Mentorship Programme for Public Service

Mentorship Programme for Public Service

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey into the practical realities of public service and international relations?

Are you curious about the dynamic work of civil society and learn how to actually make a real social impact in a community?

Then this programme may be for you!

Apply today to future-proof your career.

Our 5-month mentorship programme is designed to prepare young adults for impactful careers in civil society, public administration, and diplomacy.

What's in it for you?

workshops & seminars
20 hrs
personalised mentoring
3+ hrs
practical study visits
6 hrs

In partnership with:

UN Youth Delegate Programme of Hungary
Hungarian Innovation Hub (venue support)

PROGRAMME - HIGHLIGHTS - PROGRAMME - HIGHLIGHTS - PROGRAMME

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

Choose between
two tracks

Choose between two specialised tracks in our mentorship programme: (1) Civil Society & Public Administration or (2) Diplomacy and International Affairs.

Personalised mentorship (1:1)

Receive 3+3 mentoring hours from two experts in the field to gain tailored career guidance, motivation, and potential access to a broader professional network.

Skills Development Workshops

Develop hard and soft skills in areas not typically covered at university, such as networking skills, presentation skills, and career planning.

Study visits for Practical Exposure

Get practical exposure through study visits at local municipalities, established NGOs, embassies, international organisations, including the UN and the EU.

Cohort size
16-20 people

We create an intimate and focused learning experience. This way, we dedicate more attention to each participant, and foster deep connections among participants, trainers, and mentors.

Networking & Community Building

Develop meaningful connections with professionals in civil society or the world of diplomacy, and form lifelong friendships with fellow participants in the programme.

TWO - TRACKS - TWO - TRACKS - TWO - TRACKS - TWO - TRACKS

Chose between

two
tracks

Click to discover more.

Tap to discover more.

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Learn from those with experience...

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Timeline - Timeline - Timeline - Timeline - Timeline

Note: The final detailed schedule will be shared when the programme is officially launched.

Nov - Dec 2024
Applications & Evaluation Phase
13 Jan 2025
Monday
Programme Launch
Jan-May 2025
Sessions
  • Mentor engagements (1:1)
  • Workshops & seminars
  • Study visits
  • Community building & networking
6 June 2025
Friday
Closing Ceremony

WORKSHOP TOPICS - WORKSHOP TOPICS - WORKSHOP TOPICS

Our programme includes 28 contact hours of training and workshops, covering the following topics:

Setting the stage

After the orientation session, we set the stage for all participants to have a meaningful experience of the programme by covering the following workshop topics:

  • Self-awareness
  • Goal setting and refinement
  • Leadership skills

sOFT SKILLS

All participants would develop the following soft skills:

  • Networking skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Public speaking
  • Debating skills

Hard skills

Depending on the chosen track of a participant, the following additional topics would also be covered during our 5-month programme:

 

Track 1: Civil Society & Public Administration

  • Introduction to NGO’s and Civic Engagement
  • Effective Altruism & Identifying Cause Areas
  • Design Thinking
  • Public Policy
  • Social Impact Measurement
  • Grant Writing & Fundraising

 

Track 2: Diplomacy & International Affairs

  • Introduction to Democracy & International Human Rights
  • Science Diplomacy & Innovation
  • International Development
  • Cultural Diplomacy
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Diplomatic Protocol

 

Good news: There will also be an “Open Session” in the programme to accommodate any other topic of interest for the cohort that was not previously included in the original programme.

Career toolkit

To support the career planning for all participants, and help bring everything learnt from this programme together, we will also cover:

  • CV writing
  • LinkedIn optimisation
  • Interview skills

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Programme Overview

TESTIMONIALS - TESTIMONIALS - TESTIMONIALS

Don't take our word for it...

Read what others have to say!

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Register your interest

Are you interested to know more about our mentorship programmes?

Then register your interest and we will contact you when we launch our next cohort!

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Note: This 5-month mentorship programme will have a participation fee. The final amount will be communicated when the programme launches.

FAQs - FAQs - FAQs - FAQs - FAQs - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

Our FAQs below cover the following topic areas:

General Application Process

Yes, the programme is designed for individuals at various stages of their public service journey, including students and those with little or no prior experience. Participants range from bachelor to PhD students, as well as early career professionals.

 Yes, the programme is open to both Hungarians and internationals. However, it is essential that participants speak English and can commit to the programme’s schedule and activities.

Programme Structure

The mentorship programme will be conducted in English throughout the entire period. 

The structured programme lasts approximately 6 months. This way, we provide participants with a comprehensive learning experience.

The programme includes  1-on-1 mentorship sessions with two different mentors (4 + 4 hours), allowing participants to connect with experienced people who are further down the line in one’s career path.

