An intensive, two-week Seminar Series in Scotland and London on the political
process in a mature democracy: A series of discussions and meetings with senior academics and practitioners combined with visits to illustrate how public policy is made and developed.

Planning and preparation of "individual action plans" setting out how insights
gained in the UK can be turned into concrete developments applied at home.

A weekend conference sponsored by the Leadership Trust in Ross-on-Wye,
Herefordshire; providing an opportunity to explore issues of mutual interest and
concern with invited guests from the UK.

Nine working days of individual attachments to suitable organisations – for
example, working with an NGO, "shadowing" a politician, a placement in central
government, local administration or the media.

Visits to Parliament and other institutions, and opportunities to analyse
collective experience.

A concluding seminar during which Fellows present their projects to
representatives of the UK Ministry of Justice, the John Smith Trust and the
British Council.

Fellows are expected to produce a personal plan of action to be carried out when
they return home. In the following year a Follow-Up Conference in one of the
Fellowship countries brings all Fellows together to report on their activities
and compare progress. The value of networking after the Fellow returns home and
seeks to put into practice what he/she has learned is of great importance, The
Trust expects Fellows to maintain contact through Alumni networks, the Trust
website and other means long after the Programme has ended.

Can you apply?

The Trust wishes to recruit high-flying and influential young leaders who will
make a substantial impact on the future development of their countries. The aim
is to recruit a mix of political leaders, government or local government
officials, journalists/ media experts, and influential young leaders from civil
society or the NGO sector.

Other criteria for suitability are:

· Understanding of the Fellowship Programme: Applicants must have a clear
understanding of what our Programme involves and what is expected of
participants.
· Age: In the range 25–35 years, with some flexibility at both ends for
exceptional candidates.
· Language proficiency: English at IELTS level 6 or above or equivalent. Note:
You do not need to submit test results when applying and not everyone is
required to sit the test.
· Experience: Candidates should have work experience, and MUST be in employment
at the time of application. Note: All employers' references will be checked.
· Professional background: Candidates should be employed in politics, central
government, local government or economic development, the media, the law
(especially in field of human rights) or the NGO
sector.
· Demonstrable leadership and influence now or in future: Candidates should be
people who have real prospects of advancement in their work and of making an
impact.
· Activism in political/social development: Candidates must show evidence of
active participation in politics or civil society, and point to accomplishments.

· Clear vision and motivation: Candidates must have a clear vision of the need
for improvements in the practice of governance in their countries.
· Would use experience in UK to improve governance/democrat ic development: They
must have a clear proposals on how, in their own work, they hope to use their
experience to improve the practice of governance.
· Team players – Successful candidates must be team players with a desire to
work with and learn from other Fellows.
· Good presentational skills: Candidates should be confident in speaking and
should be able to present themselves well.
· Computer literacy: Basic IT skills and an ability to communicate by email are
essential.

The John Smith Fellowship will cover all costs incurred by the Fellows' taking
part in the Programme. Please note that no provision is made for an accompanying
spouse or children. Fellows should not
bring families to the UK with them unless they have ample funds for their
support.

How to apply?

You must download Application for the 2008 Programme, fill it in and send to
jsfp@britishcouncil .az no later than November 6th 2007. Applicants are also
required to submit a printed, signed copy to our office by that date, with
original letters of reference and a
passport-sized photograph (a digital photo is preferred if possible). Applicants
should be aware that local interviews will take place during January 2008, and
should bear this in mind when planning holidays/travel.

Successful interviewees may be asked to sit an English exam at the end of
January 2008: A minimum level of IELTS of 6.0 is normally needed for successful
candidates. We may require you to take an IELTS test at the final stage of the
selection process. This only applies to applicants who have been a) short listed
for interview and b) selected by the interview panel for inclusion in our final
short list. Not all finalists are required to sit a test. However, the interview
panel reserves the right to require a test at their
discretion. The costs of this exam and related costs will be covered by the John
Smith Memorial Trust.

Further details of the application process can be obtained from local British
Council offices. Final selection of candidates will be
concluded by mid February 2008.

More information about the John Smith Fellowship Programme and the work of the
John Smith Memorial Trust is available at www.johnsmithmemorialtrust.org