FAQ's
Aga Khan Foundation Canada – International Youth Fellowship Program
About the Program:
Founded in 1989, the AKFC International Youth Fellowship program is a nine month professional development program for Canadians seeking hands-on experience in international development. The Fellowship includes three unique streams: International development Management (IDM); International Microfinance and Microenterprise (IMM); and Young professionals in Media (YPM). Fellows are placed with field partners in up to 13 different countries.
Timeline
*please note the timeframe is tentative and subject to change.
Management Seminar
The three-week long pre-departure Management Seminar provides a unique forum for intellectual engagement and workshops to develop knowledge and skills related to the overseas placement. The practitioner-oriented seminar is intended to prepare Fellows for their placements and also equip them with skills and perspectives that will benefit them in a career in international development. Workshops are taught by some of Canada’s foremost international cooperation practitioners.
Overseas Placement
The eight month overseas portion of the Fellowship takes place in a host country in Africa or Asia. The host countries change each year, but could include: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Uganda. Sample Placements
Mentorship program
AKFC has recently introduced a new component to the Fellowship program. Mentors are past Fellows that have been individually selected and paired with outgoing Fellows based on a number of criteria, including geography, sectorial expertise, placement type, etc. Mentors are alumni with at least three years of post-Fellowship work experience. The Mentors will connect with Fellows throughout their placements to discuss development topics, provide feedback and advice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
International Microfinance and Microenterprise (IMM) is for applicants with backgrounds in finance and business. IMM fellows gain hands-on experience in fostering entrepreneurship, developing businesses and providing financial services and products. Potential host organisations may include microfinance institutions and market development units. In the past Fellows have been placed with CARE, Farm Shop, FMCC, FMFB, PAMF, and TPS.
Young Professionals in Media (YPM) is designed for outstanding young Canadian journalists who have a desire and an aptitude to work effectively in today’s global media environment. Placements are with Nation Media Group, a leading media institution in East Africa. YPM Fellows get the opportunity to work in a fast paced newsroom where they cover stories on a variety of topics including: local politics, gender issues, tourism, development, etc.
A list of sample placements for all three streams can be found here (LINK).
While overseas, Fellows are expected to live simply, often in rural communities or large urban centres. As such, individuals with the flexibility and maturity to adapt to new contexts and communities are ideal as Fellows.
Candidates will be expected to communicate realistic and mature expectations of the Fellowship experience and a sophisticated understanding of general development concepts and issues. Additionally, candidates should be able to discuss their own experiences relating to intercultural sensitivity, initiative, flexibility and adaptability, teamwork and maturity.
AKFC looks for Fellows who demonstrate humility and a commitment to change. Individuals who are self-starters and show a commitment to development and learning are highly valued.
Candidates who have previously applied but were not selected, or who were unable to accept a past offer of a Fellowship position, are welcome to re-submit their application once per recruitment cycle.
Interviews begin in March starting with YPM followed by IMM. IDM interviews commence early March.
Following the interview stage, successful candidates receive an offer of placement outlining their Fellowship Program.
Please note, AKFC does not offer feedback on applications or interviews.
However, the relationship between AKFC and the Fellows is one of mutual obligation where AKFC provides support in a variety of areas. AKFC maintains constant communication with the Fellows during the placement.
Academic: Professor from a class you took. Someone who can speak to your academic performance.
To change your recommender, simply login to your account and click the “Delete” button next to the recommender of your choice. You will be prompted twice to verify your choice to delete this recommender. If you are certain you wish to delete and change recommenders click “OK” and the system will take you back out to the main page where you can click on the specific recommender and input their new information.
If you are interested in other opportunities with AKFC or the AKDN, please refer to the following websites:
AKFC – http://www.akfc.ca/en/get-involved/career-opportunities
AKDN – https://krb-xjobs.brassring.com/TGWebHost/home.aspx?partnerid=30025&siteid=5750
AKU – http://www.aku.edu/careers/Pages/home.aspx
Furthermore, relevance is important, and candidates should highlight past experiences where skills and knowledge useful in an IDM/IMM/YPM Fellowship were acquired and developed.
Regarding resume length, a strong resume will be 1-2 pages, perhaps longer if you have extensive relevant experience. We strongly recommend visiting the Career Services centre at your university as these centres often provide feedback and pointers for strengthening your resume. They can also make suggestions for concise and clear formatting of your resume, so you can showcase your experience in the best possible way.
If you have any other questions or comments, feel free to contact our Fellowship Team at fellowships@akfc.ca.
About the Program:
Founded in 1989, the AKFC International Youth Fellowship program is a nine month professional development program for Canadians seeking hands-on experience in international development. The Fellowship includes three unique streams: International development Management (IDM); International Microfinance and Microenterprise (IMM); and Young professionals in Media (YPM). Fellows are placed with field partners in up to 13 different countries.
Timeline
Task | Timeframe* |
Launch of Online Application | November 1 2019 |
Applications Close | January 31 2020 |
Application Review | February |
Interview Period | March |
Offers to Candidates | Late March |
Management Seminar | June |
Fellows Depart for Field Placements | July |
End of Placement | February 2021 |
Management Seminar
The three-week long pre-departure Management Seminar provides a unique forum for intellectual engagement and workshops to develop knowledge and skills related to the overseas placement. The practitioner-oriented seminar is intended to prepare Fellows for their placements and also equip them with skills and perspectives that will benefit them in a career in international development. Workshops are taught by some of Canada’s foremost international cooperation practitioners.
