior managers, program leaders, field officers, IT/data managers, and senior technical advisors from disciplines ranging from agriculture, health, education, conservation and disaster management to information and communications technology, data management, GIS/mapping, and financial services.

Representatives of regional and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society and community-based organizations, private sector companies, multilateral and governmental agencies, academic and research institutions, development banks, and aid and development funding organizations.

Application

Note:
- January 15, 2018 – deadline for applications to speak
- February 9, 2018 – Selected speakers notified
- If you are not chosen, your application will be saved for second round consideration if presentation spots open up
- Scholarship application is included as part of the speaker application – if you need a scholarship please ensure you fill this part out as well
- Scholarships will be awarded only to selected speakers who qualify for scholarship assistance as demonstrated in their application*
Click here to apply.

For more information, visit 10th ICT4D Conference.
January 11, 2018
AIMS Master’s Degree Program 2018 (Full Scholarship for African Students)
Deadline: March 20, 2018

Applications are now open for the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Master’s Degree Program. The AIMS Master’s degree in the mathematical sciences is a unique, innovative program providing problem-solving and computational skills as well as exposure to cutting edge fields. Apply now to join the brightest African minds in addressing global challenges.

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is an academic network that enables Africa’s brightest students to become innovators that advances scientific, educational and economic self-sufficiency. The work-study program is an 18-month program that applies a work-integrated learning approach by combining course work with practical work experience.

Key Features
- Courses taught by outstanding African and international lecturers and supported by a team of resident tutors
- Students and lecturers sharing a 24-hour learning environment
- A climate of highly interactive teaching where students are encouraged to learn together through questioning and discovery
- Emphasis on computational methods and scientific computing with 24/7 access to computer labs and the internet
- A pan-African student body including a minimum of 30% women
- AIMS graduates progressing to top advanced degree programs and careers in Africa and all over the world.
Financial Assistance

There are no course fees for successful Master’s degree applicants. Full bursaries covering tuition, accommodation, meals and travel costs are also awarded to successful applicants. http://applications.nexteinstein.org

Eligibility
- The AIMS Master’s program is open to all African nationals.
- Applicants should hold, or anticipate completing by the start date of the AIMS course, a 4-year university degree in mathematics, or any science or engineering subject with a significant mathematics component.
- An applicant’s record should demonstrate strong aptitude in mathematics, leadership and community service
- Women applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Criteria
- Each applicant’s dossier will be evaluated in light of prior educational opportunities available to them.
- Potential applicants must demonstrate both a high degree of motivation and the ability to complete the course successfully.
Application

Complete the online application.

For more information, visit AIMS Master’s Degree.
January 11, 2018
Scholarships available for Master of Science in Global Health Delivery at UGHE (Study in Rwanda)
Deadline: February 12, 2018

Applications are open for the University of Global Health Equity’s Master of Science in Global Health Delivery, a one-year, full-time degree program in Butaro, a rural town in Rwanda. The University provides scholarships based on financial need. In addition, they offer two special scholarships; Women in Global Health Leadership Scholarship and One Health Scholarship.

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is a new university based in Rwanda that is focused on building the next generation of global health professionals into leaders and changemakers through the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) program. They are on a mission to radically change the way health care is delivered around the world.

UGHE’s MGHD program provides one-of-a-kind learning experiences fundamentally rooted in the principles of global health, One Health, epidemiology, global health policy, management, finance, and leadership, preparing students to tackle complex health care delivery challenges in communities that need it most. Their vision is a world where every individual—no matter who they are or where they live— can lead a healthy and productive life. UGHE is committed to alleviating the burden of tuition for students through equity affirmative financial aid policies including payment plans and scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship

