Call for Applicants – YPN

May 2, 2014

Eurasia Foundation (EF) invites young Eurasia specialists to apply for membership to its 2014-15 Young Professionals Network (YPN). The Network was created to honor EF’s late board chair Sarah Carey, who was an indispensable advisor to young people interested in the Eurasia region. The program identifies young professionals who share EF’s commitment to international engagement across the region and connects them with more established professionals from a variety of fields.

Over nine months, YPN creates regular opportunities for young people in Washington, DC, to discuss developments in the Eurasia region with diplomats, journalists and analysts.

Highlights of past YPN events include meeting former Kyrgyz President Roza Otunbayeva and special access to television hosts Vladimir Pozner and Phil Donahue. As part of the program’s series of intimate breakfast briefings and lunches, members of YPN have interacted with influential Eurasia experts including Ambassador Thomas Pickering, Dr. Fiona Hill, Thomas de Waal, Christian Caryl, and Philip Shishkin, among others.

Program Description
EF Young Professionals will participate in monthly events with influential diplomats, scholars and journalists between September 2014 and May 2015. All events will take place in Washington, DC. Events include breakfast briefings, evening receptions, and other EF-sponsored gatherings.

Requirements & Expectations
EF seeks young professionals with a deep interest in the Eurasia region between the ages of 22 and 33 working in government, media, the military, and the private and nonprofit sectors. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree and a demonstrable commitment to the Eurasia region. Applicants who are selected to participate will be expected to attend monthly program events that will be scheduled in mornings or evenings to accommodate work schedules. Before applying, please consider if your professional and personal obligations will allow you to fully participate.

Application Process
To apply, please submit the following materials:

  • Current resume
  • Letter of interest describing how the applicant will contribute to and benefit from the program
  • Letter of reference from a current or former employer or professor addressing the applicant’s motivation, commitment to the Eurasia region, and leadership qualities
  • The name, title, organization and contact information of the person who has written the applicant’s letter of reference

All application materials must be submitted to Brianna Hiser ([email protected]) in full by 5:00 PM on Friday, May 30, 2014.

International candidates are encouraged to apply, however, attendance at monthly events in Washington, DC, USA is a requirement for acceptance into the Young Professionals Network. No financial assistance is provided for travel.

Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted.

Applicants will be notified by Monday, June 30. Any questions should be directed to Brianna Hiser at [email protected], (202) 234-7370, ext. 141.