The programme also integrates soft skill workshops to cover essential aspects of personal development, such as self-awareness, goal setting, networking skills, presentation skills, leadership skills, and more. There are several study visits, as well as community building opportunities, spread throughout the programme. 

The frequency and format of mentorship sessions are designed to accommodate the busy schedules of both mentors and mentees, fostering meaningful and flexible engagements. 

Our opening and closing session, as well as all the workshops, will take place at the Hungarian Innovation Hub, which is located in the Infopark (Building i), in Budapest.

Mentorship sessions will mainly be conducted offline, except if the mentor is located outside the country or if online is preferred between the parties, reasons aside.

Study visits will take place at the respective host institutions premises. 

Yes, participation in the day trip is mandatory. These outings provide invaluable insights into the practical and day-to-day functioning of the given institution. We believe it is a crucial part of the overall learning experience, and at the end of each study visit, there is always room for a Q&A session with management.

Mentor Engagement Process

Mostly yes, but not always, given the time limitation that each mentor can contribute to our mentorship programme. Generally, participants can significantly influence who they get paired with, based on their specific needs and personal preferences.

As organisers of the programme, we try our best to carefully match participants with experienced mentors, based on their career goals, interests, and background, ensuring a meaningful and personalised mentoring experience.

During our programme launch, we immediately introduce the mentors, and we create the conditions for a basic chemistry check early on. Afterwards, each participant is able to select the three mentors that they would like to collaborate with, and in the end, they engage with two mentors.

Final Evaluation Process

Yes, participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Completion, recognising their dedication and achievements during the mentorship programme.

Participants are required to deliver a final presentation at the end of the programme, capturing their career roadmap, reflections on the programme, and key learnings from their mentor engagements.

Our evaluation takes into account feedback from mentors, attendance to study visits, and general participation in workshops and activities. The goal is to ensure a holistic assessment of each participant’s growth.

Track 1:

Civil Society & Public Administration

[1] Find your track. [2] Join our online info session. [3] Apply!

This track equips aspiring public servants and NGO leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary for impactful community work. Participants will attend workshops on introduction to nonprofit management and civic engagement, effective altruism, social innovation, design thinking, community engagement, and fundraising. Additionally, visits to local NGOs and municipalities will provide practical insights into the functioning and challenges of civic organizations. This track aims to foster effective leadership and innovative thinking in addressing social issues.

(Aspiring) public servants – Students and young professionals who work, or aspire to work, in government departments or local municipalities in their country, and who seek to enhance their skills, network, effectiveness in public administration and ability to improve their communities.

(Aspiring) non-profit founders – Passionate individuals interested in creating and leading non-profit organisations focused on addressing social and environmental issues.

Young changemakers and community organisers – Young leaders dedicated to mobilising communities and fostering grassroots movements to drive social change. This includes environmental advocates committed to promoting sustainable practices and policies to combat environmental issues.

  • Local municipalities
  • Established NGOs
  • United Nations headquarters in Vienna

Track 2:

Diplomacy &
International Affairs

[1] Find your track. [2] Join our online info session. [3] Apply!

This track provides aspiring diplomats and those interested in international public servants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in international relations. Participants will engage in workshops on diplomatic protocol, cultural diplomacy, and science diplomacy, alongside visits to embassies and relevant international organisations. These activities offer hands-on experience and insights into diplomatic practices and international development, helping participants develop the necessary skills and network to excel within international organisations.

Aspiring diplomats – International relations enthusiasts interested in careers in diplomacy, international development, and global cooperation.

International public servants – Students and young professionals interested in pursuing a career at an international organisation like the United Nations, UNESCO, UNHCR, or UNICEF, for example, without necessarily wanting to be a diplomat (i.e.  remaining independent of any single nation’s government). Interests may include advancing global peace, international development, and human rights.

  • Embassies in Hungary
  • International organisations
  • EU agencies
  • United Nations headquarters in Vienna

Events, Marketing & Communications

The following roles are currently available:

The role consists of:

  • Manage pre-event planning of events, including assisting with the promotions, logistics, and general management of events, workshops and training courses.
  • Liaise with (strategic) partners, youth networks and key contact persons where relevant.
  • Manage feedback loops and produce post-event evaluations and content to inform future events.

 

Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.

Skills and requirements:

  • High level of organisational skills
  • Attention to detail;
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills,
  • Time-management skills
  • Flexible, target-driven, and proactive.

The role consists of:

  • Launch and coordinate fundraising campaigns to support the projects and activities of the organisation.
  • Further develop an internal guideline document that briefly summarises our various types of fundraising techniques.
  • Perform risk management to minimize any risks related to fundraising.
  • Continuously explore creative ways to raise funds, including continuously searching
    for potential donors or fundraising partners.

