Applications open for the UK Government’s new Chevening Ethiopia Leadership Fellowship

Applications for the Chevening Ethiopia Leadership Fellowship to study in the UK are open between 23 October 2019 and 13 January 2020, with applications to be submitted via www.chevening.org/ethiopia-leadership

This new fully-funded fellowship is aimed at mid-career professionals with demonstrable leadership potential, who aspire to take on a future strategic leadership role in the Ethiopian Public Service.

Fellows will arrive in the UK in June 2020 to undergo an intensive eight-week leadership programme that will take them from their base in Coventry and bring them into contact with policy experts and institutions in London, Birmingham, and Brussels in Belgium.

Developing highly socially and ethically responsible future leaders

The fellowship will be delivered by Coventry University, University of the Year for Student Experience (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019) and a top 15 university in the Guardian University Guide for five years running (2016-2020).

Professor John Latham CBE, Coventry University Vice-Chancellor, said:

‘We are delighted to deliver the UK Government’s Chevening Ethiopia Leadership Fellowship in the year when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has won the Nobel Peace Prize. This fellowship will provide delegates from Ethiopia with unique learning and networking opportunities in the area of government and public policy. The university is committed to providing an outstanding learning experience, develop highly socially and ethically responsible future leaders, and create international networks to inspire and develop cross-cultural, dynamic and agile global thinking.’

A new addition

Dr Yanguo Jing, Associate Dean, Coventry University, said:

‘It is a privilege to associate ourselves with this prestigious fellowship. We look forward to delivering this fellowship and providing fellows with our unique bespoke learning experience, which is supported by academic rigour, professional experience, real life cases studies and field trip visits in public policy and administration.’

Since the Chevening Awards programme was created in 1983, over 50,000 outstanding professionals have had the opportunity to develop in the UK through it. Chevening runs a global scholarship programme, and a number of fellowship programmes. The Chevening Ethiopian Leadership Fellowship is the newest addition to Chevening’s portfolio of fellowship programmes.

Supporting Ethiopia’s reform process

Dr Alastair McPhail, British Ambassador to Ethiopia, said:

‘I am excited that we are able to offer this new fellowship as part of the UK’s extensive support to Ethiopia’s reform process. Driving forward a major economic, political, and social policy agenda will require Ethiopia to have leaders of the highest calibre in government and beyond. I hope that many ambitious and innovative leaders from Ethiopia will apply for the fellowship, benefit from world class UK expertise, and bring their experiences back to help power the next phase of Ethiopia’s reforms.’

Chevening Awards are funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organisations, and the recipients are personally selected by British embassies and high commissions throughout the world.

Creation and exchange of information and ideas

Acting Head of Scholarships at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Anabel Inge, said:

‘Chevening represents the very best of the UK, welcoming exceptional people from across the world to study, grow, and thrive at some of the world’s best universities. Chevening can be a transformative experience, not just for the fellows, but for their communities and countries as they return and use the benefit of their UK experience to make a positive difference in their chosen field.

‘Our universities promote the creation and exchange of information and ideas, as well as the building of knowledge and networks. Chevening Fellows find themselves immersed in that world, and leave the UK after their studies having grown academically, professionally, and personally as a result.’

Building bridges and collaborating across borders

Anabel went on to add, ‘With our world facing countless challenges, the role that the Chevening community plays in building bridges and collaborating across borders to solve big issues is more important than ever.’

Chevening is looking for professionals with demonstrable leadership potential, who aspire to take on a future strategic leadership role in the Ethiopian Public Service.

Interested candidates are encouraged to check the eligibility criteria, find out more about the programme, and apply via the Chevening Ethiopia Leadership Fellowship programme page.