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.
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.
Deadline for Applications: September 30, 2023
1. Foster Openness and Open Societies • Good Governance/Rule of Law/Transparency and Accountability • Journalism Skills and World Press Freedom News, and Media Business Management • Freedom of Expression/Citizen Journalism • NGO/Civic Leadership, Public Management • Youth Empowerment • Women’s Leadership • Disability Rights, Awareness and Inclusion • Racial and Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion
2. Deliver Democratic and Security Dividends • Preventing International Trafficking in Persons • Human Rights, LGBTQI+ • Countering Gender Based Violence • Countering Disinformation • Cybersecurity • Countering Violent Extremism
3. Advance Pandemic Recovery and Economic Opportunity • Health • Food Safety • Entrepreneurship and Innovation • Arts Entrepreneurship, Management • STEAM (science technology engineering arts and math)
4. Support Conservation, Climate Adaption, and Just Energy Transition • Climate Change, Environment and Waste Management • Energy Security • Wildlife Protection/Illegal fishing/Judicial Aspects of Wildlife Trafficking • Space Policy
. 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
Applicants may submit one SOI.
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $10,000