WE ARE LOOKING FOR THE DECISIONMAKERS OF TOMORROW WHO WANT TO SHAPE REGIONAL AND EUROPEAN COLLABORATION WITH THEIR ENERGY AND PASSION
For detailed information on the application process, please visit our website balkanfund.org
Introduction The Fellowship Programme for Government Officials is a one-year practice-oriented educational programme for government officials. The purpose of the programme is to give impetus to the EU integration-driven reforms of the Western Balkans’ administrations, through building the capacities of individuals, who are acting as the agents of change. The programme targets ambitious government officials with a strong commitment to contributing to the development of their societies who are lifelong learners, acquiring skills and broadening their horizons throughout their careers.
Applications are accepted in the period:
15 OCT / 15 DEC
By participating in the programme, the fellows from the targeted institutions will have the opportunity to:
Gain professional experience in EU countries’ federal or state government agencies during the 3-month Fellowship Phase
Receive training on EU (and other international) issues
Receive training on their respective fields of expertise
Participate in the EFB Community network
Learn a foreign language
Acquire leadership and management skills at seminars
Engage with their colleagues from the region and the EU
Serve as ambassadors of their respective countries
Create links between administrations through individual networks
Programme content Up to 20 scholarships will be available for government officials from the Western Balkans to spend a three-month fellowship in EU government institutions in Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. An Introductory Seminar in Berlin and Potsdam in cooperation with the University of Potsdam and the Potsdam Centre for Policy and Management will offer participants an insight into the European Administrative System and equip them with necessary skills for the practical phase in the host institution, like teamwork and communication skills. During their stay in a host institution, fellows will take part in a peer-to-peer exchange of experiences, and will familiarise themselves with administrative structures and forms of policy making in a host institution. At the end of the Practice Phase, the European Fund for the Balkans will invite the fellows to a final review meeting presenting the results of their work and plans for follow-up. The final seminar will include training seminars in communication and presentation skills, hence preparing fellows for knowledge transfer in their home institutions. The choice of a host institution is made on a case-by-case basis, within the list of eligible institutions, taking into consideration the preferences outlined in the application form, the profile of the fellow, professional interests, language skills, and the strategic interest of the employer. At least basic knowledge of the language of the host country is desirable and naturally facilitates collaboration with the host country
institution. Fellows take an intensive language course in their home country, prior to departure for the introductory seminar. Yearly Programme Schedule Open call
OCTOBER – DECEMBER
Selection of fellows
DECEMBER – FEBRUARY
Placement procedure – matching host institution and beneficiary
FEBRUARY – MAY
Language training
JUNE – AUGUST
Introduction seminar
AUGUST – SEPTEMBER
Fellowship phase
SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER
Final seminar
NOVEMBER
Presentation of fellowship experience in home institution
DECEMBER
Final fellow’s report
JANUARY
Finance and Benefits The support granted to the fellow by the EFB includes: participation fee; language training; travel expenses, lodging, meals and fees for seminars; relocation package, child allowance and stipend for practice phase. The EFB will directly pay costs of language training in the home country before the start of the Introduction Seminar.
Who are we looking for? The Programme is specifically designed for government officials from the eligible central government institutions in the Western Balkans who have several years of professional experience in public administration and have already assumed initial managerial responsibilities or are preparing for a position of leadership. Basic knowledge of the workings of the European Union is required and personal enthusiasm for the European idea is essential. Applications from the candidates in political positions are NOT accepted.
Prerequisites: (( national of one of the Western Balkan countries, (( employed as a government official of one of the eligible home institutions, (( maximum age of 40, (( at least 3 (ideally 5) years of professional experience upon completing studies, (( at least 2 years as a government officials for state authority, (( initial managerial experience or prospects of assuming leadership responsibilities, (( excellent academic qualifications, (( very good knowledge of English, (( ideally basic knowledge of the language of the host country, (( sound knowledge of national and international politics and economics, (( strong interest in the political development of Europe, (( negotiating skills, (( teamwork skills, (( initiative and definite readiness to perform, (( excellent writing skills, (( ability and readiness to acquaint oneself with various different topics in a short period of time, (( ability and readiness to complete inter-disciplinary work in inter-departmental working groups, (( ability and readiness to organise one’s own life arrangements in a new environment.
Application Selection of applicants is conducted in two phases – technical and qualitative selection. 1. Technical selection is an administrative review, performed by the EFB’s General Secretariat staff. Technically non-compliant applications will be automatically rejected and applicants will be notified. 2. Qualitative selection is performed by the Selection Committee. Short-listed applicants will be called for an interview during February, 2016. Final selection results will be announced by the beginning of March. Selected applicants will be invited to actively participate in the placement phase. For detailed information on the application process, please visit our website www.balkanfund.org
Contact European Fund for the Balkans Address: Resavska 35, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Telephone/Fax: +381 (0)11 30 33 662 Email: fellowship@balkanfund.org Web: www.balkanfund.org
The European Fund for the Balkans The European Fund for the Balkans is a joint initiative of European foundations that envisions, runs and supports initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy, fostering European integration and affirming the role of the Western Balkans in addressing Europe’s emerging challenges. The up-to-date programme strategy is based on three overarching areas – Capacity Development, Policy Development and Regional Cooperation - and channelled via flagship programmes and selected projects, complemented with a set of actions arising from EFB’s regional identity as a relevant player in its fields of focus. Their synergetic effects are focussed on continuous “Europeanisation” of the policies and practices of the Western Balkans countries on their way to EU accession, through merging of the region’s social capacity building with policy platform development, and a culture of regional cooperation. For more info visit: www.balkanfund.org