The Asia-Pacific Knowledge Hub Program, a two-week course on improving the governance of extractive industries from the Natural Resource Governance Institute and the Department of Politics and Government of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), is now accepting applications from interested participants.

English-language training activities will take place at the UGM campus in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from 9-21 January 2017.
 

Purpose

This course facilitates an exchange of expertise, experiences and advocacy strategies in the extractive sector to broaden the network of accountability actors pushing for better natural resource management so that citizens can realize their fair share and their country’s sustainable development. It also equips the participants with the relevant competencies to make a positive contribution in transforming the resource governance in their countries.

Resource persons have in-country, regional and international exposure to multi-faceted aspects of resource governance. Some have subject matter expertise in legal and economics, public finance, private sector, geology and engineering while others have long engaged in social and environmental governance, subnational governments, policy advocacy and social movements. The coursework strikes a balance between lectures, assignments and interactive sessions.

Course content

The course is organized into six essential themes in resource governance: discovery and deciding to extract; getting a good deal; managing social and environmental costs and benefits; revenue management, including the role of subnational governments; using transparency tools and standards for reform; and coalition for reform. The final curriculum will be circulated before the course begins.

The course has 10 days of face-to-face sessions. Participants will also take a two-day trip to the oil-producing district of Bojonegoro in eastern Java, where they have opportunties to meet with key stakeholders in managing their resource boom. Participants are also expected to present their individual or joint post-course plans where NRGI, UGM and a network of hub alumni may be tapped for support.

Participants

The course is open to:

 

• Leaders from civil society, including those working at the subnational levels
• Government officials and policymakers from countries that are members or candidates for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)
• Officers and mid-level managers from state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and private sector engaged in oil, gas or mining
• Media practitioners, academicians and seasoned researchers interested in extractive issues
• Donor institutions and development agencies

Women, indigenous peoples’ leaders and others who are involved in improving their country’s extractive governnace in various fronts are especially encouraged to apply. Please note that due to growing interest and limited slots, scholarship offers will be very competitive.

How to apply

All interested applicants must submit the following documents:

1. A completed application form
2. An up-to-date resume or CV
3. A letter of commitment
4. A short essay (no more than 750-1,000 words) responding to the following questions:
   • Why do you want to participate in this course?
   • How will the course topics help your work in the field?
   • Are there ongoing or much needed governance reforms taking place in your country or at the subnational levels of government that you and others seek to inform? If so, what competencies you feel you need to improve upon to be more effective?
   • Can you describe your action plan after the course?
5. A letter from your employer that i) supports your application, ii) briefly describes the organization’s work on the extractive industry, and 3) vouches for your English proficiency (verbal and written)
6. An electronic copy of passport photo

Applications with the above documents should be directed to aspachub.polgov@ugm.ac.id. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by phone or via Skype.

Scholarships

The course offers 10 highly competitive scholarships covering the course fee, accommodation and airfare for CSO activists, journalists, non-profit think tank and academia from the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Timor-Leste and Indonesia.

Self-funded participants

Self-funded participants will cover the course fee of USD 2,000. This includes learning modules, field-trip, meals and accommodation during the course. This fee does not include airfare and other travel-related expenses.

For more information, refer to the course event page at http://regina.polgov.id/training-course or email Yunita Ike Christanti at aspachub.polgov@ugm.ac.id.

Learn more:
2015 Asia-Pacific Regional Knowledge Hub course brochure