Christel House Fellowship Program Delivering Real Change
  • LEAD. INSPIRE. TRANSFORM.
  • WHO SHOULD APPLY?
  • THE FELLOWSHIP JOURNEY
  • FAQ
  • SELECTION PROCESS
  • IMPORTANT DATES
  • The Global Pathbuilder Fellowship

    For over 25 years, Christel House has provided high-quality, no-fee education to more than 20,000 students through nine schools across five countries. We are now at a pivotal point and are expanding our transformative model to new countries.

    The Global Pathbuilders Fellowship is an intensive, two-year, fully paid program designed to identify visionary leaders in Ghana, Kenya, Colombia, Peru, Nepal, and Bangladesh. We will offer the strongest candidates from two of these six countries a Global Pathbuilders Fellowship, which will provide them the time, resources, strategic and financial support needed to successfully launch new Christel House schools. The Fellow will eventually transition to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Christel House in their country. In this role, they will oversee all aspects of the school, including fundraising, board relationships, external partnerships, and expansion, and will hire a principal to manage the school’s academic program.

    WHO SHOULD
    APPLY?

    We are seeking social entrepreneurs committed to fundamentally changing life outcomes for children and families from low-income communities.

    Applicants should have 10+ years of professional experience, including at least five years of leadership either in the social impact space or the private sector.

    Our ideal candidate is highly entrepreneurial, with a proven track record of fundraising, and initiating and leading projects or organizations. A deep belief in the potential of all children and a commitment to educational excellence is critical, as is the ability to adapt and innovate within various cultural and contexts.

    Candidates must be citizens of, have permanent residence in, or have strong ties with one of our target countries: Ghana, Kenya, Peru, Colombia, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

    OPERATING A
    CHRISTEL HOUSE SCHOOL

    Hear from our current school CEOs what it means to be part of a global movement of change.

    THE FELLOWSHIP JOURNEY

    YEAR 1

    Foundation & Vision Development (Starting between
    August-October 2025)

    1. CHI Fellowship Program

    Start the year at Christel House International headquarters in Indianapolis to understand and align with the foundational aspects of our model.

    Christel House  College & Careers program

    2. CHI Fellowship Program

    Spend several months at Christel House schools seeing the model in action and getting to know your colleagues around the world.

    Christel House  College & Careers program

    3. CHI Fellowship Program

    Return to home countries to focus on building local networks and forming a local board.

    Christel House  College & Careers program

    4. Christel House Careers program Year 1 Fellowship

    Begin drafting strategic and operational blueprints for the new school.

    Christel House  College & Careers program

    Year 1 Fellowship

    YEAR 2

    IMPLEMENTATION & LAUNCH PREPARATION

    1. CHI Fellowship Program

    Secure locations, gather resources, and mobilize funding to establish new school.

    Christel House  College & Careers program

    2.CHI Fellowship Program

    Refine operational strategies and continue community engagement initiatives to ensure the school meets local needs.

    Christel House  College & Careers program

    3. Christel House Careers program Year 2 Fellowship

    Present launch plans to the Christel House International board for final approval, setting the stage for opening the new school 2027/2028.

    Christel House  College & Careers program

    Year 2 Fellowship

    FAQ

    What is The Global Pathbuilders Fellowship?

    The Fellowship is an intensive, two-year, fully paid program designed to identify visionary leaders in Ghana, Kenya, Colombia, Peru, Nepal, and Bangladesh. We will offer the strongest candidates from two of these six countries The Global Pathbuilders Fellowship, which will provide them the time, resources, and strategic and financial support needed to successfully launch new Christel House schools. Fellows will eventually transition to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Christel House in their country, a role that includes fundraising, operations management, team leadership, and other organization executive duties.

    Who is eligible to apply for the Fellowship?

    Eligible candidates should have 10+ years of professional experience, including at least five years of leadership experience, either in the social impact space or in the private sector.

