Tahdirlaunchesthe second Round of Training

The Tahdir(Arabic for ‘Prepare’)programmeis launching its second of three rounds of training to help prepare more Syrians to become active participants in rebuilding a common life after the conflict comes to an end. Tahdiris open for professional Syrians interested in taking active part in key areas for a peaceful, democratic and inclusive country.

Tahdir provides executive academic training that can be used in various types of government services, in public and private enterprise as well as in the nonprofit sector.

The Tahdirprogramme is run by the Arab Reform Initiative and the Olof Palme International Center with the collaboration ofIla Souria.Tahdir is supported by the European Unionand the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

A Diploma is delivered by the two partner institutions with the support of the European Union and the Swedish international Development Cooperation Agency, Sida.

The first round of the Tahdirprogramme was launched in April 2016 and is ongoing. The second round,planned to start 3 October 2016 is designed to reach out to participants inside Syria or elsewhere. The round will be administered through a web-based e-learning platform with close coaching by program staff throughout the course of the program.

Curriculum:

The Tahdir training is offered through a web platform in three fields relevant to the reconstruction of Syria.

(1) Local Administration,

(2) Law and Security Sector Reform,

(3) Urban Planning for Sustainable Development.

It comprises 15 to 20 lectures for each field and the duration of the internet-mediated training round is 30 weeks on a part-time basis.

In addition, three compulsory common courses are taught to participants in the three programs:

  • Citizenship
  • Democratic decision-making processes
  • On-line English language training

The study hours are dividedamong the main component of each training course and common courses that all trainees must undertake. The main component of each training course (either local administration; law and security sector reform; or urban planning for sustainable development)comprises lectures, discussion seminars, assessments, guided independent study modules and a graduation project.

Courses are delivered in Arabic by lecturers from renowned universities and academic institutions across the world and scholars from reputable international think tanks. A rich set or reading materials are made available (translated from English or French and original Arabic texts) from the most up-to-date knowledge related to each field.

Each student is required to complete a personal graduation project accounting for 25% of the overall grades

  • The three most successful projects from each training area will be selected for seed funding for the development of the projects.
  • At the end of the three rounds of training, in early 2018, a number of candidates will be selected for a two day study visits to relevant countries.

Who is eligible:

1- Syrians who currently reside in Syria or have left the country after March 2011.

2a- For Local Administration and Law & Security Sector Reform courses: Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree, or at least three years of higher education in a discipline relevant to the course for which they are applying, or at least three years of professional experience in a relevant field.

2b- For the Urban Planning for Sustainable Development course: Candidates must have at least four years of higher education in a discipline relevant to the course and, preferably, at least three years of professional experience in a relevant field.

3- Candidates must be 45-year old or younger at the deadline date for applications.

How to Apply:

1- Fill in the application form and attach the following documents:

  • A motivation letter (600-750 words) describing your goals and vision and how you expect the course to aid your professional development.
  • A graduation project proposal (300-350 words). The topic can be modified during the course.
  • Educational certificates and/or certificates of relevant experience. If documents are unavailable due to the current situation in the country, please provide a signed affidavit and a description of your studies.
  • Names and contact details of three reference persons

2- Submit the completed application form to

3-The deadline for applications for the second round of the programme is June25, 2016.

A selection committee will review and select the candidates whomeet the basic criteria. The selection of trainees will be undertaken anonymously, based on an evaluation of the submitted material. Selected candidates will be notified by 15 July 2016 and the course will start 3 October 2016 and go on for 30 weeks on part time basis.

Applicants need to be equipped with a computer and internet access.

Women are specifically encouraged to apply to this programme.

Contact us:

Diana Mansour, Email:

Marianne Boqvist, Email:

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