Commonwealth Young Professionals Programme – Opportunity for Young People In International Development and Democracy

Commonwealth Young Professionals

Course(s) Offered: Youth development and empowerment
Course Level: Youth training
Provider: Commonwealth Secretariat
Country to Study in: London, UK

Scholarship Description
The Commonwealth Secretariat has launched a Young Professionals Programme (YPP) as part of its ongoing commitment to youth development and empowerment. This is an opportunity for the young to contribute to International Development and Democracy.

Under the YPP programme, qualified young people from Commonwealth member countries are given the opportunity to contribute to the Commonwealth’s work in international development and democracy, and to build their skills in its culturally diverse, professional environment.

With the Young Professionals Programme (YPP), the Commonwealth is underlining its commitment to youth development and empowerment, giving more young graduates the chance to benefit from substantive, paid junior-level roles.

Eligibility
To be considered, a candidate must:

• be aged 27 years or younger at the close of the application
• be a national of a Commonwealth member country
• possess a strong Bachelor degree or higher level degree in a field relevant to the position
• have at least one year of work experience in a field relevant to the position
• have excellent English language and interpersonal skills, and
• be able to work in a multicultural and diverse environment.

Eligible groups
Citizens of ANY Commonwealth member country

Participating Institutions
The Commonwealth Secretariat

Fields of study
Participants will take up positions in divisions such as Economic Policy, Rule of Law, Human Resources and Youth.

Number of awards
There are 27 positions currently designated for young professionals – around 10% of the total staff of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Sponsorship duration
The Young Professionals will be based at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, taking up two-year positions in divisions such as Economic Policy, Rule of Law, Human Resources and Youth.

Scholarship benefits
During the 2 year time of residence at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, they will provide technical and administrative support to programmes and operations, and benefit from professional development and mentoring.

Method of Application
To be eligible, applicants must nationals of Commonwealth member countries, be of the required age at time of application, have excellent English language and interpersonal skills, and demonstrate commitment to the values of the Commonwealth.

The recruitment process comprises a variety of selection exercises and interviews over two stages. Stage 1 includes written and technology exercises, while Stage 2 is primarily interview-led, via Skype.

Candidates will be assessed according to their relevant qualifications and experience. In keeping with Commonwealth Secretariat guidelines, the geographic and gender balance of the total number of Young Professional positions will also be considered.

You should visit the official programme website (link to it is below) for detailed information on how to apply to the 'Currently available positions'.

DEADLINES:
Recruitment commenced on 28 October 2014 and will be staggered over subsequent months.

PLEASE NOTE:
If successful, a candidate will have two weeks to confirm their intention to take up the position. Contracts cannot be deferred or postponed. Please note that each applicant may submit a maximum of three applications to the Young Professionals Programme.

The Commonwealth Secretariat promotes gender equality as a core value enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter and Institutional Gender Equality Policy.

Application Deadline: Ongoing (over next few months)
Open to International Applicants: Yes (Commonwealth countries)

More Scholarship Information and Application

Related: Scholarships in the UK for International Students