    Candidates should possess strong entrepreneurial skills, a successful track record in fundraising, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.

    Candidates must be citizens, permanent residents, or have strong ties to the listed countries: Ghana, Kenya, Colombia, Peru, Nepal, or Bangladesh.

    How can one apply, and what are the key deadlines?

    Prospective fellows should submit an Expression of Interest by October 15, 2024 (Round 1), or December 1, 2024 (Round 2) to be considered for the upcoming cohort.

    Applicants will be notified within 15 days from the Expression of Interest deadline if they are invited to formally apply to the Fellowship.

    Note: While all applicants will be treated equally, we appreciate and encourage early applications.

    What is the duration of the Fellowship program?

    The Fellowship lasts two years. Toward the end of this period, Fellows will submit proposals to launch schools to the Christel House International Board. Once approved, the Fellow will transition to the role of CEO of the Christel House school in their country.

    What is the salary for Fellows?

    The salary varies by country. It is aligned with top compensation standards for global international nonprofits and adjusted for the local cost of living.

    Are there additional benefits?

    Fellows receive comprehensive benefits, including work-related expenses, travel allowances, and health insurance.

    How is the selection process conducted for the Fellowship?

    The selection process for the Fellowship is detailed in this video below. Additionally, information sessions will be held to provide further details on the process and answer any questions potential applicants may have.

    What are the expected outcomes from a Fellow during the Fellowship?

    Fellows are expected to meet specific, pre-defined milestones outlined for each program phase. Given the significant investment Christel House makes in each Fellow and the critical nature of the mission, these milestones are structured to ensure that all efforts align with the primary objective of establishing a high-quality school in their country.

    These milestones include but are not limited to: successful fundraising initiatives, establishment of local partnerships, recruitment of key staff, and identification of land or facility for a school building. Each milestone is designed to build upon the last, ensuring a systematic and effective approach to setting up a high-quality school that adheres to Christel House standards.

    How much autonomy do Fellows have in setting up the school?

    Fellows enjoy considerable autonomy in shaping the day-to-day operations of their school, including building their own teams and developing educational programming.

    However, this autonomy operates within the framework of Christel House’s Unifying Principles, which are a set of non-negotiable elements of the Christel House model. For instance, one of the unifying principles states that all Christel House schools must serve students experiencing poverty. This is non-negotiable, and all Christel House schools must adhere to it. The Unifying Principles ensure that all our schools, regardless of location, uphold the same standards of excellence and inclusivity.

    Unifying Principles will be shared with candidates who are invited to submit an application.

    What are the typical working hours?

    The Fellowship is a full-time commitment, requiring Fellows to dedicate themselves wholly to establishing a Christel House school in their country. The Fellow or Country CEO will not engage in any consulting or other employment activity while employed. Given the depth of the work involved, Fellows are expected to immerse themselves in a range of tasks from strategic planning to hands-on management.

    While the Fellowship offers enough flexibility for the Fellows to choose how they want to spend their time in different activities, the first year is more structured to ensure a solid foundation. This period is designed by the Christel House International team to integrate Fellows into the Christel House model and philosophy, providing them with the necessary tools and experiences to succeed.

    After this initial phase, Fellows gain greater flexibility in managing their schedules to meet the school’s operational needs and milestones effectively.

    How is a Fellow’s performance measured and reviewed?

    Performance is regularly evaluated against predefined milestones and objectives, with ongoing feedback to ensure alignment with the Fellowship’s goals.

    What support and resources are provided to Fellows?

    Fellows will receive an attractive salary along with a range of benefits to support their personal and professional growth. We have a comprehensive support system to help Fellows successfully manage their responsibilities and thrive in their leadership roles.

    Year 1: Fellows will be supported through a curriculum developed to give them a deep understanding of the Christel House model, with an emphasis on customizing it to their individual needs. Fellows will spend several months at Christel House schools seeing the model in action and getting to know their colleagues around the world. Fellows will also engage with experienced leaders and educators who will provide guidance, share insights, and help navigate the complexities of educational leadership in diverse environments.

