The AIG Public Leaders Program is a leadership development initiative aimed at nurturing and empowering outstanding individuals who are committed to driving positive change and promoting development in Africa. Sponsored by the Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), the program seeks to identify, groom, and support future leaders in the public sector, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to address complex governance challenges and lead transformative initiatives.
The program targets exceptional young Africans with demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to public service. Participants are typically selected through a rigorous and competitive selection process based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, professional experience, and potential for impact in the public sector.
Selected participants undergo an intensive leadership development program, which includes specialized training, mentorship, coaching, and exposure to best practices in governance, policy-making, and public administration. The program is designed to enhance participants’ capacity to lead effectively, navigate complex policy environments, and drive institutional reforms in their respective countries and regions.
One of the unique features of the AIG Public Leaders Program is its focus on practical experience and hands-on learning. Participants have the opportunity to undertake placements and internships with leading public sector institutions, government agencies, and international organizations, where they can gain valuable insights, practical skills, and real-world experience in governance and public policy.
Upon completion of the program, participants become part of a vibrant and dynamic alumni network of AIG Public Leaders, where they continue to receive support, guidance, and opportunities for collaboration and professional development. This network serves as a platform for ongoing learning, exchange of ideas, and collective action to advance good governance and inclusive development in Africa.
The AIG Public Leaders Program plays a critical role in building a pipeline of visionary and ethical leaders who are equipped to tackle the complex governance challenges facing Africa. By investing in the development of these leaders, AIG aims to catalyze positive change, promote sustainable development, and foster inclusive and accountable governance across the continent.
The AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP) offers emerging African public sector leaders a unique opportunity to develop their leadership capacity and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to drive change. Run in conjunction with the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, the programme offers an immersive, world-class executive education experience, led by some of the world’s leading public policy experts and teachers.
The programme is designed to ensure these senior public leaders, and those moving into senior leadership in the public sector over the next three to seven years, master a range of new skills as quickly as possible. Participants have an unparalleled opportunity to develop the conceptual frameworks and practical tools they need to meet the challenges of today’s rapidly changing and complex world.
The experience is intense and demanding, engaging participants through classroom discussion, practical exercises, simulations and group work. The programme aims to equip participants with the skills needed to build transformative cultures of excellence, effectiveness, and integrity throughout the public institutions they lead, and across the broader public sector. Their success is their country’s benefit.
Eligibility Criteria For The AIG Public Leaders Program
- Be citizens of any African country and actively working within the public sector in Africa
- Have a minimum of seven years of working experience.
- Be at Grade-level 12 and above
- Must not exceed 50 years of age
Programme Details
Live Classes
The programme starts with four days of live online classes, with the opportunity for meetings with faculty on the fifth day.
Online Learning
The next four weeks consist of self-paced online learning, with Teaching Assistants facilitating the online discussion boards
Residential Programme
The one-week residential programme in Abuja is the most demanding part of the programme, with Blatvanik School faculty teaching live at the venue and via video
Project Development
After the residential week, there is a window of time during which you will develop your capstone project
Project Review
In the final part of the programme, a review of the projects will take place, as well as the final closing activities and awards
Participants will work on these critical skills:
- Communicating effectively
- Harnessing digital technology
- Reducing cognitive bias in decision-making
- Strengthening organisational effectiveness
- Maintaining personal integrity
Timeline:
- Friday, 23 February 2024: Applications Open
- Tuesday, 30 April 2024: Applications Close
- May 2024: Stage 1 – Computer-Based Tests
- 2nd week June 2024: Stage 2 – Essays Submission
- 4th week June 2024: Stage 3 – Video Interview
- August 2024: Final Selection
- October 2024: Programme Commencement
Application Deadline: 30 April 2024.
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