Young Leaders Visitors Program –
Connecting leaders for positive change

for more info see http://www.si.se/English/Navigation/Scholarships-and-exchanges/Lead...

The YLVP is designed to provide the participants with new skills, networks and innovative tools to strengthen their work to drive social change in their respective contexts. The program combines intercultural leadership training with theory and practice in the fields of transparency, democracy and human rights. Cutting-edge social media solutions are used throughout the program, as tools for learning and for building networks that promote dialogue, knowledge sharing and openness.

The participants are visionaries who are in a position to make a difference and committed to positive change. They are young (20-32 years), open-minded leaders in Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank-Gaza, Yemen and Sweden who are actively working for democracy and human rights within the spheres of society, culture, politics and media: project managers, youth leaders, government civil servants, youth politicians, lawyers, journalists/bloggers, activists and cultural workers.

During and after the program the participants will be part of an active network that will boost creativity and support their personal and professional development, while also laying the platform for a more connected future. Since the launch of the YLVP in 2008, the program alumni network has grown to comprise more than 140 young leaders. YLVP alumni stay connected and continue to inspire and support each other’s work to promote democracy and human rights.

Interested in joining YLVP? For more information about the program: click here. For information about the application procedure: click here.

This is a presentation of the program focusing on how cutting-edge social media can revolutionize public opinion and how the exchange of ideas and knowledge leads to positive change.

we now accept applications for the Young Leaders Visitors Program 2013. Deadline is December 14, 2012.

Eligibility

• You are an engaged leader within the spheres of society, culture, politics or media.
• You are working actively for democracy and human rights.
• You are between 20-32 years old (at the time of the start of the program).
• You have a good working knowledge of both written and spoken English.
• You are from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank-Gaza, Yemen or Sweden. 

Please note that we will not be able to make any exceptions to the eligibility requirements. 

Selection process

The Swedish Institute will appoint a selection committee consisting of staff from the Swedish Institute as well as representatives from partner organizations and field experts. The applications will be evaluated according to the following selection criteria:

• The relevance and quality of personal motivation and commitment, and the applicant’s answers to the YLVP application form.
• An assessment of the CV.
• The general qualifications of the applicant.

The Swedish Institute will make its decision taking into account the recommendations of the selection committee as well as the candidates’ general suitability for the program. Out of all applicants, a number of shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews as a second step in the selection process . The interviews will be conducted through Skype.

The Swedish Institute will contact 28 selected applicants by email by February 14, 2013, and offer them a place in the Young Leaders Visitors Program. The Swedish Institute will also compose a list of reserve candidates in case a second selection round would be needed. Reserves who have been offered a place in the Young Leaders Visitors program will be notified by February 28, 2013. As far as possible, the Swedish Institute will ensure that there is an even distribution of candidates from the different countries.

Please note that the Young Leaders Visitors Program is an intensive program with a full day schedule and many evening activities. All selected participants will have to commit to participate in all activities of both module 1 and 2.

Application instructions

Submit your application by sending the YLVP Application form 2013 together with your CV in English to YLVP13@si.se by December 14. The application form will be available in the right-hand menu on November 12. Only applicants who have submitted a complete application will be considered for the program. A complete application consists of:

• A completed YLVP Application form 2013 in English, including your contact details and the contact details of two reference persons.            
• An updated CV in English

Please note that the reference persons should be someone who knows your work in the areas of democracy and human rights. We may contact the reference persons of the applicants who are selected for an interview. We only need the contact details of the references (name, job title, telephone number and email), i.e. no letters of recommendation. We accept references who speak English, Arabic or French.

If you have any questions regarding the application form, please contact ylvp@si.se.

Due to the large number of applications that we receive, we are unfortunately not able to send personal replies to all applicants. Hence, if you have not heard from us by February 28, 2013, you have not been accepted to the Young Leaders Visitors Program. However, you are more than welcome to apply again for next year's program.

Important dates

• Deadline for applications: December 14, 2012
• Skype interviews: 27 January-3 February 
• Accepted applicants will be informed by: 28 February
• YLVP module 1 in Sweden: May 19-June 6, 2013
• YLVP follow up in the MENA region (location to be confirmed): November 2-8, 2013