    Year 2: In the second year of the Fellowship, Christel House International will invest significant financial resources upfront to facilitate the establishment of the new school, ensuring Fellows have the necessary capital to implement the Christel House model effectively. In addition to financial support, ongoing resources include continuous mentorship, support with developing programs and services, assistance in hiring key staff, connections with influential individuals and foundations, and access to a global network of educational experts.

    By joining the Global Pathbuilders Fellowship, will Fellows be part of the Christel House worldwide network?

    Yes, Fellows will become part of the larger network of Christel House schools across the globe, joining a diverse community of leaders. Fellows will have opportunities to learn from and contribute to this growing network, gaining insights from best practices and innovative approaches in education. Additionally, they will have the chance to collaborate on initiatives that drive positive change in communities worldwide.

    What are the terms for continuation in the Fellowship?

    The Fellowship operates under key performance and milestone requirements. We have confidence that the selected Fellows will be successful in achieving these milestones, which are designed to ensure that each Fellow effectively contributes to the Christel House mission and progresses towards setting up a school in their country. However, if a Fellow fails to meet multiple critical milestones on an ongoing basis, their Fellowship may be terminated. Details on these milestones will be shared during the selection process.

    What confidentiality measures are in place regarding Fellows’ performance?

    Christel House maintains strict confidentiality concerning all aspects of applicants’ and Fellows’ performance and assessments. Our policy ensures that the privacy of candidates and Fellows is protected. Applications and internal evaluations are used solely to support selection and professional development and are kept completely confidential.

    What is the exit policy for Fellows wishing to leave the program early?

    Fellows may choose to exit the program early under specific circumstances. The Fellowship agreement will provide detailed conditions under which a Fellow may discontinue, ensuring that both parties uphold respect for mutual rights and legal obligations.

    What initiatives are in place to promote diversity among fellows?

    Christel House actively seeks to cultivate a diverse cohort implementing inclusive recruitment strategies that encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds. Our selection process is designed to identify individuals who not only meet high standards of leadership and entrepreneurial spirit but also reflect diverse experiences and perspectives.

    How does the Fellowship ensure an inclusive environment?

    Christel House is committed to fostering an inclusive environment within all its schools and the Fellowship program. This commitment is reflected in our training programs, our school policies, and the supportive community we build, ensuring that everyone is respected, included, and empowered to succeed.

    THE SELECTION PROCESS

    IMPORTANT DATES

    EXPRESSION OF INTEREST |
    October 15, 2024: Round 1 Deadline | December 1, 2024: Round 2 Deadline.
    Prospective Fellows are encouraged to submit their expressions of interest by these dates to be considered for the upcoming cohort. Applicants will be notified within 15 days of the expression of interest deadline if they are invited to formally apply to the Fellowship.

    Note: Round 1 Expressions of Interest (EOI), due on 15th Oct at 12 PM GMT, are now closed. Any EOIs submitted after this time will be treated as part of Round 2. However, all applications submitted within either deadline will be treated equally for the Fellowship.

    APPLICATION |
    January 15, 2025: All applications
    are due.

    From the submission deadline, applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application and whether they have advanced to the next stage of the selection process within a month.

    ASSESSMENT |
    February 14, 2025- June 30, 2025
    Selected candidates will proceed to the next stage, where they will undergo a series of assessments and participate in interviews. For those advancing to the assessment stage, the timeline between the assessment and the final offer will span four to five months.

    VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION
    We will hold four virtual information sessions to offer comprehensive information about the Fellowship program.

    November 5, 2024, 23:30 GMT
    November 26, 2024, 13:00 GMT

    Join us for a virtual information session! Click below to register.

    Register Here

    NOMINATE EXPRESS INTEREST

    Contact us at [email protected] for queries

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    INTERESTED IN