The Senior Fellows program is administered in partnership with The Synergos Institute Cananda and is made possible in part thanks to support from Kim Samuel Johnson.
The Senior Fellows Network is comprised of distinguished international civil society leaders committed to collaborative efforts that address the underlying causes of poverty and inequity.
Launched in 1999, the Senior Fellows program links extraordinary civil society leaders in a worldwide learning, service and action network. The network aims to strengthen the capacity and opportunities for these leaders to be catalysts and play a major role in partnerships that address the systemic causes of poverty and promote sustainable social change.
Through the three-year fellowship, Fellows have the opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge, and experience through peer-to-peer learning, annual and regional meetings, learning journeys, workshops, and contact with eminent persons. They exchange innovative ideas, models, and tools in the development field, which Synergos distributes to a wider audience.
Selection Criteria
Individuals applying to the Senior Fellows Network will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Have a demonstrable commitment to addressing the systemic, root causes of poverty and inequity and present a compelling vision for change in their area of work;
- Have a record of distinguished accomplishment as a leader addressing issues of poverty, equity and/or social justice; currently be in a full-time, senior leadership position of a non-profit, non-governmental organization that focuses on poverty alleviation, social justice or community development;
- Have experience or a demonstrable commitment to working in partnership with other non-governmental organizations, government and/or business to solve complex problems related to poverty or inequity;
- Have a demonstrable commitment to the participation of and accountability to the community they serve, as well as credibility and legitimacy from that community to speak authoritatively about its issues;
- Be committed to developing and enhancing leadership qualities that successfully create and sustain effective working relationships among key partners and stakeholders across society’s sectors;
- Demonstrate personal characteristics suitable for network collaboration;
- Be proficient in written and spoken English.
Fellowship Requirements
Fellows are expected to be active in fellowship activities for three years, while simultaneously performing their ongoing professional responsibilities. After the three years, Fellows are invited to remain part of the Synergos Senior Fellows Network and to continue participating in program activities as they are able.
Given the peer-to-peer nature of the Fellowship, it is essential that the Fellows make the necessary time commitment to participate actively in its activities. We estimate the total commitment of time on the part of a Fellow to be 14 days a year in the first three years. The Fellows are expected to:
- Contribute to the body of knowledge being developed by Synergos to address poverty and increase equity.
- Attend at least two annual global meetings, which usually entail international travel, as well as make a meaningful contribution to relevant regional or thematic affinity groups.
- Be available for at least one peer counseling assignment.
- Participate in our online community and use it to share skills, knowledge and experience.
- Make at least one significant contribution to the advancement of the work of other Fellows through an article, speech, presentation or other forms of knowledge sharing.
Selection for the Synergos Senior Fellows Network occurs annually. To apply for the Fellows class of 2012, please send in the attached application form along with your resume/CV. Last date for submission is 1st July, 2011.
Download the below attachment for application form
Contact details:
Senior Fellows Program Manager
The Synergos Institute,
51 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor,
New York, NY 10010 USA
Tel: +1 (212) 447-8111
e-mail: seniorfellows@synergos.org
Website: http://synergos.org/