Are you a leader in civil society, media, or cultural organizations working towards democracy, human rights, or freedom of expression? Applications are now open for the Swedish Institute (SI) Leader Lab 2025. This unique leadership programme is designed for emerging leaders from Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, and Türkiye who want to develop their leadership skills, strengthen their organizations’ advocacy work, and build a dynamic network of changemakers. This article will provide you with all details you need to know about this exciting opportunity.
SI Leader Lab Programme Summary
Delivery Mode: Virtual and in-person
Location: Online and in Stockholm, Sweden
Host Institution: Swedish Institute (SI)
Programme Type: Leadership and capacity-building programme
Areas of Focus: Democracy, human rights, freedom of expression, advocacy
Duration: Approx. 6 months
Funding Type: Fully funded (includes travel, accommodation, meals, and training materials)
Application Deadline: February 18, 2025
Start Date: April 2025 (online sessions), onsite workshop in May 2025
Programme Overview
SI Leader Lab is a leadership development programme that brings together 100 civil society leaders from Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, and Türkiye. The programme aims to strengthen organizations' advocacy efforts, introduce innovative digital tools, and promote collaboration across different sectors.
Through a mix of online workshops, coaching sessions, and an intensive in-person learning experience in Stockholm, participants will gain practical skills, leadership insights, and valuable networking opportunities. The programme also includes an optional change project, allowing participants to apply their new knowledge in their own organizations.
Activities and Learning Experience
Participants in SI Leader Lab can expect a dynamic and interactive experience, including:
Online workshops in regional and cross-regional groups
Personalized coaching to develop leadership skills
Onsite training week in Stockholm (May 2025)
Workshops on advocacy, organizational development, and digital tools
Networking opportunities with peers and experts from various fields
Optional change project implementation in their organization
The programme is based on experience-based learning, where participants will reflect on their leadership style, explore innovative advocacy strategies, and develop concrete solutions to challenges in their communities.
Funding and Benefits
If selected for SI Leader Lab 2025, participants will receive:
Fully funded travel to and from Stockholm, Sweden
Accommodation and meals during the onsite training week
Comprehensive insurance coverage for the duration of the onsite programme
Access to high-quality training materials for both online and onsite learning
Visa assistance if required
A professional network of civil society leaders working on democracy and human rights issues
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Swedish Institute Leader Lab, applicants must:
Hold a leadership position (formal or informal) in a civil society, media, or cultural organization
Work in the field of democracy, human rights, or freedom of expression
Be between 22 and 45 years old (born between 1979 and 2003)
Be fluent in English (both written and spoken)
Be a citizen of one of the following countries: (Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine)
Be available to participate in all parts of the programme
Commit to applying the knowledge and tools learned within their organization
Application Procedure
Step 1: Online Application (Deadline: February 18, 2025)
Register on the DreamApply application portal
Select "SI Leader Lab"
Complete the application form, including personal details and motivation questions
Upload your CV
Submit your application and receive confirmation via email
Step 2: Video Interview Submission
After submitting the application, you will receive an email with instructions to record a short video interview
The video must be recorded in a quiet environment and follow the given prompts
Submission of the video interview is mandatory for selection
Step 3: Selection Process (February – March 2025)
Applications will be evaluated based on:
Relevance of work in democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression
Impact potential of the applicant within their organization
Leadership and advocacy experience
Ability to collaborate within a team
English proficiency and diversity considerations
Step 4: Admission (March 2025)
100th successful applicants will receive official acceptance letters
A reserve list will be created for additional candidates
🗓️ Important Dates
Applications open: January 21 – February 18, 2025
Selection process: February – March 2025
Online workshops & coaching: April – June 2025
Onsite training week in Stockholm: May 4 – May 10, 2025
Online diploma ceremony: June 15, 2025
Optional change project: August – November 2025
Additional Information
For more details, visit the official SI Leader Lab webpage.
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
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