All applicants will be considered for UGHE scholarships which are available to each incoming MGHD class. In addition to general scholarship support, UGHE has named scholarships for women and One Health leaders.
- UGHE Scholarships:
  High-quality applicants are admitted into the MGHD program irrespective of their ability to pay tuition. Financial need will be determined on an individual basis and only after a full assessment of a student’s financial capacity. Scholarship recipients will be notified in advance of the MGHD decision deadline.
Additional Scholarships
- Women in Global Health Leadership Scholarship:
  In an effort to advance the status of women, UGHE has established the Women in Global Health Leadership scholarship. This will be awarded annually to incoming MGHD candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to equity and a strong desire to advance global health delivery. Tuition support will be awarded to female MGHD candidates. Award distribution will be determined after a careful evaluation of each candidate’s application and financial need.
  Criteria:
  - Female
  - Performed exceptionally well on all stages of the admission process (e.g., application, exam and interview)
  - Demonstrated financial need
  - Preference will be given to nationals from a country in the East African Community (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda)
- One Health Scholarship:
  Challenges in global health delivery frequently emerge at the interface of human, animal, and natural systems. UGHE is at the forefront of a paradigm shift in training and providing students the opportunity to explore these complex challenges through a One Health approach. To promote this interdisciplinary perspective on health, UGHE has established the One Health Scholarship. This will be awarded to incoming MGHD candidates with a background in a One Health discipline (e.g., environmental, veterinary and social sciences). Tuition support will be awarded to an MGHD candidate with a demonstrated commitment to equity and a strong desire to investigate the interdependencies of human, animal, and natural systems that contribute to global health delivery. Award distribution will be determined after a careful evaluation of each candidate’s application and financial need.
  Criteria:
  - Has a background in a One Health discipline (e.g., environmental sciences, veterinary sciences and social sciences)
  - Performed exceptionally well on all stages of the admission process (e.g., application, exam and interview)
  - Demonstrated financial need
  - Preference will be given to nationals from a country in the East African Community (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda)
Eligibility
- The MGHD program targets candidates eager to refine and diversify their global health delivery skills.
- Candidates should hold at least a bachelor’s degree
- Candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds can apply.
- Candidates should have a global interest, a commitment to leadership, and a desire to address issues of inequity and disparity through health delivery.
- Candidates must be committed to high academic integrity.
Application

All MGHD candidates are invited to submit a financial aid application with their application. If you’re committed to health equity and looking to advance your global health career, apply to the MGHD today.

Click here to apply now.

For more information, visit University of Global Health Equity.
January 11, 2018
Call for Applications: Zimba Women Mentorship Programme 2018
Deadline: February 28, 2018

Applications are now open for the Zimba Women Mentorship Programme 2018. The Zimba Women Mentorship Program is a year-long program that kicks off in April every year. The program aims to provide advice, leadership tips, and tools for young women to live purposeful and well-rounded lives.

When we support the growth and empowerment of women and girls, we raise the quality of life for everyone. By matching successful women and men with ambitious women and girls, they can help each other accomplish the equality and foundation that will shape the next generation of leaders.

About

The mentorship relationship is at the heart of this program. Technology will be used to enable participants to build bonds between mentors and mentees who are not in the same area. Mentors may interact with mentees over video chat, collaborate on projects, brainstorm solutions to challenges and celebrate achievements as if they were in the same room together. Over the course of the year, the two become invested in each other’s success and merge their talents to make inimitable strides together.

The Zimba Women dedicated team is on hand to provide support and resources throughout the mentoring relationship. On average, mentors and mentees meet at least once in two months. The program places emphasis on leadership, professional, personal and emotional development as well advice on empowering practical messages to promote good habits, cultivate positive attitudes and build self-confidence.

Benefits

The benefits of a mentoring relationship are tremendous- for both mentees and mentors. From building new skills to rejuvenating interest in their work, making new contacts and forging a bond with someone in another part of the country, mentoring truly presents some invaluable opportunities for everyone involved.

The benefits also extend beyond individuals. The women and girls they work with are pioneering change makers who are poised to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities. Women who are financially independent have greater control over their own lives and often a more influential voice in tackling injustice and discrimination.

Mentoring plays a role in helping women and girls overcome barriers they face and accelerate strides they are already making. By building their digital literacy and skills, women are in a better position to participate in political and business-related decision making processes.

