FAQ
Explore this compilation of commonly asked questions (FAQs) concerning the Youth in Policy and Governance (YPG) Fellowship Program.
Designed for individuals inquiring or applying, this resource aims to resolve uncertainties and provide clarity on the fundamentals of your role and the Fellowship's extent. Prior to commencing your application, familiarize yourself with the information presented here for a smoother process. The responses are categorized by queries pertaining to the application process, Fellowship eligibility, and the program's intricacies. If you encounter any inquiries not addressed here, feel free to contact us via email at [email protected]
About the Fellowship
What is the Youth in Policy and Governance (YPG) fellowship?
The Youth in Policy and Governance (YPG) Fellowship is a year-long opportunity for youth (20-30) of a given province to learn and practice in the facets of law-making and public policy and Governance. Emphasizing the development of technical and adaptive capacities, the program aims to empower fellows as well-versed in the complexities of public policy and the parliamentary processes.
How long will the YPG fellowship last?
The Fellowship is a year-long program that will start with 6 months of robust training in three phases followed by the fellowship placement as a Knowledge Assistant of the assigned Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA ’s) from budget to winter parliament session.
Can the fellowship be counted as an internship if I get selected?
The Fellowship cannot be considered an internship, as the fellows will work as part-time professionals with the MPAs in the parliamentary sessions on a demand/need basis.
If selected as a YPG Fellow, can I practice in any other professional or academic institution?
Fellows are not obligated to work full-time during the placement. Consequently, they have the flexibility to engage in other academic or professional pursuits concurrently. However, it is imperative that they commit to actively participating in both the training and placement aspects if selected for the Fellowship.
How many working hours do I need to put in fellowship on average?
The fellowship does not demand a full-time commitment. However, given that placements take place between the budget and winter sessions of the parliament, the assistance work during this period can be intensive. Flexibility in working hours will be ensured, as fellows are expected to assist according to the MPA’s needs between the hours of 10 am and 5:00 pm, aside from parliamentary sessions. However, On average, a commitment of 16-20 hours per week should be anticipated.
I don't know much about Nepal's legal or political systems. Will there be any training offered to me before the placement?
In the training phase, participants will undergo training on fundamental elements covering Nepal’s constitution, economics, parliamentary procedures, information sources, and research tools within the required political and economic domains.
The program will furnish a well-organized curriculum and work plan to ensure fellows acquire crucial knowledge in these areas. Furthermore, YPG Fellows will enhance their comprehension of public policy in Nepal through diverse Public policy workshops, and seminars organized by the PRC as part of the Fellowship.
What opportunities will I be provided with after the Fellowship?
Upon completing the fellowship, fellows may have the opportunity to extend their involvement by working directly or indirectly with Members of Parliament and other political consulting organizations as per their performance throughout the fellowship placement. Alternately, they can explore roles in multilateral institutions like Foreign Embassies, or join prominent public policy organizations such as Samriddhi Foundation, Bikalpa-an alternative, Hriti Foundation, and PRC. Additionally, PRC will facilitate opportunities aligned with fellows’ academic and professional interests.
Selection Process
What is the selection process for the YPG Fellowship?
The selection committee will review applications based on the YGP Fellowship selection standards (Eligibility). Applications will be thoroughly assessed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates from the initial round will proceed to the second round of interview sessions with the PRC, which may be conducted virtually or in person. Applicants will receive notification of their application status via email. If the confirmation emails are delayed by more than a month, the application will be deemed unsuccessful.
What are the application dates for the Fellowship?
YPG Fellowship applications typically open for about 3 weeks period between November and December. One can stay informed about application openings by checking the PRC’s social media platforms and website.
What are the eligibility criteria for the selection process?
Candidates from any academic background are encouraged to apply, provided they are between the ages of 20 and 30 and are pursuing at least a Bachelor’s degree in any stream. For eligibility in the YPG Fellowship, candidates should be permanent residents of the specified province or have a minimum one-year residential record for academic or professional purposes.
While the outlined criteria serve as a basic guideline, the selection process emphasizes diversity, creativity, passion, and a strong commitment to the fellowship.
