Opportunity Desk

Category: America

Opportunities for the Americans.

  • ICT for Social Good Grants for Local Innovators 2017

    ICT for Social Good Grants for Local Innovators 2017

    Deadline: April 30, 2017

    ICT for Social Good is a grant for local innovators in low-income countries offered within the program “Innovation for Development.” ICT for Social Good wants to know, value and sustain those many projects, realities and innovative ideas created with a bottom-up approach. Often, these ideas are not fully recognised and they face difficulties in being involved in international development projects. However, they represent a good starting point to build a new approach to the international cooperation and local development.

    The general goal of the grant is to sustain, as much as possible, local innovators in low-income countries but also to inform the development sector – too often still based on traditional intervention models – about local innovations.

    Grants

    • The two prizes are of 12,000 Euros and 10,000 Euros respectively and the winners will also be invited to Italy for the final event of the programme “Innovazione per lo Sviluppo” encouraging meetings with entrepreneurial realities and Italian research centres that might be interested in sustaining and developing the winning projects.

    Eligibility

    • Open to a Non-profit organisation or social venture/enterprise that is led by a social purpose and tackle social issues or an association, cooperative, NGO, individual enterprise, consortium at least since 6 months.

    Application Process

    For more information, visit ICT for Social Good Grants.

  • ICRC Traineeship 2017 at the Legal Division in Geneva, Switzerland

    ICRC Traineeship 2017 at the Legal Division in Geneva, Switzerland

    Deadline: April 15, 2017

    The ICRC’s Legal Division is offering six paid traineeships for a period of one year at its headquarters in Geneva. The traineeships start in autumn 2017. Trainees at the Legal Division undertake a variety of assignments, including carrying out research and writing project briefs on specific legal questions primarily related to IHL, both in French and in English. They also review legal documents, contribute to the preparation of meetings, prepare draft reports or minutes of meetings and give presentations on IHL to groups visiting the ICRC.

    Eligibility

    • A university degree in law or international relations and a Master degree in international law (or an equivalent post-graduate legal training);
    • Excellent knowledge of IHL (shortlisted candidates will be tested in IHL during the course of the interviews);
    • Fluency in either French or English, and a very good understanding of the other;
    • Age: Applicants should be between 25 and 30 years old at the beginning of the internship.

    Application Process

    Applications should be addressed to [email protected]. The selection process will take place between May and June 2017.

    Your application file should include the following elements:

    • A fully completed Traineeship form;
    • A cover letter, not exceeding 800 words;
    • A CV, not exceeding two pages, which indicates in particular:
      • The titles and the number of hours of international humanitarian law (IHL) courses followed
      • Any academic writings and/or other research work carried out in IHL
      • Any relevant professional experience in relation to IHL.

    For more information, visit ICRC Traineeship.

  • UNESCO/APCEIU Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED (Fully Funded)

    UNESCO/APCEIU Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED (Fully Funded)

    Deadline: April 7, 2017

    The Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) will organize the 3rd Youth Leadership Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) from May 28 to June 3, 2017, in Jeju, Republic of Korea. Organized in partnership with the GCED Youth Network and sponsored by Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity, the workshop aims to build the capacity of dynamic young leaders from across the world to strengthen their leaderships for GCED.

    The five-day workshop aims to contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Target 4.7, to foster global citizenship through education. While enabling participants to deepen their understanding of GCED, the workshop allows the young leaders to play a major role and become part of a wider network of youth leaders for GCED.

    During the workshop, participants will identify specific priority issues around GCED and establish plans for the future direction of GCED. Working both individually and in groups, the young leaders will devise the goals and strategies for use at local and national levels. Participants will also engage in information sessions to support them in this task, on areas such as ‘GCED Youth Advocacy tools,’ and ‘Deepening the Understanding of GCED.’

    Cost

    • Travel and local expenses will be covered for all successful applicants (participants will be responsible for the domestic travel expenses and visa fees in their own countries.)

    Eligibility

    • Applicants must be between the ages of 18 to 24;
    • Participants will be selected on the basis of their current engagement and future commitment in educating youth at the local and national levels around GCED;
    • Participants must have a minimum of two years’ experience in youth activities, sufficient understanding of GCED issues and priorities, and proven experiences of influencing change at the local or national levels.

    Application Process

    Applications for the Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED must be submitted before April 7, 2017 (KST 09:00). Successful applicants will be notified by April 17, 2017.

