International Learning Opportunities Programme
The International Learning Opportunities (ILO) programme offers managers and leaders from across Wales the opportunity to spend up to eight weeks in sub-Saharan Africa developing their own leadership capability while using their skills to make a positive contribution to the Millennium Development Goals.
The programme is delivered by Adopt a Business in association with the Welsh Assembly Government’s Public Service Management Wales (PSMW) and is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Wales for Africa Framework.
Participants are matched to assignments at a range of partner organisations driving social change in Cameroon, Lesotho, Uganda and Zambia. Assignments are identified in conjunction with the partner organisations and are designed to support them to grow, develop and/or deal with change.
The ILO programme stretches and challenges participants’ capabilities, taking them out of their comfort zone and allowing them to work more creatively and resourcefully. Having increased levels of self-awareness, participants also gain insight into their own motives and personal resilience. The skills and understanding that the programme provides is invaluable to the participant, their organisation and to Wales.
Whilst there is no grade restriction for applicants, these projects are challenging and applicants will need to demonstrate relevant skills and experience to apply. ILO is aimed at those who lead or have the potential to lead within Wales. Some of the following key skills we ask applicants to demonstrate are:
- Ability to work effectively with others
- Ability to manage and motivate a diverse group of people
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate by actively listening and questioning
- Acting with integrity
- Strategic thinker providing purpose and vision
- Commitment to learning, strong self-awareness and keen to make a difference