Lazord Fellowship Program 2026 (Funding Opportunities in Middle-Eastern Countries)
The Lazord Fellowship is a prestigious, year-long professional development program designed to equip recent graduates with the professional, civic, and leadership skills needed to drive positive social change. Offered by the Lazord Foundation, the fellowship combines paid job placements, structured mentoring, and continuous learning to support young professionals working in organizations that serve the common good.
The program focuses on building a new generation of ethical, skilled, and socially responsible leaders across the Arab and Mediterranean region.
Degree Level
The Lazord Fellowship is open to:
- Recent university graduates
- Bachelor’s degree holders (or equivalent)
- Early-career professionals at the start of their careers
This is a post-graduate fellowship, not an academic degree program.
Available Subjects
The Lazord Fellowship is interdisciplinary and relevant to graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including:
- Social Sciences
- Development Studies
- Public Policy
- Business and Management
- Economics
- Finance and Accounting
- Nonprofit and NGO Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Civic Engagement and Leadership
Placements are tailored to the fellow’s background and interests while focusing on projects that contribute to the public good.
Benefits
The Lazord Fellowship offers comprehensive professional and personal development benefits, including:
- One-year full-time job placement with a locally based organization
- Hands-on experience working on projects that promote social impact
- Continuous professional and civic training throughout the year
- Monthly mentoring sessions with experienced professionals
- Development of leadership, management, and ethical decision-making skills
- Strong professional network across civil society, social enterprises, and development organizations
- Enhanced employability and long-term career readiness
Eligible Nationalities
- Eligible Nationalities: Primarily candidates from the Arab and Mediterranean region including
Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen
- The fellowship is implemented in multiple countries and adapted to local contexts
- Designed to support youth employability and leadership in the region
Eligibility Criteria
Program Components
Placement
- Each fellow is placed for one full year in a local organization working on initiatives that improve the common good. The placement provides real-world professional experience and responsibility.
Continuing Education
- Fellows participate in structured learning sessions focused on building knowledge, skills, and critical understanding of key themes relevant to the social change sector.
Mentoring
- Fellows receive one-to-one mentoring, meeting monthly with a mentor who provides guidance, coaching, and professional support.
Competency Learning Outcomes
The Lazord Fellowship is built around four core competencies:
1. Civic Leadership
- Fellows develop the ability to understand social issues, analyze challenges, and propose sustainable and creative solutions while engaging respectfully with diverse perspectives.
2. Professional Development and Program Management
- This competency strengthens fellows’ ability to operate effectively in professional environments, with a focus on program management, theory of change, and organizational impact.
3. Finance and Administration
- Fellows gain essential legal, financial, and administrative skills required to manage programs and organizations according to local and international best practices.
4. Living and Working by Ethics
- The fellowship emphasizes ethical decision-making, helping fellows build a strong moral compass to guide both personal and professional choices.
Application Procedure
The Lazord Fellowship application process generally includes the following steps:
- Submit an application through the Lazord Foundation’s official channels
- Undergo screening based on academic background, motivation, and leadership potential
- Participate in interviews and assessments (if shortlisted)
- Match with a host organization for a one-year placement
- Begin the fellowship with orientation, training, and mentoring
Applicants are encouraged to monitor official Lazord Foundation announcements for country-specific application timelines.