    For more information, visit UNESCO/APCEIU Youth Leadership Workshop.

  • Apply to be a Young Diplomats of Canada Delegate

    Apply to be a Young Diplomats of Canada Delegate

    Deadline: March 24, 2017

    Young Diplomats of Canada (YDC) is a national non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to elevate Canada’s global presence by providing young Canadian leaders with opportunities in diplomacy, policy, and advocacy. YDC pursues its mission through three areas: international delegations, research projects, and advocacy initiatives. YDC is currently recruiting four young Canadian leaders to the 2017 Y7 Youth Summit to be held in Rome, Italy from May 7 – 9, 2017.

    Cost

    • There is no participation fee to attend the Y7 Youth Summit. Transport within Italy, accommodation and food will also be covered by the Italian Government and Italian Presidency of G7. However, delegates will be responsible for funding their own travel to and from Rome, Italy.

    Eligibility

    • The delegation will be composed of four delegates between the ages of 18 – 27. All delegates must have excellent command of English, the official language of the Summit.

    Application Process

    Apply in English or French

    For more information, visit Young Diplomats of Canada Delegate.

  • Field Coordinators Needed for the EMBRACE Project

    Field Coordinators Needed for the EMBRACE Project

    Deadline: March 22, 2017

    The EMBRACE project of the Youth Challenge International is seeking three (3) experienced and organized Field Coordinators to support the effective planning and implementation of the Agents for Change (AoC) Study Tour, a three-week overseas volunteer project for ten university-level Health Sciences students in August 2017.

    The AoCs will be divided into three groups, each of which will visit one EMBRACE project country – Rwanda, Cambodia or the Philippines – to learn about global maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) and nutrition issues. Upon their return to Canada, the Agents of Change will work with ADRA Canada to use their new awareness and knowledge to engage their communities in increasing awareness of global MNCH and nutrition issues.

    Responsibilities

    • Participate in the AoC preparation process through hosting Skype meetings and creating country-specific documents;
    • Coordinate in-country logistics including accommodation, transportation and other details as required;
    • Work with EMBRACE project teams and partners to develop a detailed trip itinerary;
    • Manage volunteers while they are in country;
    • Facilitate reflective learning activities with volunteers to support their personal development and learning;
    • Ensure AoC safety and security and adherance to all risk management protocols;
    • Support information and data gathering activities to enhance AoC public engagement activities in Canada;
    • Any other AoC related duties as designated by YCI, ADRA Canada or the EMBRACE project team.

    Benefits

    This is a two-month subsidized skilled volunteer placement. YCI will provide the following for the volunteer:

    • Pre-departure training and debrief in Toronto (including travel and accommodation)
    • In-country orientation
    • Return airfare and visa/permit fees
    • Vaccinations allowance up to $300 CAD
    • Emergency medical and evacuation insurance
    • $1,200 CAD stipend per month to cover accommodation, food, work-related communication and transportation

    Eligibility

    • Open to university-level Health Sciences students in Canada

    Application Process

    To apply for these positions, please complete the volunteer application form.

    For more information, visit Field Coordinators Needed for the EMBRACE Project.

  • Future Science Leaders Program 2017/2018 (Bursaries Available)

    Future Science Leaders Program 2017/2018 (Bursaries Available)

    Deadline: May 8, 2017

    The Future Science Leaders program was launched in 2011 and is now celebrating its fifth year. It was conceived of as a “talent incubator” to provide gifted students an opportunity to engage with university-level topics and activities otherwise unavailable at home or school. This competitive nine-month program attracts exceptional grade 10 and 11 students who are insatiably curious, eager for a challenge, and willing to take risks while exploring new ideas and technologies.

    Cost

    • There is a cost of $500 for the program. Bursaries are available and no student will be excluded on the basis of financial need.

    Eligibility

    • Applicants must be entering into grade 10 or 11 in September 2017;
    • Applicants must also be able to demonstrate a keen interest in Science and/or Technology, an ability to excel as both part of a team and as an individual.

    Application Process

    Applications will be open until May 8, 2017 at 8pm.

    Only completed applications will be reviewed and applicants are strongly encouraged to download the application checklist to ensure they are prepared to submit their applications.

    For more information, visit Future Science Leaders Program.

  • Call for Proposals: Thomas Jefferson Fund 2017

    Call for Proposals: Thomas Jefferson Fund 2017

    Deadline: April 9, 2017

    The French Embassy and the FACE Foundation are launching the Thomas Jefferson Fund to support new collaborations and the most innovative projects between promising young researchers in France and the United States. The Thomas Jefferson Fund aims to foster forward-looking collaborative research in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences, of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and of Science for Society that addresses the most pressing global challenges.

