PROPOSED FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Ashoka is the largest association of social entrepreneurs in the world — men and women with system changing solutions for the world’s most urgent social problems. Since its founding 35 years ago, Ashoka has provided start up financing, professional support services, and connections to a global network of almost 3,000 leading social entrepreneurs in 70 countries.

Ashoka Fellows work on a variety of issues ranging from Human Rights, Economic Development, Environment, Health, Education to Citizen Participation, causing sustainable, long term social impact. Some of the best-known Ashoka Fellows today are Kailash Satyarthi (2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and anti-child labor movement leader), Jimmy Wales (Wikipedia) and Paul Rice (Fairtrade International).

In line with its “Everyone a Changemaker” vision, Ashoka also designs and implements various programmes to promote social entrepreneurship and changemaking skills in children, youth, schools, universities and companies.

Ashoka is now a professional home for all entrepreneurial individuals, from the business and social sectors, and a platform for the growing global network of people dedicated to changing the world. Often cited among the world’s leading international NGOs, Ashoka was ranked 17th among the top 20 international NGOs by the The Global Journal in 2013 with its impact, innovation and sustainability level.

Ashoka’s fellowship proposal is Supporting with the expansion of the ChangemakerXchange programme to Armenia and mapping the social entrepreneurship and social innovation space in Armenia. ChangemakerXchange is a global collaboration platform and series of retreats for some of the world’s top young social entrepreneurs. Founded in Istanbul, the programme is now expanding globally and we see it as a key tool to foster collaboration between individuals and organisations from geographies and cultures which do not traditionally collaborate. We will in the coming 12 months, be bringing together young social entrepreneurs together from countries as diverse as Armenia, Turkey, Israel, Palestine, Germany and Egypt to collaborate together under the umbrella of social innovation.

The fellow from Armenia is e expected to support with the exciting expansion of this programme to the South Caucasus region, including sourcing candidates and partner organisations in Armenia and explore the possibility of hosting summits there. We would expect a concrete outcome of a mapping of the ecosystem in Armenia and a feasibility study of running a changemakerXchange event for Turkey / Armenia based social entrepreneurs.

The fellow is also expected to support with general administration of the ChangemakerXchange programme including updating website, work on the databases, communications, social media, help prepare logistics for some of the summits and research.

The fellow would also at times support with other activities of Ashoka Turkey. These may be connected to the venture and fellowship programme (selecting and supporting Turkey’s leading social entrepreneurs) and also related research and admin tasks.

EXPECTED PROFILE 

We are looking for an entrepreneurial, bright and dedicated individual with a passion for social entrepreneurship and innovation to join our team. The role is a great opportunity to gain expertise and to build a network in the social entrepreneurship fields in Turkey and globally.

  • At least 3 years of work experience;
  • Professional or voluntary experience in the youth sector and/or social entrepreneurship;
  • Experience in working in an international team;
  • Excellent time management and multitasking skills;
  • Ability to work productively, proactively and independently;
  • Fluent in written and spoken English;
  • At ease with using basic computer tools such as CRM systems, Microsoft Office (PPP, Word, Excel…).

CONDITIONS OF THE FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The fellow is expected to be present at Ashoka Turkey office from Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 18:00. The fellow may also assist Ashoka Turkey with occasional home-based activities. The fellow will be expected to contribute to occasional Ashoka Turkey events during weekends, if needed.

PROPOSED TIME FOR THE FELLOWSHIP (JANUARY  – JUNE 2017)

4 to 6 months from january  to June 2017.