The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, in partnership with three of the world’s most influential multilateral organisations has launched the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships programme. Working with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) the Fellowships Programme will help to prepare the next generation of outstanding African leaders by providing them with unique mentoring opportunities.

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship Programme is a selective Fellowship that prepares the next generation of outstanding African leaders by providing them with unique work opportunities at the most senior level of prominent African institutions or multilateral organizations, whose mandate is to improve the economic and social prospects of Africa. The Fellowship allows talented individuals to increase and enhance their professional capacity, with the intention of contributing to the governance and development of their countries thereby creating a pipeline of future African leaders. The Fellow  will work with the Bank for this purpose, for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months, and the Foundation will finance the costs associated with the position on the following terms. 

Objectives

Established in 2006, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation aims to support good governance and great leadership in Africa.  The Foundation works to:

• Stimulate debate on good governance;
• Provide criteria by which citizens and governments can measure progress;
• Recognise achievement in African leadership and provide a practical way in which leaders can build positive legacies on the continent when they have left office;
• Support aspiring leaders for the African continent.

Duties and responsibilities

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellow will take leadership guidance from the President, the Chief Operating Officer and/or a designated Representative. Administratively, the Fellow will be assigned to the Bank’s Strategy Department (STRG). With this guidance, the Fellow will contribute to the design and implementation of strategic assignments that will increase and enhance their professional and leadership capacity, with the intention of contributing to the governance and development of their countries. The Fellow will be also responsible to:

• Advise on and develop strategic initiatives to advance the Bank’s mission and objectives;
• Plan, develop, and implement strategies for generating resources;
• Conceive, develop and promote innovations in Bank development policies;
• Review activity reports and financial statements to determine progress and status in attaining objectives and revise objectives and plans in accordance with current conditions;.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.

Selection Criteria

• The Fellowship is for young professionals, mid-career, and new executives. He/She shall be national of an African country, residing anywhere in the world;
• He/She should not be an active, non-active, retired, or separated staff member of the Bank;
• He/She should not have close family relations with an active or non-active staff member, such as mother, father, sister and brother.
• Government officials, active military personnel and political party leaders are not eligible;
• Under the age of Forty (40) years or Forty-Five (45) years for women with children;
• Hold a minimum of a Master’s Degree in Economics, Engineering, Social Sciences, International Development, Business Administration, Finance, Banking or any discipline relevant to the Bank’s business: such as outstanding academic credentials, relevant work experience, strong communication skills, demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work with others ;
• Have at least 8 years work experience relevant to the Bank’s activities;
• Demonstrate proven leadership and consultative skills;
• Experience in strategic planning and execution ;
• Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management;
• Enhanced skills in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures;
• Experience in formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures;
• Ability to develop financial plans and manage resources;
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data;
• Ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government and to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community;
• Ability to motivate teams and simultaneously manage several projects; 

Selection Process

• Interested candidates shall send an application for becoming an Ibrahim Leadership Fellow along with their curriculum vitae providing details of education and relevant experience.
• Candidates interested in the World Trade Organization announcement are requested to apply to AfDB.
• Applicants will only be considered if they submit electronically fully completed application (Personal History Form (PHF) a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)) indicating date of birth and nationality, their academic transcripts and three letters of recommendation.
• The Bank’s Human Resources Department will carry out an initial vetting of applications to develop a short list of ten (10) applicant files to be sent to  the Foundation for further reduction to three (3) candidates presented to the President of the Bank (or his designate) for final selection. The applications will be examined by an  Evaluation Committee. Only applicants who fully meet the Bank’s requirements and are being considered for interview will be contacted.

Deadline: July 31, 2013

For more information, and to apply online, click here