Invited countries
Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Target group
Only candidates nominated by the appropriate organization and in accordance with national rules will be considered. The programme is intended for individuals who hold key positions in Local Government organisations (municipalities, councils, regions) who are actively involved in strategic decision making. Candidates representing local government organisations or local level are encouraged to apply. This programme welcomes only local government officials (not elected politicians).
The candidates should hold an academic degree or have equivalent knowledge with at least five years of professional working experience. To achieve a good gender balance, each team should have at least one man and one woman.
Participants apply individually but will be accepted in teams of 2-3 persons per local government. Please note that all persons within the team must do their own application.
Candidates who have previously participated in a training programme financed by Sida can not apply for this programme.
Language requirements
The training programme will be organised and conducted in English. Candidates from countries where English is not an official language may be required to pass a language test, unless other documentation to support her/his English ability can be provided. Proficiency in English shall be indicated on the Application form.
Health requirements
Considering the training programme consists of international travels and work away from home in a new environment, good health and ability to work without physical/health restrictions is required. It is therefore recommended that candidates undergo a medical examination before filling in the Medical Statement in the Application form. The ICLD have a strict non-discrimination policy and all training events are adaptable to any form of variation in ability. Please state any such in the appropriate section in the application form.
Selection criteria
Nominations are assessed on individual and organisational merits. Approx. 25 participants will be selected to the programme taking into account that the participants bring diversity to the group through their various backgrounds and professional qualifications. The outline of the Change Project, together with the commitment of the home organisation to support active involvement of the participant in the implementation of the project will be of crucial importance in the selection of participants.
Once selected, the participants are required to attend all scheduled parts of the programme and a Letter of Commitment is to be signed by the nominating organisation before the start of the programme.
Due to the nature of the programme, family members, friends or colleagues are not allowed to accompany participants to the programme.
Costs
All training costs pertaining to lectures, literature, documentation, study tours and certain social activities as well as accommodation and food will be covered by ICLD. All international travel costs related to the programme will be covered by ICLD. Costs for personal expenses are not included and are the responsibility of the participant or his/her organisation.
VISA
Participants are responsible for obtaining all relevant visas during all scheduled parts of the programme. The costs for obtaining visas are to be borne by the participant.
Insurence
All participants are covered under a group insurance while on scheduled parts of the programme. Medical and dental checkups are not included.
Certificate
Participants who successfully complete all scheduled parts will be awarded a Certificate of completion of training.
Application process
The applicant must be nominated by her/his organisation or institution. The application shall be submitted online directly to ICLD (link here below) before August 31st, 2021. All information on what to include in the application is available at the application site.
All applicants will be notified by e-mail. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
Application shall include a recent photograph and all required information and documents. An outline of the Change Project shall be submitted in the application form including the following:
• Title of the Change Project
• Background and focal problem
• Change Project goal
• Target group
• Organisational benefits
• Available resources
After the first selection, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in person, via skype/zoom or on telephone for the final selection. Once accepted, the participant and his/her supervisor must confirm the applicant’s participation and will then receive an invitation letter containing additional information on the programme and the practical arrangements.