Overseas Placement
The eight month overseas portion of the Fellowship takes place in a host country in Africa or Asia. The host countries change each year, but could include: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Uganda. Sample Placements
Mentorship program
AKFC has recently introduced a new component to the Fellowship program. Mentors are past Fellows that have been individually selected and paired with outgoing Fellows based on a number of criteria, including geography, sectorial expertise, placement type, etc. Mentors are alumni with at least three years of post-Fellowship work experience. The Mentors will connect with Fellows throughout their placements to discuss development topics, provide feedback and advice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the difference between IDM, IMM and YPM?
International Microfinance and Microenterprise (IMM) is for applicants with backgrounds in finance and business. IMM fellows gain hands-on experience in fostering entrepreneurship, developing businesses and providing financial services and products. Potential host organisations may include microfinance institutions and market development units. In the past Fellows have been placed with CARE, Farm Shop, FMCC, FMFB, PAMF, and TPS.
Young Professionals in Media (YPM) is designed for outstanding young Canadian journalists who have a desire and an aptitude to work effectively in today’s global media environment. Placements are with Nation Media Group, a leading media institution in East Africa. YPM Fellows get the opportunity to work in a fast paced newsroom where they cover stories on a variety of topics including: local politics, gender issues, tourism, development, etc.
A list of sample placements for all three streams can be found here (LINK).
- How long is the Fellowship?
- a three-week management training seminar in Ottawa (June)
- an eight month overseas placement (July to February)
- How many Fellows are selected to participate?
- How much does the Fellowship cost?
- Who is eligible?
- Hold, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution by April 30th, 2020, with a record of strong academic performance
- Will not be enrolled in any educational program for the duration of the Fellowship program (June 2020 – February 2021)
- Demonstrated commitment to international development through related volunteer, professional or academic experience
- Be 30 years of age or under on or before January 31st 2020
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- Be fluent in English
- Present all appropriate documentation (CVs, degrees, transcripts, references, etc.)
- What qualities are AKFC looking for in a Fellow?
While overseas, Fellows are expected to live simply, often in rural communities or large urban centres. As such, individuals with the flexibility and maturity to adapt to new contexts and communities are ideal as Fellows.
Candidates will be expected to communicate realistic and mature expectations of the Fellowship experience and a sophisticated understanding of general development concepts and issues. Additionally, candidates should be able to discuss their own experiences relating to intercultural sensitivity, initiative, flexibility and adaptability, teamwork and maturity.
AKFC looks for Fellows who demonstrate humility and a commitment to change. Individuals who are self-starters and show a commitment to development and learning are highly valued.
- How do I apply for the Fellowship?
- I previously applied for, was offered or completed an AKFC Fellowship. Can I apply again?
Candidates who have previously applied but were not selected, or who were unable to accept a past offer of a Fellowship position, are welcome to re-submit their application once per recruitment cycle.
- Am I still eligible to apply to the Fellowship program if I have already completed a Global Affairs Canada IYIP position?
- What is the selection process for the Fellowship Program?
Interviews begin in March starting with YPM followed by IMM. IDM interviews commence early March.
Following the interview stage, successful candidates receive an offer of placement outlining their Fellowship Program.
Please note, AKFC does not offer feedback on applications or interviews.
- What kind of sessions are offered in the Management Seminar?
- If I am chosen as a Fellow, will I officially work for AKFC or for the host organization?
However, the relationship between AKFC and the Fellows is one of mutual obligation where AKFC provides support in a variety of areas. AKFC maintains constant communication with the Fellows during the placement.
- If I am selected for a Fellowship, will I be placed in a management position?
- Can you apply for more than one stream?
- Can I still apply if I don’t have an academic or professional reference?
- What qualifies as a Personal, Professional or Academic reference?
- Someone who has known you for longer than 1 year and is not related to you. An example of a good personal reference would be a community leader, a religious leader or someone else who you have not worked with, but can still give us a good idea of your character.
Academic: Professor from a class you took. Someone who can speak to your academic performance.
- Can I change a recommender after I submit my application?
To change your recommender, simply login to your account and click the “Delete” button next to the recommender of your choice. You will be prompted twice to verify your choice to delete this recommender. If you are certain you wish to delete and change recommenders click “OK” and the system will take you back out to the main page where you can click on the specific recommender and input their new information.
- Can recommendations be submitted in languages other than English?
- Can I still apply to the program if I am a foreign national or over the age of 30 on or before January 31 2020?
If you are interested in other opportunities with AKFC or the AKDN, please refer to the following websites:
AKFC – http://www.akfc.ca/en/get-involved/career-opportunities
AKDN – https://krb-xjobs.brassring.com/TGWebHost/home.aspx?partnerid=30025&siteid=5750
AKU – http://www.aku.edu/careers/Pages/home.aspx
- What happens if I am out of country during interviews?
- What format/layout should I upload my CV?
Furthermore, relevance is important, and candidates should highlight past experiences where skills and knowledge useful in an IDM/IMM/YPM Fellowship were acquired and developed.
Regarding resume length, a strong resume will be 1-2 pages, perhaps longer if you have extensive relevant experience. We strongly recommend visiting the Career Services centre at your university as these centres often provide feedback and pointers for strengthening your resume. They can also make suggestions for concise and clear formatting of your resume, so you can showcase your experience in the best possible way.
If you have any other questions or comments, feel free to contact our Fellowship Team at fellowships@akfc.ca.