AKFC International Youth Fellowship Program

Founded in 1989, the AKFC International Youth Fellowship program is a 9-month professional development program for Canadians seeking hands-on experience in international development. The Fellowship includes three unique streams: International Development Management (IDM) and International Microfinance and Microenterprise (IMM). Fellows are placed with field partners in over 13 different countries.

Timeline

• Launch of Online Application – November 8, 2022
• Applications Close – February 1, 2023
• Application Review – February
• Interview Period – March
• Offers to Candidates – Late March
• Management Seminar – May 28 – June 17, 2023*
• Fellows Depart for Field Placements – July 1, 2023
• End of Placement – February 29, 2024

All Fellows must meet the following application criteria:  

• Hold, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution by April 30, 2023, with a record of strong academic performance. 
• Not be enrolled in any educational program for the duration of the International Youth Fellowship Program (July 2023 – February 2024). 
• Demonstrated commitment to international development through related volunteer, professional, or academic experience. 
• Be 30 years of age or under on February 1, 2023. 
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. 
• Be fluent in English. 

Management Seminar* please note the timeframe is tentative and subject to change.

The 3-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 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, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. 

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 several 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.

Notice Regarding Pandemic’s Impact on the Program:

Aga Khan Foundation Canada is currently anticipating that the next round of the International Youth Fellowship Program, commencing in June 2023, will involve travel and field placements in AKDN countries of operation in Africa and Asia. The decision on whether to send successful candidates overseas will be reviewed prior to commencement of the program, with a final decision to be made based on public health guidelines in Canada and in the countries of placement.

View the full posting and Frequently Asked Questions here.

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Comment postuler:

To apply to the International Youth Fellowship Program, please visit: https://akfc.submittable.com/submit/700f903d-e694-4fe7-9900-d57d4012067d/international-youth-fellowship-2023

Deadline for receipt of applications is February 1, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST.