Call for Applications: ILA Leadership Development Training
About IGAD Leadership Academy (ILA)
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to provide mentorship and equip future leaders with the essential skills needed to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving, multi-cultural African society in the 21st century and beyond. The Academy is grounded in the belief that Africa needs home-grown solutions to its unique challenges. Approved by the IGAD Heads of State and Governments Summit on 5th July 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya, ILA is committed to developing visionary, ethical, and gender-responsive leaders through training, mentorship, and peer learning. The Academy is hosted at the Kenya School of Government (KSG), Mombasa campus.
The Training
With support from the Government of Japan, the IGAD Leadership Academy is inviting applications for a specialized leadership development training program to take place in three cohorts in 2025. This comprehensive and intensive training is designed for young visionary leaders from the IGAD region who are committed to driving positive change and fostering good governance across the region.
If you are a young leader aspiring to make an impact in your community, country, and region, this opportunity is for you. The curriculum is anchored in African leadership philosophies while integrating global best practices to provide the knowledge, values, and strategic insights needed to confront governance challenges and foster transformation in the IGAD region.
Why Apply?
This leadership training offers a unique opportunity to:
- Gain cutting-edge leadership skills rooted in African leadership philosophies and international best practices.
- Learn from top leadership experts, policymakers, and mentors.
- Develop competencies in good governance, peacebuilding, technology, gender-responsive leadership, and more.
- Build strong relationships with other future regional leaders and change-makers.
- Join the ILA Alumni Network, allowing for continued peer-learning and collaboration to explore innovative solutions to common challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
ILA is committed to a fair and merit-based selection process. The training is open to women and youth from IGAD Member States (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda) who meet the following criteria:
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- Age: 18-35 years.
- Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in governance, leadership, or a related field.
- Language Proficiency: The training will be conducted in English, so applicants must be proficient in the language.
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- Leadership Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, regional cooperation, and development, with a keen interest in policy, governance, and sustainable peace.
- Community Engagement: A track record of making a positive impact in your community, country, or the IGAD region.
- Leadership Experience: Proven experience in leadership with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Willingness to Travel: Ability to travel to Kenya for the training period.
- Availability: Must be available for participation in ILA activities throughout the year and beyond.
- Alumni Network Engagement: Willingness to engage as an active member of the ILA Alumni Network, fostering collaboration and peer learning.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- Detailed CV (Maximum of three pages).
- Motivation Letter (Maximum of two pages or 1,000 words) addressing the following:
- What inspires you to apply for this training, and how does this program align with your leadership goals and vision?
- Highlight past leadership roles or initiatives and the impact you have made in your community or country.
- Describe a specific leadership-related challenge you would like to address in your country or the IGAD region.
- How do you plan to use the knowledge gained at ILA to address the identified challenge or any other leadership-related challenges?
- Two Recommendation Letters from professional and/or academic referees.
Submit your application via email to: ILA@igad.int
Subject Line: “ILA 2025 TRAINING”
Deadline for Applications:
The application deadline is 5th April 2025. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be conducted virtually.
Training Cohorts:
The training will be conducted in three cohorts in 2025.
Please note that due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Important Note
There are no application or participation fees for this training.
For any inquiries or additional information, feel free to contact us at ILA@igad.int or see full call for application here
Don’t miss the chance to develop as a visionary leader committed to creating positive change in the IGAD region. Apply today and take the next step towards transforming the future of Africa!