IDEX Fellowship

Deadline: 15 January 2012
Open to: Everybody who hold undergraduate degree or higher and must be 21 years of age or older
Fellowship: Fellow is a paid 10-month field placement in a social enterprise and is responsible for all expenses related to travel to and from the fellowship host country

Description

IDEX is looking for dedicated and self-motivated individuals with the ability to work in new and challenging environments with limited resources. IDEX is an initiative of Gray Matters Capital Foundation (GMC) and Gray Ghost Ventures (GGV). GMC and GGV have are dedicated to providing market-based capital solutions to entrepreneurs who are addressing the needs of low-income communities in emerging markets. Fellows must be willing to work in low-income communities in developing nations (India or Ghana) and must demonstrate practical skills, relationship building, cultural sensitivity and leadership potential to affect change by implementing market-based solutions to create social impact. IDEX fellows are selected from a competitive pool of talented, passionate young professionals from across a wide range of sectors, professional and academic backgrounds and ethnicities.
The IDEX Fellowship is a paid 10-month field placement in a social enterprise that offers cultural and social immersion into the field of social enterprise for college graduates interested in launching a career in the sector. Fellows are strategically placed to work with entrepreneurs to develop a blueprint for change. IDEX Fellows work in social enterprises span across five focus areas:

  • Market Knowledge & Insights,
  • Strategy & Operations,
  • Business Development,
  • Innovation & Sustainability,
  • Impact Assessment & Analysis.

IDEX fellows can expect to receive 2-3 weeks of training upon arriving at their field location. Training curriculum is developed by Gray Matters Capital with input from IDEX advisors and administered by field management staff and IDEX alumni.Training modules are based on a curriculum that aims to build upon the current knowledge of fellows which include (but aren’t limited to): Local Customs, Social Enterprise, Impact Assessment, Conflict Resolution, Relationship Building, Fundraising and Sector/Market Insight.
The IDEX Fellowship selection process is highly competitive. Applicants progress through three application stages. Applications are open approximately 10 months before the anticipated start of thefellowship with a deadline approximately 2-3 months prior to the acceptance. Our recruitment and acceptance dates for in-country recruiting of the fellowship host country may vary.

Eligibility

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

  • Undergraduate degree or higher (by June 2012),
  • Demonstrated interest and knowledge of social enterprise,
  • Demonstrated leadership in a professional or academic setting,
  • Professional or academic background in business, economics, development, international affairs, education, or a related fields,
  • Ability to perform in a high-pressure environment,
  • International travel experience; developing world experience a plus,
  • Ability to simultaneously manage multiple priorities.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for an IDEX Fellowship:

  • Ability to simultaneously manage multiple priorities
  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Must have sufficient English fluency to participate in interviews
  • Applicants must make a full-time, 10-month commitment to the fellowship. It is expected that all selected fellows resign/request a temporary leave of absence from their current employment to dedicate themselves full-time to IDEX initiatives.
  • Applicants can be citizens of any nationality
  • Applicants must be able to obtain a business visa for entry to field placement host country.
  • Applicants must commit to attending IDEX training if selected as fellows. All new fellows attend induction training in the host country of their fellowship placement. Training commences in the summer (July).
  • Fellows are responsible for all expenses related to travel to and from the fellowship host country. IDEX will announce the dates for training upon acceptance of the fellowship (approx. 3 months prior to training date).

Fellowship

Fellows must be willing to work in low-income communities in developing nations (India or Ghana) and must demonstrate practical skills, relationship building, cultural sensitivity and leadership potential to affect change by implementing market-based solutions to create social impact. The IDEX Fellowship is a paid 10-month field placement in a social enterprise that offers cultural and social immersion into the field of social enterprise for college graduates interested in launching a career in the sector.
Pay and Living Expenses:
IDEX fellows are offered a monthly stipend that enables them to live modest manner similar to the local people in their community, covering housing, food, and transportation. Stipends vary based on location and actual amounts will be determined and communicated as candidate’s progress through the interview process.
Living Accommodations:
Although fellows work independently with entrepreneurs, they live in housing units in groups ranging from 2-4 fellows. Fellows are welcome to arrange independent living accommodations prior to their arrival. Fellows are responsible for paying monthly rent for housing which is supplemented by the monthly stipend paid to fellows by IDEX.
Vacation Time:
Fellows receive 10 (ten) days of paid vacation time in addition to paid holiday time off (according to local customs of field placement country) throughout the duration of their fellowship. Many use this time to travel to nearby countries, expanding their opportunities for adventure and cross-cultural experiences. Some invite family or friends to visit so they can share their experience of the host country with loved ones. And of course, IDEX fellows can use this time for a visit home (at their own expense).

Application

You can apply online.

The Official Website

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