Deadline: January 05, 2025
Location(s)
Online
Overview
Details
The Leaders Europe program identifies emerging leaders working in government, civil society, and the private sector who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good. It aims to build a growing network of innovative and values-based changemakers who seek to drive change in their communities while developing and supporting one another. Through a core set of shared values and leadership skills, the program seeks to lift up a new generation of civically active, positive role models who are prepared to create tangible solutions to the challenges in their communities, countries, Europe, and the world.
Program offerings include:
- Timely conversations: Over six months, Leaders come together for virtual meetings to discuss some of the most challenging issues confronting Europe with the community leaders at the forefront of them.
- Skill-building trainings: Tailored workshops support Leaders in identifying and activating personal values; engaging across differences and harnessing inclusive forms of power, and building skills for pragmatic, adaptive leadership over the long haul.
- A community of support: The program includes opportunities for Leaders to meet virtually in small groups and for one-on-one conversations to build deep, lasting relationships that will carry them through their leadership journey.
- Inspirational cultural events: An exciting series of virtual cultural events like live performances and stimulating conversations with artists and creative thinkers fosters a strong spirit of hope and community.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Location
The program currently invites individuals residing in any of the 46Council of Europe member states (Opens in a new tab)and Kosovo to apply.
Citizenship and Residency
You must meet one of the following criteria:
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Citizen of an eligible country or territory OR
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Permanent resident of an eligible country or territory OR
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A refugee or asylum seeker in an eligible European nation or territory OR
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Have lived in an eligible country or territory for at least the last 5 years, regardless of citizenship or permanent residence status
Geographic Focus
Your work is geographically focused on creating positive change for local communities, an eligible nation, and/or the broader Europe region. You demonstrate a strong commitment to continue to focus your work in the Europe region.
Program Commitment
The Leaders Europe program is currently scheduled to begin the week of September 1, 2025 and will conclude no later than May 1, 2026, with planned breaks throughout.
Language Proficiency & Age
You are professionally proficient in English and you will be between 24 and 45 years of age on September 1, 2025.
Leadership Experience
You can demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant experience in your issue area.
Political Campaigns
You will refrain from participating in an electoral campaign as a candidate for political office from the time you are accepted into the program through May 1, 2026. Selection decisions are currently scheduled to be sent out in June 2025.
Jurisdiction and Ability to Participate in a U.S.-Based Program
The Obama Foundation is based in the United States. To participate in the program, you must be under no legal or regulatory restrictions that would limit your participation in virtual Foundation programming or travel to the U.S. for in-person programming (if any).
Dates
Deadline: January 05, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Participants selected for the Obama Foundation Leaders program incur no fees.
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.