A key objective of the Open Society Institute's Roma work is to build capacity among Roma activists to make their own case in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life. The Roma Initiatives Fellowship plays a critical part in achieving this objective.
A key objective of the Open Society Institute's Roma work is to build capacity among Roma activists to make their own case in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life. The Roma Initiatives Fellowship plays a critical part in achieving this objective.
Each year OSI invites a small number of individuals from different spheres of life to develop a range of initiatives in line with, and to strengthen, OSI’s policy objectives. Working mostly in residence at OSI offices or Soros foundations in Europe, fellows work on questions of social policy, human rights protection, employment policy, culture, education, health policy, and other topics important for the inclusion of Roma in society. Fellows' projects and initiatives should also contribute to advancing the goals of the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005–2015.
Previous fellowship-sponsored initiatives included the establishment of a national Roma Civic Alliance, an anti-racism campaign in football stadiums, and the creation of a Roma culture initiative.
Each fellow will be assigned an OSI mentor, who will work with the fellow on the conception and implementation of the initiative. Fellows will also benefit from coaching and management training according to individual needs.
Fellowships are generally for a 12-month period, with the possibility of extension depending on the scope of the initiative. Fellows receive a stipend and reimbursement of travel and communication expenses according to the agreed initiative.
In line with the capacity-building objective of the project, the fellowships are intended primarily for individuals active in the field of Roma rights. Interested candidates should hold a university degree (or equivalent) and have a working knowledge of English.
To Apply
Applicants who meet the above requirements may send a proposal for a Roma Fellowship Initiative (including goals, description, and outcomes), accompanied by their CV and a letter from a Roma civil organization describing the applicant’s relevant activities, to OSI Roma Initiatives at roma@osi.hu.