IREX Seeks Academic, Professional Experts: Application Deadline Today

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – IREX, an international nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally, is seeking qualified experts to serve on the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders reader committee.

“We received an overwhelming amount of applications,” said Pauline Abetti, program officer for the Washington Fellowship. “We are very excited about this large, diverse pool of candidates and need several hundred readers to read and score all of these applications.”

The University of Arkansas serves as one of the host universities for the program. IREX is looking for 10 to 20 readers from campus. Those interested in participating as a reader should email his or her CV or resume to wfellowshipreaders@irex.org by Jan. 30.

Readers will be responsible for evaluating program applicants based on set guidelines for the Washington Fellowship. The program is looking for experts to review applications during the month of February. Application reviewers will read a total of 30-40 applications and will receive an honorarium for their service.

Ideal application reviewers are academics or professionals with expertise in one of the program’s three thematic areas: business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership or public management. Scholar generalists of African studies are also encouraged to apply.

The Washington Fellowship is the new flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative. President Barack Obama launched the initiative in 2010 to support young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance and enhance peace and security across Africa. This summer, the Washington Fellowship will bring 500 young leaders to the United States for academic coursework and leadership training and will create unique opportunities in Africa for Fellows to put new skills to practical use in leading organizations, communities, and countries.

Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a program of the U.S. government and supported in its implementation by IREX, which enables local individuals and institutions to build key elements of a vibrant society: quality education, independent media and strong communities. The program’s activities also focus on conflict resolution, technology for development, gender and youth. For more information on IREX, visit their website.