Call for Applications: ILA Leadership Development Training
About IGAD Leadership Academy
The IGAD Leadership Academy (ILA) was established by IGAD to facilitate the mentorship and provisioning of future leaders with the critical skill sets necessary to steer the course of a rapidly developing multi-cultural African society in the 21st century and beyond. It is rooted in the conviction that Africa requires home-grown solutions to its unique challenges. The Academy was approved by the IGAD Heads of State and Governments Summit held on 5th July 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya. ILA focuses on developing visionary, ethical, and gender-responsive leaders through training, mentorship and peer-learning. The Academy is hosted by the Kenya School of Government at KSG Mombasa campus.
The training
The Academy, with support from the Government of Japan, invites applications for comprehensive specialised leadership development training set to take place in three cohorts in 2025.
Are you a young visionary leader committed to driving positive change in the IGAD region? Do you aspire to lead with integrity, innovation, and impact? If your answers to these are positive, then this opportunity is for you!
Anchored in ILA’s progressive curriculum, this intensive training is designed to equip emerging leaders from the IGAD region with the skills, values, and strategic insights needed to tackle governance challenges and drive transformation. The cohort-based training will focus on specialised aspects of leadership.
Why apply?
The training is an opportunity to…
- Gain cutting-edge leadership skills rooted in African leadership philosophies and global best practices
- Learn from the best leadership experts, policymakers, and mentors
- Develop competencies and skills in good governance, peacebuilding, technology, gender-responsive leadership, and more
- Be part of a strong network of future regional leaders and change-makers
- Join ILA Alumni Network and benefit from peer-learning and collaboration to explore innovative solutions to common challenges
Eligibility Criteria
ILA is committed to a fair and merit-based selection process.
The Training is open to Women and Youth from IGAD Member States (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda) who meet the following criteria:
- Age: 18-35 years
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in governance, leadership, or related fields
- Language: The training will be conducted in English. Applicants must, therefore, be proficient in English
- Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, regional cooperation, and development, with a strong interest in policy, good governance, and sustainable peace
- Demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact in their communities, countries, and the IGAD region
- Proven leadership experience with strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Willingness to travel to Kenya for the period of training
- Availability for engagement in ILA activities in the course of the year and future
- Commitment to engage as an active member of the ILA Alumni Network, fostering collaboration and peer learning
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A detailed CV (Maximum three pages)
- A motivation letter (Maximum two pages or 1,000 words) outlining the following:
I. What inspires you to apply for this training, and how does this programme align with your leadership goals and vision?
II. Highlight past leadership roles/initiatives and the impact you have made in the community or country
III. A specific leadership-related challenge you would like to address in your country or the IGAD region
IV. How do you plan to use the knowledge gained at ILA to address the challenge in (iii)
above or any other leadership-related challenges?
• Two recommendation letters from professional and/or academic referees
Send your application via email to [email protected] The subject of your email should be “ILA 2025 TRAINING”
Deadline for Applications: 5th April, 2025
&i Interviews for the shortlisted candidates will be conducted virtually.
Training: To be conducted in three cohorts in 2025
Due to the volume of applications anticipated, only shortlisted candidates
