The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) is seeking ambitious women leaders to join its flagship program, the Amujae Initiative. The program inspires and prepares women to unapologetically take on roles and excel in the highest echelons of public leadership, bringing other women with them.
Through tailored programming, the Center empowers women in positions of power to pursue coveted, top roles in public leadership. Each year, the EJS Center identifies 15 African women public leaders and offers them targeted leadership development experiences designed to fuel their ambition and equip them with the skills necessary for effective service. These women become part of a purposeful sisterhood that propels women into public leadership, a multi-generational network of distinguished women leaders, and a movement that advocates for increased women's participation in Africa.
The EJS Center currently supports two cohorts of Amujae LeadersTogether, these 30 leaders from 16 African countries form a dynamic group of women with impressive and diverse backgrounds in public leadership and beyond. Learn more about these women and the work they have been involved in over the past two years.
The Amujae Leaders receive world-class mentorship and training from former Heads of State, leaders of international organizations, and renowned experts in various fields. It is the only course in the world specifically designed to support talented African women leaders through direct guidance from former female heads of state who paved the way before them. The program also facilitates collaboration, providing Amujae Leaders with an opportunity to strengthen and develop a multi-generational network of renowned women leaders.
An Amujae Leader is a woman who:
- He is a citizen of an African country.
- He has the ambition and intention to serve at the highest level of public leadership.
- They have already invested in a journey of public leadership with demonstrable achievements that make them imminently viable contenders for top positions in public governance.
- It demonstrates a commitment to the upliftment/empowerment of other women.
- It is patriotic, demonstrating commitment and service to one's country(ies) of origin, and
- Embrace ethical leadership and integrity as core values.
The EJS Center specifically seeks women aspiring to top elected or appointed public leadership positions, as well as those seeking to lead multilateral organizations. For each of these career paths, the EJS Center looks for candidates who can strongly demonstrate the following criteria:
- Vision – They have clarity about what they want to change (i.e., inherited goals).
- Leadership – has held or currently holds a senior leadership position in a political party/movement, public service, or multilateral institution.
- Political shrewdness – It encompasses the inner workings of political structures and processes, including the conduct of elections and the intermediation of power.
- Credibility – acquired sufficient technical knowledge and reputation to demonstrate competence for the intended role/position.
- Support – has a diverse electoral support base in an African country OR is positioned to receive government support to pursue a role in a multilateral institution where such support is needed.
- Personal mastery – He is a master of his destiny and takes charge of the advancement/progression of his career and his campaign.
- Resilience – has the resilience to face/navigate the trials and tests on a path to public leadership.
- Intention – is prepared to take a giant leap/exit towards career advancement in the next five years.
Applications can only be submitted online through this link and close on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 0800 GMT.
