Good written and spoken English is essential. A minimum level of IELTS of 6.0 is normally needed for successful candidates. Candidates may be required to take an IELTS test at the final stage of the selection process. 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 testing are covered by the John Smith Memorial Trust.

Programme Objectives

The primary objectives of the John Smith Fellowship Programme are to:

   Bring together influential young civil society and political leaders to exchange views and receive information on best professional practice and the promotion of good governance.
   Deepen awareness of how a mature democracy supports and develops good governance, the Rule of Law, human rights, and social justice, and encourages citizens’ access and government accountability.
   Promote a dialogue between Fellows within and outside their home countries, and create links with young leaders and those working in similar fields in the UK.
   Build an active network of young leaders committed to good government.

Areas of Study

The John Smith Fellowship Programme covers the following broad areas:

   Representative government in a democracy
   Citizenship, law and rights
   Civil society and public opinion
   Public accountability in government, business and public life
   International institutions and relations.

Programme Dates and Structure

The Programme will last for 5 weeks starting on Saturday, 5 June until Friday, 9 July 2010 made up as follows:

   Programme Introduction in Edinburgh, Scotland.
   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 politicians, academics and practitioners combined with visits to illustrate how public policy is made and developed.
   A weekend conference sponsored by the Leadership Trust in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire; exploring leadership and the quality of UK and other democracies.
   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. See full list of all the individuals and organisations that have kindly hosted placements.
   A concluding seminar during which Fellows present their projects to representatives of the Ministry of Justice and the John Smith Memorial Trust.

Fellows are expected to produce a personal plan of action to be carried out when they return home. 12 months later a Follow-Up Conference brings all Fellows together to London to report on their activities and compare progress – all Fellows are required to attend this as part of their Fellowship.

Candidate Profile

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, business leaders, journalists/media experts, and influential young leaders from civil society or the NGO sector. For details of eligibility criteria, please see Detailed Programme Description and Eligibility Criteria.

How to apply

The deadline for all applications and supporting documents is 9 November 2009.

Application forms are available on-line from the John Smith Memorial Trust and British Council websites. Applications for the 2010 Programme must be completed in English and emailed to the British Council as a Microsoft Word document no later than November 9th 2009. Applicants are also required to submit a printed, signed copy to the British Council by that date with transcripts and a digital passport-sized colour photograph. Applicants should be aware that local interviews will take place during January 2010, and should bear this in mind when planning holidays/travel.

   Detailed Programme Description and Eligibility Criteria (Microsoft Word, 144 Kb)
   Application Form (Microsoft Word, 210 Kb)
   Application Guidance (Microsoft Word, 153 Kb)
   Reference Form (Microsoft Word, 104 Kb)

References
In addition to the application form, the John Smith Memorial Trust requires 2 written references for each applicant – one from your current employer and one additional reference. This additional reference might be from a previous employer, a partner organisation or another individual you have worked with who is able to talk in detail about your skills and experience.

Please use the Reference Form for the written reference as this is the only format The John Smith Memorial Trust will accept.

Ideally references should be included with the application. However, if this is not possible they will be required if candidates are shortlisted.

Transcripts
Applicants must also provide original or notarised copies of all university transcripts. Ideally transcripts should reach the British Council by the application deadline. However, if this is not possible they will be required if candidates are shortlisted.

Final selection of candidates will be concluded by mid February 2010.

Contact us

Further details of the application process can be obtained from:

British Council
4/12 Hryhoriya Skovorody Street
Kyiv 04070
Telephone +380 44 490 5600
info@britishcouncil.org.ua

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