Africa Regional Services Paris Annual Program Statement: ARS Speaker Program

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Africa Regional Services based in Paris (ARS) of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs announces an open competition for U.S. citizen individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to be considered for a small grant as a guest speaker, artist, STEAM expert, or athlete/coach to conduct outreach activities that enhance the understanding of the United States in sub–Saharan Africa. ARS Speakers generally give professional lectures, seminars, as well as artistic and cultural workshops and masterclasses or conduct athletic camps and trainings. Please carefully follow all instructions below. The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise one-page statement of interest, in English, designed to clearly communicate their area of expertise, credentials, and foreign language ability and attach a CV or resume. The SOI should include a description of the speaker’s presentation style, preferred audience, topics covered with a short outline, testimonials/brief endorsement, previous experience as a speaker and links to videos of presentation (if available). The purpose of the SOI is to allow applicants to submit their credentials for consideration of inclusion on ARS’ roster of available speakers who will collaborate with U.S. embassies and consulates in sub-Saharan Africa to reach target audiences. The second step begins once a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants, are interviewed. Following the interview with the speaker team, successful applicants will be added to the roster. Successful applicants added to the roster will be contacted by the speaker team when a speaker request by an Africa-based U.S. embassy for a specific program match the applicant’s skills. Programs must be led in French, Portuguese, Spanish or English. Speakers and artists demonstrate cultural cooperation between the U.S. and sub-Sahara Africa and indicate the strong transatlantic relationship of our people. Priority Program Areas 1. Advancing trade and commercial ties with key African states to increase U.S. and African prosperity · Entrepreneurship and Innovation · Arts Entrepreneurship, Management · STEAM (science technology engineering arts and math) 2. Protecting the United States from cross-border health and security threats · Climate Change, Environment and Waste Management · Energy Security · Cybersecurity · Countering Violent Extremism · Preventing International Trafficking in Persons 3. Supporting key African states’ progress toward stability, citizen-responsive governance, and self-reliance. · Good Governance/Rule of Law/ Transparency and Accountability · NGO/Civic Leadership, Public Management · Youth Empowerment · Women’s Leadership · Human Rights, LGBTI · Disability Rights, Awareness and Inclusion · Racial and Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion · Countering Disinformation · Wildlife Protection/Illegal fishing/Judicial Aspects of Wildlife Trafficking · Freedom of Expression/Citizen Journalism · Journalism Skills and World Press Freedom News Media Business Management · Countering Gender Based Violence · Space Policy Participants and Audiences ARS in coordination with U.S. embassy public affairs sections in sub-Sahara Africa seek to engage the public, decision-makers, civil society leaders, and opinion-shapers at all levels of society with the goal of broadening support for, and understanding of U.S. policies, culture, history, society, and values. Eligible Applicants • American citizen individuals who can lead programs within their area of expertise in French, Portuguese, English or Spanish based in the U.S., Africa, Brazil and Europe • Proof of citizenship by U.S. passport; U.S. green card holders if part of a performing artist group For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. Other Eligibility Requirements • Applicants may submit one SOI. • Individuals are required to have a Social Security Number in order to comply with Internal Revenue Services reporting requirements. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION Applicants should email their SOI and CV or resume to arsspeaker@state.gov APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION Criteria Each SOI will be evaluated on a rolling basis and rated on level of subject matter expertise of the applicant, prior experience as a speaker or trainer, and language ability. Applicants must first submit a concise one-page statement of interest, in English, designed to clearly communicate their area of expertise, experience, credentials, and language ability. The SOI should include a description of the speaker’s presentation style, preferred audience, topics covered with a short outline, testimonials/brief endorsement, and links to videos of presentation (if available). Applicants must also attach a CV or resume. Review and Selection Process A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible SOIs. All eligible SOIs will be reviewed on a monthly basis. SOIs are reviewed individually against the criteria and not against competing SOIs. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview. Following the interview with the speaker team, successful applicants will be added to the roster. Successful applicants added to the roster will be contacted by the speaker team when a speaker request by an Africa-based U.S. embassy for a specific program match the applicant’s skills.

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