CELA is inviting interested CELA, MELA, SEALA, and SIBF members to apply for the facilitator’s role!

Deadline for submission of application: MARCH 1, 2025

Facilitators will be expected to arrive at Nazarbayev University, Astana, by the afternoon of July 11 for a two-day Facilitator Academy and briefing beginning with dinner on July 11 and continuing July 12-13. The CELA Academy will run from the evening of July 13 to 24, 2025. You can return home on or after July 24, 2025.

The CELA Academy curriculum has evolved, becoming more rigorous and emphasizing the work done in the learning group (LG) sessions. Hence, the role of the facilitators has become more demanding to enhance the participant experience. With this increased responsibility comes immense personal learning and a feeling of accomplishment for facilitators.

Facilitators’ Noble Cause: To create a comfortable environment that fosters an ongoing process of self-understanding, learning and growth.

Facilitators are expected to:

· Participate in three Zoom calls with the entire Facilitator team to begin the facilitator training before the Academy.

· Be “all in” at every moment of the Academy by attending all the lectures, exercises, meals, LG’s and events with attention and enthusiasm.

· Co-facilitate the LG sessions, i.e., work with other facilitators to help the participants maximize their learning from the program, help with cultural differences, and make connections among the participants.

We are looking for facilitators who embody integrity, compassion, and a willingness to serve others.

Specifically, we look for people who:

· Can listen deeply to participants and create a safe space for vulnerability and trust

· Can make fun and connectivity between group members

· Avoid imposing their views or passing judgment

· Seek to empower participants rather than glorify their egos

· Will commit fully to the program every day, regardless of long hours, early morning meetings and lack of personal time.

Eligibility criteria for facilitators:

1. Fluent in English.

2. Able to commit to attending the full two-week Academy training, including arriving by the afternoon of July 11^th and departing on July 24^th.

3. Active network member with a paid membership fee for 2 full years after your academy; being active in in-country projects and causes; consul, director, and chair positions are not a requirement but are considered to be an advantage.

4. Strong professional and/or academic background, with experience in leading groups. Training in coaching or facilitation is helpful but real-world leadership experience is most important.

5. We recognize that life's journey includes ups and downs. If you are currently navigating through a particularly challenging phase, we sincerely encourage you to focus on your personal well-being and consider applying next time. Your experience as a Facilitator is wonderful but far more taxing than going through the academy as a participant; this is not a second chance to be a participant.

6. Commit to working long hours and having fun before and during the Academy.

7. Work together with staff, facilitators, and faculty as part of the team.

8. Tolerant and respectful of the ideas of others.

9. Willing to commit to the cost of travel, incidentals, and the time to work on a volunteer basis (all other expenses: lodging, meals, local transportation, and Academy materials will be covered by CELA).

10. As part of the process of building a strong core of alumni facilitators, we are looking to develop alumni lead facilitators. After facilitating twice (in any academy), you are eligible to be considered as Lead Facilitator.

11. The number of facilitators chosen will depend on the total Academy participant class size.

Selection Process:

Step 1. Fill out the application form. The deadline for submission of applications is MARCH 1, 2025

Step 2. The CELA facilitators committee will be responsible for reviewing the applications and selecting qualified facilitators.

Step 3. Selection will be based on the criteria above and gender/country balance.

Step 4. You will be notified of the committee’s decision no later than APRIL 1, 2025.