Is prior work experience necessary to participate in fellowship?
It is not required to have prior job experience to participate in a fellowship. On the other hand, any experience and volunteer/professional exposure will aid fellows in effectively executing their work with MPAs.
Are candidates with Master's degrees preferred?
We heartily welcome candidates with Master’s degrees, but they will not have an advantage over other candidates. Similarly, the YPG Fellowship does not give preference to any particular academic discipline.
I am graduating in the coming year. Am I eligible to be a YGP Fellow?
Candidates must be pursuing at least a Bachelor’s degree to be eligible for the YGP Fellowship. Otherwise, any year of your academic background will be counted as eligible. Leave of absence will be granted to any level of students to complete their academic examinations once the Fellowship begins.
Roles and Responsibilities of the YGP Fellow
What duties would I be required to do as a YGP Fellow?
The primary responsibility of a YGP Fellow is to serve as a Research/Knowledge Assistant to their designated Province Assembly Member, delivering tailored research support throughout the Fellowship. This encompasses providing research inputs to aid them in fulfilling their parliamentary responsibilities, such as posing questions during zero and special hours, assessing ministry performance, addressing public concerns, participating in various legislative and policy discussions, and, when required, crafting members’ speeches and private bills.
What work will I be engaged in when the Parliament is not in session?
Fellows will continue to assist their Provincial Assembly Members with any study work that is required of them between Assembly Sessions. This might involve things like research for standing committee meetings and planning for the next Assembly Session. In addition to it, the PRC will also engage fellows in different virtual/in person seminars on relevant subjects where Fellows will get the opportunity to meet with different field experts and policymakers. Seminar/ Trainings/ workshops will be organized and fellows shall be recommended in the national/international platform for the exposure.
Working with the Members of the Provincial Assembly.
Which Member of the Provincial Assembly will I be working with?
The Provincial Assembly Members paired with fellows will be those actively participating in parliamentary sessions, representing various major parties within the specified Province. The allocation of YGP Fellows to Provincial Assembly Members will be conducted randomly, with no regard for the fellows’ political affiliations.
Fellowship Logistics
Will I receive a stipend during the Fellowship?
Certainly, YGP Fellows receive a certain monthly stipend during the Fellowship placement to offset their communication and transport costs. No allowances are provided during the training period; however, PRC covers all training materials and accommodation expenses.
Will I be required to travel for work?
The role necessitates the YGP Fellow to be situated in a designated province, focusing on supporting the specified Province Assembly Member in their responsibilities within the Provincial Assembly. As a result, the role may entail minimal or no travel outside the city.
In instances where the MPA’s alignment is outside the valley, fellows will have the option to collaborate online for the assigned work.
Who will I report to about the tasks I have completed?
Reporting to the Provincial Assembly Member:
On a day-to-day basis, the Fellows need to report to their assigned Member of the Provincial Assembly. This entails checking with them for any tasks that have been assigned, presenting the completed work, briefing the Provincial Assembly Member, suggesting any issues that the Provincial Assembly Member might want to raise, etc.
Reporting to PRC:
PRC will conduct weekly review meetings with all fellows. This meeting will involve taking stock of the work that has been undertaken by the Fellows, their interactions with the MP, and clarifying doubts. Each fellow needs to strictly maintain a log of tasks undertaken. Fellows will also have to report PRC with their carried work updates in the prepared reporting template that will be provided to them.
In sum, the fellows will be expected to report timely to both the MPAs as well as PRC
regarding the placement work plan.
Can I approach PRC for any questions or challenges I face while undertaking a given task?
Aside from the weekly review/ reporting, the fellow can contact a designated member of the PRC team to discuss any concerns or queries anytime through any of the means.
I am an outstation candidate. Will any accommodation facilities be provided to me under this program?
PRC will conduct weekly review meetings with all fellows. This meeting will involve taking stock of the work that has been undertaken by the Fellows, their interactions with the MP, and clarifying doubts. Each fellow needs to strictly maintain a log of tasks undertaken. Fellows will also have to report PRC with their carried work updates in the prepared reporting template that will be provided to them.