    Grants will be awarded per funding cycle in each of the following fields:

    • Humanities and Social Sciences (SSH);
    • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM);
    • Sciences for Society (interdisciplinary STEM-SSH projects)

    Grant

    • Each grant will amount to $20,000 over two years to be split equally between the French and the American teams. Co-financing from the researchers’ universities is encouraged to ensure the sustainability of these research partnerships.

    Eligibility

    • Open to young researchers in France and the United States

    Application Process

    Download the application form

    The complete application must include the following documents:

    • The application form to be filled-out in PDF format;
    • The filled-out budget template in Excel format;
    • Two letters of intent, signed by the President, Chancellor, Provost, Head of Department, Head ofLaboratory, Head of the International Relations Office, Head of the Contracts & Grants Office, or anycomparable representative: one for each institution. This letter can be either in French or in English;a translation is not necessary. This letter must be in PDF format (NOT to exceed 200 K);
    • Two curriculum vitae of each of the project leaders, stating their current affiliations (not to exceed TWOpages each). The biographical resumes must be in English. The CVs must be in Word or PDF formats(NOT to exceed 1MB, no pictures).

    Please send the coplete application to [email protected]

    Important Dates

    • Selection of 2017 grantees: June 2017
    • Official announcement of the 2017 grantees: June 2017
    • Launch of the selected projects: July 2017

    For more information, visit Thomas Jefferson Fund.

  • Apply to the Drucker Prize 2017 (Win up to $100,000)

    Apply to the Drucker Prize 2017 (Win up to $100,000)

    Deadline: May 12, 2017

    Now in it’s 26th year, The Drucker Prize (formerly known as the Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation) continues to recognize the organization that best exemplifies Peter Drucker’s definition of innovation: “change that creates a new dimension of performance.” Beyond the cash award, The Drucker Prize offers nonprofits a host of practical insights to help them become more innovative and more effective.

    Indeed, the Drucker Prize’s resource-rich learning platform blends the timeless wisdom of Peter Drucker with the thinking of some of today’s brightest management minds. Their original content is open first to each year’s 50 semifinalists. Leaders of these organizations get to dive into specially designed mini-courses covering key aspects of innovation and nonprofit performance.

    Prize

    • One organization will win the $100,000, everyone who applies will get something just as valuable: powerful new tools for effectiveness.

    Eligibility

    • Open to non-profit organizations

    Application Process

    For more information, visit Drucker Prize 2017.

  • Join the AMEE Student Task Force 2017 – Helsinki, Finland

    Join the AMEE Student Task Force 2017 – Helsinki, Finland

    Deadline: March 17, 2017

    Apply to become part of the AMEE Student Task Force 2017. AMEE is one of the most important organisations for medical and other health professions’ Education in the world. AMEE promotes international excellence in education in the healthcare professions across the continuum of undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education. Every year, AMEE organizes the largest medical education conference in the world: the AMEE Conference! In the last years, more than 3,500 participants attended the AMEE Conferences, with workshops, lectures, poster presentations, short communications, exhibitions, etc.

    This year, AMEE offers 39 international medical students the chance to attend the Conference for free, with financial support for travel and accommodation expenses. In exchange for that those students are asked to assist in basic tasks, related to helping out with practical issues and assisting participants during the conference.

    Benefits

    • Two students from the Student Task Force with a special interest in technology enhanced learning will get the unique opportunity to contribute to the AMEE Conference Hackathon.

    Eligibility

    Any student with:

    • a certain interest and/or background in medical education and other healthcare professions education;
    • sufficient English skills;
    • total respect for the rules and responsibilities of the Student Task Force;
    • full availability for the Student Task Force working days (25 – 30 August);
    • the right motivation and enthusiasm for working in an international team of students.

    Selection Criteria

    All applications will be judged by the Coordinators team. Selections will be made based on:

    • motivation
    • relevant experience
    • future plans for use of experience gained
    • geographical and gender diversity

    Application Process

    For more information, visit AMEE Student Task Force 2017.

  • Call for Papers: Second Annual Conference of the Japan Economy Network

    Call for Papers: Second Annual Conference of the Japan Economy Network

    Deadline: April 15, 2017

    The Japan Economy Network (JEN) and the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) invite submissions of papers and extended abstracts for the Second Annual Conference of the Japan Economy Network. This year’s theme is Japan and the Asian Economy.

