2nd Annual Transnational NGO Leadership Institute

The 2012 Leadership Institute will be led by experts from the Maxwell School, recognized academically as the premier program in public affairs in the United States, as well as professionally for a strong orientation towards "practitioner engagement” – thus grounding academics in practice.

Targeting current leaders who are working at the second tier of leadership in international NGO’s and who wish to prepare themselves to assume top leadership positions, this intensive five-day program will focus on "leap issues” critical to a successful transition to the highest levels of leadership in civil society.   These issues include:

·         Leading in a Complex Context:  understanding the broader landscape of actors and issues; the impact of personal/individual leadership styles; management vs. leadership.

·         Organizational Governance:  organizational change and design; board leadership;

·         Collaboration and Crisis:  communication, networks, partnerships, collaborative governance and leadership; leadership in crisis; leadership and stress;

·         Politics and Power Relationships:  symbolic leadership; advocacy;

·         Strategic Decision-Making and Performance Management:  resources planning, allocation and management.

In addition, participants will have the opportunity to explore the effect of their individual leadership style, to integrate their learning through experiential, hands-on exercises and simulations, and to expand their global network through interaction with peers examining the same leadership challenges and aspirations.  All program sessions are offered jointly by Maxwell faculty and experienced NGO leaders who have made the ‘leadership leap’ themselves, and many of whom are represented in our Steering Group, which has guided the program content.   

Forward-looking organizations recognizing the importance of preparing for leadership transitions and succession will benefit from the development of a well-trained cohort of leaders who will be ready to assume the responsibilities of top leadership.  Our inaugural Transnational NGO Leadership Institute, offered in September 2011, attracted participants representing strong and diverse peer organizations such as Greenpeace, YWCA, ActionAid International, InterAction, Humanas, ReSurge International (formerly Interplast), Aids Foundation East-West, Dejusticia, and the Instituto de Defensa Legal (among others).  This Institute received excellent reviews from participants, and we expect to attract an equally impressive cohort of participants for the second Institute.

For the May 2012 Institute, we are seeking a diverse group of participants representing transnational NGO’s from a variety of regions, organizational sizes, sectors and natures (secular as well as faith-based.)  Eligible professionals include those serving in senior management roles such as Vice President, Assistant Secretary General, Deputy Executive Director, Senior Management Team member, etc.  Participants will cover the cost of their training, travel, room and board; a limited number of scholarships/subsidies will be available – priority consideration for these awards will be given to leaders from NGO’s founded in the Global South.  The deadline for application for scholarships is March 1, 2012.  Further details and application materials are available at www.maxwell.syr.edu/leadershipinstitute. 

"Leaders of transnational NGOs are called upon to exercise influence on the key global issues of our times even as they manage large, complex organizations with accountability to a diverse range of stakeholders. I believe that this unique initiative from the Maxwell School of Public Affairs at Syracuse University fills a critical gap in ensuring aspiring TNGO leaders acquire the knowledge, skills and orientation necessary to take on those challenging responsibilities.”

Ingrid Srinath, CIVICUS

Please take a few moments to visit our website and to consider the benefits to yourself and your organization of this exceptional opportunity for leadership preparation.  Feel free to contact us by email regarding any questions that you may have.