Cora Weiss Fellowship for Young Women Peacebuilders 2020 – Apply

The Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) is pleased to announce its fifth annual Cora Weiss Fellowship for Young Women Peacebuilders.

Application Deadline: 15th July 2020

About the Award: Launched in 2015, the Fellowship aims to support the development of young women peacebuilders and ensure that more young people share Cora’s vision for sustainable peace and gender equality as strong and integral parts of our global culture. The Fellowship provides a young woman with the opportunities and platforms to elevate the concerns and priorities of women and girls in their country in global policy discussions at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

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Type: Fellowship

Eligibility: To be eligible for the Cora Weiss Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Have a robust understanding of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda; UNSCR 2250 on the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda; the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women; the Sustaining Peace Resolutions; the Sustainable Development Goals; and related laws and policies;
2. Have at least two years’ work experience in policy advocacy on women’s rights, human rights, peacebuilding, and other social justice issues, including the Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security, and related laws and policies;
3. Have at least two years’ experience in program implementation in a women’s rights, human rights, or peacebuilding civil society organization in a developing country;
4. Have a Bachelor’s degree in international relations, women’s or gender studies, or any of the social sciences;
5. Have lived or worked in a developing or conflict-affected country for at least five years;
6. Full proficiency in English. Since the fellowship will take place in New York, complete proficiency in the English language is a must. Proficiency in any other UN language is a plus.

There are no age restrictions for this Fellowship. However, the Fellowship is designed for candidates who are at early stages in their careers and represent the perspectives of youth in their country.

Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Knowledge of UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security and its supporting resolutions; UNSCR 2250 on the Youth, Peace, and Security; the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women; the Sustaining Peace Resolutions; the Sustainable Development Goals; and related laws and policies;
• Ability to communicate effectively on Women, and Peace and Security and Youth, and Peace and Security issues, both orally and in writing. Very strong speaking and writing skills in English are required.
• Experience in leading program implementation on women’s rights, peacebuilding, and other social justice issues in a civil society organization in a developing country;
• Ability to use the skills and networking opportunities gained from this Fellowship in a similar undertaking, such as working with a civil society organization that advocates for women, peace and security, for at least 2 years after completion of the Fellowship;
• Ability and willingness to relocate to New York City for one year; (Note: Please see below the considerations of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
• Ability and willingness to travel to conflict-affected countries. (Note: Some of the countries where GNWP implements its work are still experiencing violent conflicts, are still impacted by the aftermath of conflict, or have high incidence of COVID-19). GNWP closely monitors the security and crisis situation in all the countries it works in to ensure that it is safe for its staff, and all its team members and partners to travel. The Cora Weiss Fellow will have to sign a contract agreeing to travel.)

Eligible Countries: Have lived or worked in a developing or conflict-affected country for at least five years

To be Taken at (Country): conflict-affected countries.

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value & Duration of Award: The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with GNWP for one year in:

– Global advocacy in the UN to promote the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1325 on Women and Peace and Security, UNSCR 2250 on Youth and Peace and Security, their supporting resolutions, and related laws and policies;

– Implementation of GNWP’s various programs including but not limited to Localization of UNSCR 1325, national action planning on WPS, and the Young Women Leaders for Peace; 

– Research and development of training and advocacy materials on WPS, YPS and humanitarian action; and

– Administrative support in all areas of GNWP operations.

The Fellowship year will commence in October 2020 and end in October 2021. GNWP will cover roundtrip airfare from the country of origin to New York and health insurance. It will also provide the Fellow with a stipend to cover room and board, local transportation, and other personal expenses for one year.

In light of the impact of the outbreak of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the resulting global health emergency, this Fellowship may begin virtually between October to December 2020. GNWP will support the selected Fellow in purchasing reliable internet connection, access to a laptop, and a cellphone. GNWP Team closely monitors the global situation vis-à-vis the pandemic. The Team will liaise with the selected Fellow to determine the travel date to New York based on global health safety protocols.

How to Apply:

• Completed application form in English. The application form is available here.
• A cover letter of no more than 2 pages that explains why you are applying; and how you will use the learning and experience from the Fellowship to support advocacy on women’s rights, gender equality, peace and security in your county.
• A writing sample of no less than 1,500 words which showcases policy-oriented or academic writing and/or research.   Two letters of reference.
• Reference letters should include how long the writer has known the applicant and in what capacity, comments on the applicant’s potential to make an impact in the field of women, peace and security, and any relevant prior experience.

Applications may be sent to: [email protected].

All required application materials should be complete and submitted together in one e-mail. Documents sent separately will not be reviewed and application will be considered incomplete.

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