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. The Fellows also have opportunities to connect and
collaborate with other distinguished change makers in the development
field aligned with Synergos, including philanthropists and foundations,
non-governmental organizations, businesses, governments, global
institutions and academics.
The Senior Fellows program is administered in partnership with The
Synergos Institute Canada and is made possible in part thanks to support
from Kim Samuel Johnson.
Who Are the Senior Fellows?
Senior Fellows are individuals who:
- Demonstrate a commitment to changing the systems that perpetuate poverty and social injustice.
- Possess a compelling vision about solving complex, systemic problems of poverty, inequity and social injustice.
- Are leaders who believe in the power of partnerships and exhibit that belief in the way they conduct their work.
- Recognize the importance of tapping the wisdom, knowledge, views, and experience of all stakeholders in identifying and solving problems.
- Are viewed as a respected leader and advocate by those who are poor and/or marginalized.
Selection Criteria
Individuals applying to the Senior Fellows Network will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Have experience and/or intend to play a leading role in multi-stakeholder partnership processes to address complex development challenges;
- Have a demonstrable commitment to addressing the systemic 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, inequity and/or social injustice;
- Currently are in a full-time executive position of a civil society organization that focuses on poverty alleviation, social justice or community development;
- 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 participants 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.
Fellowship status is reviewed after the first year and after the third
year in the program.
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 the 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 consulting 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, presentation or other forms of knowledge sharing.
Moreinfo: http://www.synergos.org/fellows