 

Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.

Skills and requirements:

  • Excellent communication and writing skills,
  • Excellent way of expressing ones thoughts, and having persuasive tactics.
  • Good written and research skills to prepare compelling concept notes to help generate funds.

The role consists of:

  • Assisting with the preparation, promotion and management of scientific conferences (hybrid).
  • Keeping in contact with speakers and presenters.
  • Managing and coordinating event logistics on the day of the event.
  • Producing post-event evaluations and feedback to inform future events.

 

Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.

Skills and requirements:

  • High level of organisational skills
  • Attention to detail;
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills,
  • Time-management skills
  • Flexible, target-driven, and proactive.

The role consists of:

  • Assist with the development and constant review of the brand and marketing strategy.
  • Ensure that the organisation’s branding and artwork for all its activities and projects is
    consistent and appropriately aligned with the Brand Standards Guide.
  • Consistently promote the organisation, its projects and its activities in an effective
    and efficient manner, together with a team, through a unified brand voice.

Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.

Skills and requirements:

  • Creativity; and attention to details;

Website, Developer &
IT-related roles

The following roles are currently available:

The role consists of:

  • Create custom web experiences with the latest web technologies.
  • Ensure that the website is appealing to the target audience and catches attention.
  • Design accessible web user interfaces (UI), enhance platforms with custom style sheets.

 

Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.

Skills and requirements:

  • Experience with building visually appealing websites from the design standpoint.
  • Experience in using common CMS systems, like WordPress and Drupal.
  • Comfortable with CSS and preferably has a basic understanding of popular web technologies and frameworks.
  • High level understanding of web design concepts, UI principles
  • Basic experience in app UI design (for example the UI builder of Android Studio).

The role consists of:

  • Keep website fully functional at all times, inform colleagues of any expected downtime.
  • Deploy and update WordPress ecosystem components.
  • Make sure the site’s user interface is easily accessible for most users.

 

Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.

Skills and requirements:

  • Thrives in the WordPress ecosystem, is aware of new trends and has a good command of the most popular web technologies (HTML, CSS, Javascript);
  • Has a UX-first mindset, is able to create modern and accessible wireframes/concepts and iterate fast on ideas;
  • Can develop complex webpages using Theme Builders like Elementor or Divi;
  • Has experience in creating webpages with WordPress, using plugins;
  • Is able to provide technical support to all users of the website(s).

Content Creation
& Design

The following roles are currently available:

The role consists of:

  • Produce written or verbal content that is clear and persuasive for our target audience for various platforms in a way that is consistent with our brand strategy and voice (articles, blogs, podcasts, newsletter texts, etc.).

  • Assist with the development of creative ideas and concepts for advertising, social
    media, or crowdfunding  campaigns.

  • Help drive brand consistency across all communication platforms

Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Qualifications: No formal qualifications required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.

Skills and requirements:

  • Experience in copywriting for multiple social media campaigns.
  • Creative and curiosity.
  • Ability to collaborate and communicate with team members.
  • High attention to details.
  • Creative copy writing experience an added bonus.

The role consists of:

  • Designing unique marketing material that’s aligned with the creative direction and overall brand of the foundation and its projects.
  • Reviewing final layouts and suggesting improvements where required.
  • Ensure that the overall branding and artwork is maintained appropriately and consistently across all platforms and for all marketing and promotion material.

 

Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.

Skills and requirements:

  • Demonstrable design experience across various platforms with design applications, software and technologies, such as Canva, Quark Xpress, InDesign or Illustrator, and photo-editing software such as Photoshop.
  • A keen eye for aesthetics and details;
  • Ability to translate campaigns into a visual creative direction

The role consists of:

  • Edit professional videos that are creative, engaging, and appropriately designed for our target audience.
  • Continuously discover and implement new editing technologies and industry’s best practices to maximize efficiency.

Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Qualifications: No formal qualifications required, however, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.

Skills and requirements:

  • solid experience with digital technology and editing software packages.
  • creative mind and storytelling skills.

The role consists of:

  • Launch our TikTok platform, grow our audience, and maximise user engagement and growth goals with high performing content.
  • Developing creative video content from scratch/available content
  • Stay on top of recent platform trends and how they could be used to promote the organisation.

Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.

Skills and requirements:

  • Experience in making TikTok or short video content creation
  • Creative and curious.
  • High attention to details.

The role consists of:

  • Proof-read and correct documents and texts for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors
  • Verify factual correctness of information (e.g. dates and statistics).
  • Check and adjust text for style, readability, clarity and readability;

Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.

Skills and requirements:

  • Familiarity with the proofreading techniques and tools;
  • Attention to details;