IGF Fellowship - Commonwealth Internet Governance Forum bursary program

Our friend Yasmeen has sent us news about a sponsorship initiative for the Internet Governance Forum. Thanks Yasmeen!!

Introduction

Commonwealth Internet Governance Forum seeks to encourage greater participation from Commonwealth member states on issues and discussions related to Internet Governance, with a view to coming up with informed solutions or the pooling of good practice to address their needs more directly.


Aim of the Bursary


As part of this strategy for more engagement, the Commonwealth Internet Governance Forum have set up a modest travel fund to offer young professionals who are active in Internet Governance in their countries or field, the opportunity to participate at the IGF meeting in Sharm el Sheikh.



Criteria/ Eligibility

Applicants must

* be nationals of a developing Commonwealth country
* be active in Internet Governance related issues in their field of expertise or their country.
* play an active role at the IGF, presenting in a workshop or panel or presenting their work in the IGF Market place.
* be able to demonstrate how their participation will benefit their country and ensure security, affordability in providing access for all.



Terms & Conditions



The travel bursary will cover cost of return economy air travel. All other accommodation, meals and local costs will have to be covered by the applicants themselves. Visa application and related costs will also be covered by the applicants.



The final confirmation of the award of the travel bursary will be made once the visa is in hand.

Any last minute cancellation or failure to attend will cancel the terms of the bursary and a full refund of costs will have to be made.



Awardees will be re-imbursed for travel costs after the submission of a report at the end of the event.



A report of around 500 words, must be submitted no later than 4 weeks after the completion of the event.



The report should describe the experience, including a brief summary of the work undertaken by the applicant, together with the skills and experience gained. The report should address how

the placement has been of benefit to the applicant in relation to his / her course of study, new skills learned, future career prospects and personal development. If a satisfactory report is not submitted within that time, the Secretariat will consider it a breach of the Terms & Conditions and may refuse to reimburse the costs of travel.





Selection Process



Submissions via an application form (available on the web) must include a supporting statement (not more than 200 words) of how the proposed opportunity ensures secure and affordable access for all in a Commonwealth country.


Applicants must include references, from academic tutor or line manager.



Selection Committee shall make the final selection based on the funds available.

The committee shall also identify a number of standby candidates in case a selected

student does not/cannot take up the offer of an award. Therefore a number of candidates may be shortlisted for the bursary and advised closer to the time.

The committee’s decision on any application is FINAL. The Secretariat will NOT enter into any communication with applicants regarding unsuccessful applications.



Timescales – Deadlines



14th September – Deadline for Applications

17th September – Review by Selection Committee

28th September – Announcement of Selected Candidates
Candidates make flight and visa arrangements and confirm all is in order

24th October – Formal Award of Bursaries



Sponsors

The funds for this travel bursary have been provided by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, United Kingdom and is being administered by the Secretariat of the Commonwealth IGF.



Contact

Commonwealth IGF Secretariat




c/o Informatics Unit

Governance & Institutional Development Division

Commonwealth Secretariat

Marlborough House

Pall Mall

London SW1Y 5HX

United Kingdom



Tel: +44 (0) 20 7747 6561

Fax: Direct +44 (0) 20 7004 3528

General: +44 (0) 20 7747 6335




COMNET-IT

c/o Malta Communication Authority

VISET

Valletta Waterfront,

Pinto Wharf,
Floriana, FRN1913

Malta







Email : info@commonwealthigf.org






Web: www.commonwealthigf.org




Interested people should write to info [at] commonwealthigf.org with copy to yasmeen.ariff [at] comnet-it.org