    Submissions that analyse the interdependence between Japan and other Asian economies are encouraged, but organizers also welcome papers with a sole focus on the Japanese economy, including papers on monetary and fiscal policy, exchange rate policy, development of the Japanese banking system, perspectives on potential output, consequences of demographic change, womenomics, inequality, labour markets, and education. Papers adopting a comparative perspective are welcome.

    Eligibility

    • Young scholars are particularly encouraged to submit their work.

    Application Process

    Submit your work online through the submission website.

    Important Dates

    • April 15, 2017: Deadline for submission
    • May 15, 2017: Results will be announced
    • September 14–15, 2017: Workshop date

    For more information, visit Second Annual Conference of the Japan Economy Network.

  • NWAG Scholarship for Young Nigerians in Georgia 2017

    NWAG Scholarship for Young Nigerians in Georgia 2017

    Deadline: April 30, 2017

    The Nigerian Women Association of Georgia (NWAG) plans to award two one-time scholarships in the state of Georgia, in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars each, to Georgia High School seniors.

    NWAG, a non-profit organization based in Atlanta Georgia, was founded in April 2000 with a mission to empower women, youth and children in their adopted community in the United States and in their home country, Nigeria. As of 2016 NWAG has successfully awarded a one-time, one year scholarship to 470 female students in Nigeria and 48 students in Georgia, USA.

    Scholarship

    • Two students will receive $500 USD each

    Eligibility

    • Applicants must be a Nigerian female or male, high school student of Nigerian descent.

    Application Process

    • Download the application form;
    • All applicants must include the following:
      • Proof of state of residence;
      • Two letters of recommendation from any two of the following: Church Pastor/Mosque Imam, Principal, Asst. Principal, Teacher or Counselor;
      • One letter of recommendtion must come from either the Principal or Assistant Principal of your school;
      • Photocopy of your current high school student identification card;
      • A current photograph of yourself;
      • An explanation of why you need and should receive the scholarship not more than one-half typed double spaced page);
      • A type-written, double-spaced, two-page essay on: “Discuss the significance of Nigerian cultural youth associations in Georgia in regards to the growth and development of young Nigerian Americans”

    Completed application can be submitted with all required documents to NWAG either electronically via email at [email protected] or by regular mail to P.O. Box 14542, Atlanta, GA 30324. Subject line of email: Name of Applicant, and all electronic submissions must be in PDF or Word format. Applications may not be faxed or hand-delivered.

    For more information, visit NWAG Scholarship in Georgia.

  • FCM’s Jack Layton Fellowship Program 2017

    FCM’s Jack Layton Fellowship Program 2017

    Deadline: March 23, 2017

    Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Jack Layton Fellowship Program honours and celebrates Jack Layton’s legacy by engaging young Canadians in politics. Each year the program provides an opportunity for community-minded leaders to turn their good ideas into real action and real change. Specifically, the Fellowship will seed, support and develop good ideas that engage Canadians in public policy and civic participation at a local level.

    This placement will be for a 16-week period over spring and summer. Students will gain knowledge and practical experience in organizational sustainability and will develop professional networks for their respective careers.

    How it Works

    FCM will be hiring up to five university students at the graduate or undergraduate level to work in FCM’s offices in Ottawa for a four-month term over the spring and summer. The Jack Layton Fellows will spend 80 per cent of their time occupying separate positions within FCM, serving Canada’s municipalities.

    The remaining 20 per cent of their time will be dedicated to continuing with developing the Jack Layton Fellowship project. Building on the work done last year, Fellows will identify a project for this year as a team, focusing on a priority area for which Mr. Layton was a champion, including youth engagement, the role of municipalities, affordable housing or public transit. Upon completion of the term, Fellows will be given the opportunity to have their work presented to municipal members from across the country.

    Remuneration

    • The pay will be $16─$20/hour (depending on the specific position) plus vacation pay of four per cent, which is subject to statutory deductions.

    Eligibility

    • Open to young Canadians

    Application Process

    Applicants could apply to the following positions:

    For more information, visit Jack Layton Fellowship.

