Oxfam International will launch the fellowship for the first cohort of fellows this year with Asia Centre as the implementing partner. The fellowship will fund eight young people to work on an idea of their choice which could strengthen civic space in their country or address concerns of rising inequality, climate change, gender justice, and social justice.
The program will provide tools to empower young people with hands-on training and close mentorship to strengthen their capacity to make social change happen. Oxfam senior staff and its partners will mentor and provide guidance to the fellows to develop their leadership skills, help them execute their projects, and widen access to regional, local, and global civil society and advocacy networks.
Benefits
- International learning opportunities and exposure
- Fixed fellowship amount to be paid quarterly basis and an annual fixed amount for project execution
- Opportunity to be mentored by experienced international professionals in various fields
- Opportunity to work with Oxfam Leadership and cohorts from different regions
- Support to independently organize a smaller network for influencing and campaigning
- An opportunity to understand and learn about the United Nations, Multi-lateral institutions, and the international development sector
Eligibility
Prospective young fellows must meet the following criteria:
- Aged 27 or below
- Be a citizen of one of the following countries with an Oxfam office: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong-SAR, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam
- A postgraduate degree with exceptional leadership quality and talents
- Those with professional graduate degrees and experience working with a civic organization and civic spaces will also be considered
- Commitment to human rights, civic rights, and gender rights
- A keen interest to work on issues related to economic inequality, climate justice, gender rights, data justice, and digital rights, and strengthening civic rights and spaces
- Ability to design and implement a project independently
- Those with a background in digital technology, management, media, and development are encouraged to apply
- Women and people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Fellows Deliverables
- Propose, co-design, and complete a 9-month-long project on a subject of their choice related to issues of civic activism, social justice, gender justice, climate justice, or inequality
- Organize a network of at least 50 young people committed to civic space and rights in the chosen country – online and offline. Providing leadership training support to young people
- Dedicate a minimum of 40 hours per month towards implementing the proposed project for a period of 9 months
- Attend an in-person training workshop for 5 days in Bangkok
- Periodically report progress and challenges to mentors
- The fellows will be required to submit their work for external publication on the “Civic Asia” website and identify opportunities to populate the website
- Work closely with Oxfam in the hosting country
Language Proficiency
- English language competency is preferred for the fellows to be able to engage with all aspects of digital platforms and Oxfam resources. Competency in local languages will be an added advantage.
Application Process
- Candidates must submit their resume, letter of motivation, and a project pitch for the duration of the fellowship via this Google Form.
- Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by a panel of judges with the criteria (see Judging Criteria below) to select eight young fellows who will participate in the program.