Eligibility
- Open to Africans. Ugandans are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility criteria for Mentees
- Open to Undergraduate students.
- Women and Girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.) are highly encouraged to apply
- Women in business.
- Ability to commit to a year
- Ability to meet physically with a mentor at least once in two months and virtually at least thrice in a month.
- Willing to complete a feedback form at the end of the program.
- Ready to embark on a life-changing journey of self-discovery and learning.
Eligibility criteria for Mentors
- A professional/entrepreneur (man or woman) with at least five years of relevant experience.
- Ability to commit to a year.
- Ability to meet physically with a mentee at least once in two months and virtually at least thrice in a month.
- Willing to complete a feedback form at the end of the program.
- Ready to embark on a life-changing journey of self-discovery and learning.
Application

Mentee Application Form

Mentor Application Form

For more information, visit Zimba Women.
January 11, 2018
Digital Grassroots Ambassador Program 2018
Deadline: January 30, 2018

The Digital Grassroots is looking for young people interested in using the internet as a tool for social good and development. Apply now to become a Digital Grassroots Ambassador in your community. Digital Grassroots is a youth initiative created to increase citizenship by Internet Society youth fellows at the Internet Governance Forum 2017. It was developed to proactively engage youth in addressing internet problems at a grassroots level.

The Internet Governance Forum that took place at the United Nations in Geneva from the 18^th to the 21^st of December 2017 had the theme: ‘Shape Your Digital Future.’ Internet Society Youth Fellows saw the need to increase youth participation in Internet Governance Issues. Even though we are digital natives, young people are secluded from the decision making table on policies and issues affecting the internet that has shaped and continue to shape our daily lives.

The Digital Grassroots Ambassador program is an initiative to accomplish the following goals:
1. Build a positive narrative on youth participation in Internet Governance
2. Engage youth in resolving internet relation problems at community level
3. Introduce youth to participation in Internet Governance through mentorship
4. Use Internet Literacy as a tool to accomplish Sustainable Developmental Goals
The Digital Grassroots Ambassador program will include:
1. An Internet Literacy Coursework tailored to accomplish the SDGs
2. A community engagement activity that will be done by selected Ambassadors
3. A 4 week mentorship program with a mentor to induct Ambassadors to Youth Participation in Internet Governance
Benefits

Successful Ambassadors will receive:
- a certificate at the end of the program
- an opportunity to share success stories and write articles related to internet on their website, forum and social platforms
- an exclusive mentorship program on how to engage as a youth in Internet Governance,
- an opportunity to join the core team in a given capacity.
Eligibility
- Between 14 and 29 years old in 2018
- Interested in using the internet as a tool for social good and development
- Community Centred individual passionate about sharing information
- Applications encouraged from persons from regions facing internet related challenges including access problems.
- You do not need prior experience in Internet Governance to participate
- Applicants are encouraged to join the Digital Grassroots forum for news updates (Optional).
Application

Applicants are encouraged to join the Digital Grassroots forum for news updates. Successful Applicants Notified: 15 February 2018.

Complete the online application.

For more information, visit Digital Grassroots.
January 11, 2018
2018 Spark* Accelerator Program in Nairobi, Kenya (Fully-funded)
Deadline: March 4, 2018

Applications are now OPEN for the Spark* Kenya – April 2018 Accelerator Program in Johannesburg. The Spark* Accelerator Program is a powerful opportunity for passionate impact entrepreneurs in Kenya who are at the early stages of building businesses and organisations that exist to change the lives of Kenyans.

The Spark* Accelerator is an experience that many of the entrepreneurs refer to as ‘life-changing’. Your brain will hurt. You will laugh. You may even cry! In five days you will move to a whole new level of effectiveness as an entrepreneur. Your startup will become super focused, you will be better equipped to change the lives of people living in poverty, your business model will be way stronger, you will be a better entrepreneur, you will be better at raising cash, making deals, getting impact and getting sh#t done!

Throughout the week you will engage with a world class, award winning curriculum that covers:
- Strategy: We will challenge you with new ways of how to structure your startup, test new ideas, understand your users, refine your business model and theory of change and together we will check out case studies of other great social entrepreneurs.
- Impact: How to determine and report on the impact you are having.
- Funding: How to raise funds and look after them and report on them in the best way.
- Sharing Your Vision: You will become very good at pitching, public speaking and networking.
- Looking After Yourself: You will learn about how to stay at peak performance so you can be super effective as a Changemaker.
- Innovation tools: You will be able to come up with awesome ideas quickly with the tools they give you.
Benefits

There is no cost to attend. They are able to provide you with five days of accommodation, food, transport and world class training as well as 12 months of ongoing support and connections at no cost to you.

