Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment is now open for Applications

Deadline: 9 June 2019

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is seeking applications for its the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment (PFP-IDE) to support 20 mid-career professionals (Fellows) from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, who are committed to advancing inclusive employment for individuals with disabilities.

Fellows will participate in an intensive five-week program at a university-based research and education center for disabilities in the U.S. They will learn innovative strategies to promote economic empowerment of individuals with disabilities through the growth of inclusive employment opportunities.

It is administered by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) in partnership with the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston (ICI) and Humanity and Inclusion (HI).

Eligibility Criteria

In order to apply to this program as a Fellow (eligibility criteria), applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 25 and 40;
- Be a citizen, national or permanent resident, and be living and working in Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda;
- Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa;
- Be proficient in spoken and written English;
  - Speaking proficiency means that applicants are able to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations on practical, social, and professional topics. Communication in spoken English as interpreted by a sign language interpreter (which will be provided by the Fellowship program) through use of American, Kenyan or Ugandan Sign Language qualifies the applicant for speaking proficiency.
  - Reading proficiency means applicant are able to read standard newspaper items, routine correspondence, reports, and technical materials in their special field.
- Have at least two (2) or more years of relevant work experience with or for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government offices, universities, schools or community-based organizations;
- Have professional interest and/or experience in inclusive employment and disabilities;
- Be self-directed and able to work effectively in a cross-cultural setting;
- Have demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills;
- Be able to participate in the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Disability Employment in the US either in the spring (April 27- May 27, 2019) or in the fall (October 16- November 23, 2019);
- Be committed to returning to their home country for a period of two (2) years after completion of the program; and
- Be committed to implementing an individual project that will benefit young people with disabilities and promote greater inclusive employment in their region, country, or community following completion of the program.
Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations, including materials in alternative formats (e.g. Braille, electronic, large print), are provided upon request.