Call for Applications – Programme for Emerging Civil Society in Vietnam

Did you know?

The Czech Republic and Vietnam have a special historical tie. During the 1970s and 1980s, thousands of Vietnamese citizens came to the Czechoslovakia due to intergovernmental agreement on scientific and technical cooperation and vocational qualification. Vietnamese community in this region increased even more in the 1990s and nowadays, they are the third largest nationally recognized minority group with its thriving businesses and progressive integration in the Czech Republic. Many talented Czech people of Vietnamese heritage have paved the way for a broad representation of the Vietnamese community in politics, media, arts, entrepreneurship, as well as civil society.

The Czech Republic itself in the recent years has become a good example in Central Europe for civic and democratic participation amid various regional and global challenges, including those on climate change, gender justice, and rule of law.

What is the Programme about?

The Czech-Vietnamese bond makes us believe that a connection between the Czech and the Vietnamese civil society is mutually fruitful. To foster this connection, our Programme for Emerging Civil Society in Vietnam is designed to empower dynamic and active members of independent civil society in Vietnam. Hosted by People in Need, the Programme aims to inspire Vietnamese members of civil society through needs-based skill development and strengthening, engagement with Czech/European civil society institutions and leaders, and potential dialogues with Czech policymakers and public. The goal is for the fellows to get some calm time from work, recharge and reenergize so that after the Programme they can come back to their work in civil society with new ideas.

After the Programme, you are expected to continue to enhance your participation and engagement in civil society and to transfer the knowledge and skills gained through the Programme to your peers and supporters in Vietnam.

When is it?

The whole month of July or October – to be determined upon the outcome of the selection process.

Where is it?

Prague, the Czech Republic, with possible study trips to one or two other cities in the Czech Republic/Europe.

Who are we looking for?

Three to four Vietnamese (including overseas Vietnamese) who actively participate in the civil society development in Vietnam. You have engaged in prominent and emerging social and policy issues in Vietnam, such as civic engagement, climate justice, gender equality, access to public services, and so on.

In addition, participants should:

− be aged 18-35 by June 2023;

− be competent English speakers (no official certificate of English fluency is needed, however, the overall English skills should be comparable to IELTS 6.0);

− be employees or members of a civil society organization, or independent activists with proven history of participation or engagement in civil society in Vietnam;

− have at least one year of working experience, including voluntary work, in Vietnamese civil society;

− have valid passports until April 2024, and the ability to travel abroad;

− commit to the Programme as the top priority during the course of the Programme.

Preferably, ideal participants should:

− be familiar with the Microsoft Office suite and the Internet;

− have a substantial network of peers or supporters to foster transfer of knowledge acquired from the Programme;

− exhibit sound understanding of cross-cutting topics, including environment, women’s rights, LGBTI rights, children’s rights and minority rights.

People in Need seeks to ensure gender balance in the Programme, taking into account candidate’s different potential contributions – thanks to your diverse interests, skills, expertise and experience, and perspectives – to the Programme.

How do we select the participants?

If you think you are a good fit for the Programme, please consider applying by submitting an application to vietnam@pro.peopleinneed.net by 23:59 April 2 2023 (Central European time).

The application should include:

− CV/Resume, no longer than 2 pages in PDF;

− motivation letter, no longer than 2 pages in PDF, outlining your experience in civil society, your interest, your idea to promote civil society development in Vietnam and how the Programme will benefit you and your work (in the letter, please specify your preferred time for the Programme – July or October);

− 2 contacts for reference, preferably individuals working in the field of civil society promotion (we will not contact your references without your permission).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by April 9 2023. Interviews with shortlisted candidates will take place during the first half of April 2023.

Cover of Programme

All costs related to the Programme – including roundtrip airfares, visa costs, accommodation, insurance, public transport and allowances – will be covered by People in Need.

Further inquiries can be directed to vietnam@pro.peopleinneed.net