If you are successful in your application you:
- Attend the Spark* Accelerator – An intensive five day live-in workshop in Nairobi where you join a small group of Spark* entrepreneurs and access world class entrepreneurship training designed to help you focus your business and accelerate the growth of your venture.
- Access the Spark* Support Network – Beyond the accelerator you receive ongoing training and support from Spark* and we connect you to experts and professionals who can help you as you launch and grow your business. Specifically we provide you with 12 months of access to graphic designers, website creators, business coaches, mentors, research assistants, lawyers and accountants (all super helpful for your venture). Your venture also has the opportunity to continually apply for small grants (up to KES 80,000) to help you overcome barriers and test ideas to grow the impact or sustainability of your venture.
- Access Growth Support & Connections – The best Spark* entrepreneurs move into growth, where we provide larger amounts of support to help you grow a model that have proven in the startup phase. At this level you can access larger rounds of funding, of over $10,000 Australian dollars (typically $25,000), are connected directly to our investor partners and our team work closely with you to strategise specific approaches that will help you dramatically increase your impact and sustainability.
Eligibility

They are looking for Kenyan startups who:
- Have already launched an enterprise that is making a difference in the lives of Kenyans (by improving education, health, homes or creating good jobs).
- Want to scale their enterprise to impact many more people.
Application

The application must be completed by the applicant themselves. While you may ask for guidance and support from others, the form must reflect your ideas and your passion, expressed in your own words. They may conduct a phone interview with you if you are shortlisted.

Are you the founder of a startup venture that is changing lives?

Complete the online application.

For more information, visit Spark* Kenya Accelerator Program.
January 11, 2018
CEIBS Pre-MBA Boot Camp Challenge 2018 (Win a FREE Spot to Study in China)
Deadline: January 17 and March 21, 2018

Thinking of starting a full time MBA to enhance your future career in China? Take the CEIBS Pre-MBA Boot Camp Challenge to win your free spot worth €1,350!

CEIBS Summer Pre-MBA Boot Camp is the ideal programme to let you “get your toes wet” before you take the dive. As part of an elite group of participants, you will have the unique opportunity to visit Shanghai for one week to live and experience China as well as the CEIBS MBA to the fullest.

The China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) is the leading China-based international business school, with three programmes globally ranked by the Financial Times. Their mission is to educate responsible leaders versed in ‘China Depth, Global Breadth’.

CEIBS is offering you the opportunity to showcase your interest in China and compete for a FREE spot (all-inclusive except flights and visas) to the 2018 Pre-MBA Summer Boot Camp! By taking part, you’ll not only learn more about the CEIBS Summer Pre-MBA Boot Camp (26th of June – 1st of July, 2018) but also demonstrate how you will make the most of this unique summer experience! Visit Shanghai for one week to live and experience China as well as the CEIBS MBA to the fullest.

Benefits

China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) is running their Summer Boot Camp from 26th of June – 1st of July, 2018 and is giving one lucky winner the opportunity for a FREE spot worth €1,359 (all inclusive except flights and visa fees) to join CEIBS professors and other international students in the world’s most dynamic city where you will experience the CEIBS MBA in action.

Eligibility
- The competition is open to candidates between the ages of 23-35 who are considering an MBA degree in the near future.
- You must be either currently enrolled or have graduated from an accredited undergraduate university program anywhere in the world, preferably with a minimum of one year work experience.
- To enter the competition, candidates need to complete the 3 challenge stages and fill out their profile with relevant personal details.
- Winners must abide by the application requirements of the host organization.
- All users must provide submissions that the user has created him/herself.
- All users must provide personal information that is truthful and accurate.
- Sqore reserves the right to exclude users at its sole discretion.
Application

To be eligible for the prize, you will need to apply and be accepted by CEIBS. Please contact James Kent at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Finalists will be selected based on their performance in the competition and then invited for a brief 15 minutes phone/Skype interview. The winner(s) will be selected based on their interview performance.

Start your application.

Interested in a Full-Time MBA in 2018? Please be aware of the following application round deadlines for the 2018 intake:
- January 17th, 2018
- March 21st, 2018
For more information, visit CEIBS Pre-MBA Boot Camp Challenge.
January 11, 2018