The iCHORDS mentorship program aims to provide opportunities for the mentorship of early career researchers, students, and young professionals in the field of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and the social and behavioural sciences (e.g. anthropology, sociology, economics, etc.) to support the development of the next generation of NTD professionals. iCHORDS will do this by connecting mentees with experienced mentors in the field of NTDs and the social/behavioural sciences.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Mentees should have demonstrated 1-3 years of experience working on NTD related issues and can be early career professionals, PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, or junior staff from the Ministry of Health and/or implementation programs with an interest in NTDs and social and behavioural sciences.
Mentors should have 5+ years of experience in NTDs AND the social and behavioural sciences research and/or program implementation. Mentors are encouraged to apply from across the different social science discipline areas.
HOW WILL IT WORK?
Interested mentor and mentee applicants will be selected and matched based on the information that they provide in their applications. Applicants will be selected based on the specificity, clarity and realism of their responses provided in the short answer questions of the application. It is important to note: that a successful applicant is based not just on quality of application but also on availability of a mentor in the chosen area of focus.
Once selected, the pairs will be encouraged to meet at least 4-5 times for an hour over the 6 months. These meetings can occur in person or virtually, depending on geographical location. The meetings should provide an opportunity for mentees to learn and refine various skills, e.g., the application of social science research in NTDs, strengthening research skills, or to discuss career goals. Together the pair will select their focus for the program during their first meeting. This will differ across pairs and might include activities such as getting mentor input on a grant application or article for publication, revising a resume, career planning, planning a program assessment and/or setting up introductory meetings with others working on NTDs.
Both mentees and mentors will be invited to join iCHORDS as a member, and can participate in iCHORDS activities such as focus group meetings, and monthly knowledge exchange cafes. Mentees will also be provided with insight into different NTD professional opportunities and allow participants to expand their networks. Mentees and mentors will receive a certificate on completion of the program.
Anyone interested in participating in this round, as a mentee or mentor, should apply this year, regardless of whether they applied in the last round. The deadline to apply is March 26th, 2023 at 11:59pm EST.
The program will start on April 24th, 2023 and run until October 30th, 2023. Participants must be available to participate in the program for the entire 6 month period.
