Deadline: January 9, 2023.

The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) for economic empowerment in the Middle East and North Africa is a two-way exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, and build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders committed to strengthening their communities through social entrepreneurship and workforce development. Their program base is Washington D.C.  with Fellowship placements in either Austin Texas, Detroit Michigan or Washington DC.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

This program is designed for people with strong leadership skills who are early- to mid-career professionals and who are committed to making a lasting positive impact in their communities.

• Entrepreneurs and Social Innovators.
• Small & medium business Owners and Managers who are investing in innovative socially conscious products and programs.
• Individuals working in Civil Society/NGOs working on youth workforce training and development, increasing the role of marginalized populations in the economy, building financial literacy, training in technology use and IT development, and other efforts around economic empowerment.
• Individuals working in  University incubators, accelerators, and job-readiness programs, and programs focusing on business development, financial literacy, sustainable tourism, or economic development.
• Individuals working in Government Agencies/Ministries, national policy offices, think-tanks, and offices working to increase the presence of underrepresented citizens in the economy.

Candidates must be:

• 25-40 years old at the start of the program (Fall 2023 or Spring 2024)
• A current citizen and resident of: Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, or Tunisia
• Speak fluent English (enough to work full-time in a US fellowship)
• Have at least two years‘ work experience in their field 
• Currently employed
• Interest in hosting reciprocal program for Americans in your country
• Have demonstrated strong leadership skills and commitment to community
• Demonstrates initiative, teamwork, and openness 
• Preference will be given to those who have not previously traveled on a U.S. government funded program.

BENEFITS

SELECTED FELLOWS WILL LEARN:

• Effective practices in business management (developing a business plan, financing and accounting, human resource management, marketing, strategic planning, and networking, etc.);
• Principles of social entrepreneurship and increase the ability to run effective community outreach and public relations campaigns;
• Best practices from American colleagues in workforce development, gain exposure to models and innovative and practical ideas and tools in increase effectiveness of these programs;
• Increase the ability to think “outside of the box,” and spark creative, innovative approaches to problems, products, and marketplaces;
• Acquire new skills and strategies to engage effectively with policymakers and government officials;
• Form new or improved strategic partnerships.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM COMPONENTS:

• Professional Fellows Congress: Both the fall 2022 and spring 2023 programs will conclude with a 3-day “Professional Fellows Congress” in Washington, DC. This event will bring together approximately 350 fellows from around the world. Fellows will have the opportunity to build relationships with fellows from dozens of countries and learn the tools of effective leadership.
• Follow-on Project Development: Each fellow will spend time developing an idea for a follow-on project to be implemented upon returning home. Fellows will participate in a number of training sessions to learn project design skills and write a project proposal during their time in the US.
• Outbound Program: US delegates who acted as hosts or mentors during the US immersion segment will be selected to travel to Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, or Tunisia to co-lead training seminars and gain first-hand knowledge of the country and its people. Fellows will assist in planning the US Delegation’s visit and hosting them.

PROGRAM COST

If you are selected as a finalist, Legacy International and the US Department of State will cover all costs associated with your international travel, visa, and basic living costs in the U.S.

OFFICIAL LINK