Apply now: Mercator Fellowship on International Affairs seeks promising graduates and young professionals
Stiftung Mercator and Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes invite applications for second intake
Mercator Fellowship on International Affairs: The fellows of the 2009/2010 programme.
From today, university graduates aspiring to leadership positions in international organizations can apply for the Mercator Fellowship on International Affairs. The program aims to promote young, German-speaking employees and train them for leadership positions in international organizations and NGOs. In Germany, the Mercator Fellowship is a project jointly run by the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German National Academic Foundation) and Stiftung Mercator in cooperation with the Federal Foreign Office. In Switzerland, Stiftung Mercator Switzerland and the Swiss Study Foundation run the initiative in cooperation with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Stiftung Mercator supports the Mercator Fellowship with 5.7 million euros over a period of five years. Highly qualified university graduates of all disciplines have until 31 March 2010 to apply for admission to the Mercator Fellowship on International Affairs.
“In the central forums of global(ized) politics, leadership, assertiveness and diplomatic skill are needed. Preparing the next generation of leaders for this is the goal of the Mercator Fellowship”, explains Dr Bernhard Lorentz, chairman of the Stiftung Mercator board of directors. On their path towards this goal, the first year of Mercator fellows have met with high- level officials, among them the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, a four-star NATO general and the German chancellor’s foreign policy advisor. “International challenges such as climate change, Afghanistan or, more recently, the relief campaign for Haiti show the demand for highly qualified young people in this area – regardless of whether the fellows work for the UN in New York or for a small NGO in the field”, continues Lorentz. Last year, more than 350 university graduates applied for the 20 available places.
During the course of a 13-month program, the fellows will work in two or three international organizations or in globally active NGOs, non-profit organizations or business enterprises. “Mechanical engineering, medicine, law or agricultural science – we are not so much interested in what candidates have studied but whether or not they have an outstanding degree. We are looking for strong, stable candidates who are not shy about working under tough conditions and who will not be arrogant about fitting into an international team”, says Dr Gerhard Teufel, secretary-general of the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes.
The fellows choose their respective work placements during the year based on their individual project outlines. The 2010/2011 program begins in September 2010. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of 1,250 euros. Additional grants are available for placements abroad and language training.
Read here more about the project.
About Stiftung Mercator:
Stiftung Mercator is one of Germany’s largest foundations. It initiates and funds projects that promote better educational opportunities in schools and universities. In the spirit of Gerhard Mercator, it supports initiatives that embody the idea of open-mindedness and tolerance through intercultural encounters, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and culture.
The foundation provides a platform for new ideas to enable people – regardless of their national, cultural or social background – to develop their personality, become involved in society and make the most of the opportunities available to them. In this way it wants to let ideas take flight. Stiftung Mercator takes an entrepreneurial, international and professional approach to its work. It has a particular affinity with the Ruhr area, the home of its founding family.
About Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes:
With more than 10,500 scholars, the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German National Academic Foundation) is the largest and oldest organization sponsoring the academically gifted in Germany. It is non-political and non-denominational.
The Studienstiftung promotes future excellence in the areas of science, business, public administration, and the arts. Through its sponsorship programme, it promotes academic consolidation, interdisciplinary dialogue, a cosmopolitan world view and international experience. The Studienstiftung is financially supported and subsidized by the Federal Government of Germany, the German Federal States and local authorities as well as by other foundations and a large number of private donors.
The Studienstiftung was founded in Dresden in 1925, dissolved in 1934 and re-founded as a registered association in Cologne in 1948. During its existence, it has sponsored more than 50,000 exceptionally gifted students and doctoral candidates. Each year, nearly 3,500 new scholars join the Foundation.