  • Call for Papers: ADBI-World Economy Workshop on Globalization and the Environment

    Call for Papers: ADBI-World Economy Workshop on Globalization and the Environment

    Deadline: August 1, 2017

    The Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), in cooperation with World Economy, invites submissions of unpublished papers looking at Globalization and the Environment in Asia. Both theoretical and empirical research papers with policy orientations are welcome provided that findings, conclusions, and policy recommendations are based on solid evidence and analysis. Manuscripts can focus on Asia as a whole, a group of countries, or individual economies.

    Submission of papers dealing with but NOT limited to the following topics are welcome:

    • Trade, resources, and the environment
    • International investment and the environment
    • International migration and the environment
    • Policy designs and reforms on trade and the environment in Asian economies

    Cost and Benefits

    • ADBI will cover registration, flight, and hotel costs, plus a small lump-sum payment for one presenter of every accepted paper.
    • Selected papers from the workshop will be considered for publication in the special issue of World Economy or an edited book volume.

    Eligibility

    Application Process

    Important Dates

    • August 1, 2017: Deadline for submission of complete paper(s)
    • August 31, 2017: Decisions by academic committee on submissions
    • September 26-27, 2017: Workshop date

    For more information, visit ADBI-World Economy Workshop.

  • Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program 2017

    Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program 2017

    Deadline: April 12, 2017

    Applications are now invited for the 2017 Western Union Foundation Scholar Program. The Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program, also referred to as WU Scholars, is a program designed to support young people and their efforts to pursue a post-secondary education. Western Union (WU) believes that when money moves, better things happen. The Western Union Foundation* does just that by supporting charities that are changing people’s lives for the better. The Scholars Program is their latest effort to give back to the communities they serve.

    The WU Scholars program was created to help give young people a boost toward a better life. The Western Union Foundation believes education is the surest path to economic opportunity. Educational pursuits to gain knowledge and skills for in-demand, 21st century careers are helping people all over the world climb the economic ladder.

    Award

    Selected scholarship recipients will receive USD $2,500 each to contribute toward tuition or school fees at an accredited post-secondary institution and will be selected based on criteria relating to the program’s three pillars: Perseverance, Aspiration, and Community.

    Eligibility

    • All applicants must be pursuing a degree/field of study in one of the following categories::
      • Science
      • Technology
      • Engineering
      • Mathematics
      • Business and entrepreneurship
    • Scholarships must be used at an accredited post-secondary institution seeking an undergraduate degree.
    • All applicants for scholarships must be between the ages of 18 – 26 years of age on June 1, 2017.
    • Application must be submitted in English. Translation services may be used to help non-English speakers submit. You will not be penalized for basic errors.
    • Must be able to demonstrate admittance to an accredited post-secondary institution or have applied for admittance.
    • Must provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher or professor. If a teacher or professor is unable to submit a recommendation on your behalf, you may also use someone who has supervised you in a youth/community group, volunteer position, job/employment situation, etc.

    NOTE: You do not need to be a Western Union customer or use Western Union services to be eligible.

    Selection Criteria

    The Institute of International Education, Inc. (IIE), a US private not-for-profit organization, administers the program on behalf of the Western Union Foundation and its contributors. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on criteria relating to the program’s three pillars: Perseverance, Aspiration, and Community.

    Application

    To apply, complete the online application.

    If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this scholarship, you are encouraged to apply. Applications are now open and will close on April 12, 12:00pm EST. Selected applicants will be notified by July 2017.

    For more information, visit Western Union Foundation Scholars Program.

  • Knight Foundation Journalism 360˚ Challenge 2017

    Knight Foundation Journalism 360˚ Challenge 2017

    Deadline: April 10, 2017

    Knight Foundation, Google News Lab and the Online News Association are partnering to launch an open call for ideas, offering funding to test, refine and build out a project. For this open call, they want to discover ideas that grow immersive storytelling to advance the field of journalism—that inform and encourage news organizations to innovate, experiment and learn. They believe that developing lessons around this emerging area can help journalists extend and deepen their impact.

    All kinds of ideas are welcome, from new ways to produce and apply the technology, to the workflows, roles and skills required to create better journalism and enhanced storytelling techniques, to promoting ethics, transparency and accountability.

    Prize

    • Selected ideas will win a share of $250,000, which we will award in June 2017.

    Eligibility

    • Open to anyone, from journalists, technologists, entrepreneurs, gamers, software developers and academics, to news organizations, startups, established businesses, nonprofits and individuals. Focused on early-stage ideas, the challenge encourages building fast, failing fast and learning from the journey.

    Application Process

    For more information, visit Knight Foundation Journalism 360˚ Challenge.