Deadline: 16 August 2019
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has announced that funding is available through its Public Affair Office (PA) for a job skills development and mentoring program in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR), targeting Halabja, Garmian, and Charmo universities.
This project will match 150 university seniors with local trainers and private sector leaders for a one-year mentorship program. The program’s objective is to improve the ability of university seniors to find employment outside the public sector, including through entrepreneurship. Program elements will include recruitment of participants, a one-day networking and mentoring workshop, structured mentoring activities over a period of eight months, and a closing ceremony and workshop. The awardee is encouraged to work with mentors to find internship opportunities or job placements for participants at the completion of this program.
Three groups, each consisting of 50 students, will attend classes by professional trainers and local business professionals who will provide mentorship and guidance through both formal and informal meetings and classes. By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Identify viable career options that align with their aptitudes and interests;
- Network effectively in the professional community of the IKR
- Secure jobs in the private sector
The awardee is encouraged to work with mentors to find internship opportunities or job placements for participants at the completion of this program.
Phases
- PHASE 1: Curriculum Design, Recruitment, and Mentorship Workshop: During the first two months of the program, the awardee will design a curriculum for use during classes. The awardee will also identify a group of 150 students and 15 mentors and trainers to participate in the program. Phase 1 will conclude with a one-day networking and mentorship workshop.
- PHASE 2: Mentoring/Professional Coaching: Participants will engage in an eight-month mentorship program focused on developing job skills and learning about existing opportunities within the region’s private sector. From December 2019 to June 2020, the program will include weekly classes that provide participants with competencies and tools needed to increase their employability. As students complete a module, they will attend mentoring sessions structured around the content of this module. This dual approach will ensure that participants graduate from the program with both new experience and demonstrable skills.
- PHASE 3: Closing Activities: The Mentorship Program will culminate with a final full-group Wrap-Up and Synthesis Workshop. The workshop will allow students and mentors to reflect on their individual growth, present on topics of importance, and outline their goals for implementing their lessons in the real world. This event should include representatives from the local private sector to facilitate networking and the pursuit of employment opportunities.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $200,000
- Award Ceiling: $200,000
- Award Floor: $150,000
Eligibility Criteria
- Applications must be submitted by U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3).
- Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. non-profit organization meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3).
- Have demonstrated experience developing and administering similar programs;
- Have the capacity to operate in Iraq and have active partnerships with organization(s) operating in Iraq needed to support the program.
How to Apply
Applicants must download the application form available on the given website.
For more information, please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=317313
