International Youth Fellowship 2024

Canada is a country of leaders, innovators, and creators – known for embracing their role as citizens of the world. The International Youth Fellowship is one of Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s wide range of opportunities for people from Canada to exercise and express their global citizenship. Through these opportunities, AKFC creates platforms to learn about development contexts and challenges and to partner with local institutions to jointly change people’s lives for the better.

AKFC is searching for individuals who can demonstrate a commitment to international development, are driven by the desire to make a meaningful change in the world, and are ready to apply their skills and experience to a challenging overseas internship.

Notice Regarding Pandemic’s Impact on the Program:

Aga Khan Foundation Canada is currently anticipating that the next round of the International Youth Fellowship Program, commencing in June 2024, will involve travel and field placements in AKDN countries of operation in Africa and Asia. The decision on whether to send successful candidates overseas will be reviewed prior to commencement of the program, with a final decision to be made based on public health guidelines in Canada and in the countries of placement.

About the Program:

Founded in 1989, the AKFC International Youth Fellowship program is a 9-month professional development program for Canadians seeking hands-on experience in international development. The Fellowship includes three unique streams: International Development Management (IDM), International Microfinance and Microenterprise (IMM), and Young Professionals in Media (YPM). Fellows are placed with field partners in over 10 different countries.

Management Seminar* please note the time frame is tentative and subject to change.

The 3-week-long pre-departure Management Seminar provides a unique forum for intellectual engagement and workshops to develop knowledge and skills related to the overseas placement. The practitioner-oriented seminar is intended to prepare Fellows for their placements and equip them with skills and perspectives that will benefit them in a career in international development. Workshops are taught by some of Canada’s foremost international cooperation practitioners.

Overseas Placement

The eight-month overseas portion of the Fellowship takes place in a host country in Africa or Asia. The host countries change each year, but could include: India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. 

Mentorship Program

AKFC has recently introduced a new component to the Fellowship program. Mentors are past Fellows that have been individually selected and paired with outgoing Fellows based on several criteria, including geography, sectorial expertise, placement type, etc. Mentors are alumni with at least three years of post-Fellowship work experience. The Mentors will connect with Fellows throughout their placements to discuss development topics, provide feedback and advice.

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How to Apply:

Electronic Submission* please note the time frame is tentative and subject to change.

– AKFC is using Submittable for collecting applications to the International Youth Fellowship Program
– To submit an application, you will need to create a Submittable account. All you need is an email and password to create your account, it’s that simple. For further instructions, visit the following help center article How to submit.
– Supported internet browsers include: Google Chrome, Apple Safari, & Mozilla Firefox.
– If you have any technical issues, please contact Submittable through the following link: Submittable technical support.