More information
Description
It has been challenging for civil society organizations to find new CEOs. The reputation of the third sector as an employer is lower than that of the private and public sector (less funds, difficult topics, long-term goals and results are not immediately visible). At the same time, CSOs find it quite easy to find experts, project managers and other specialists. People working in the sector are often experts in their field but may not be able to see the big picture as a leader. Leading a CSO is often seen as an overly responsible position where support (funds, team, know how, partners etc.) is lacking. The development program aims to prepare future leaders who would take Estonian civil society organisations (CSO) to a new level. At the beginning of the program, a competency model for CSO leaders is developed with executive directors leading CSOs today. The model is used to evaluate the progress of participants throughout the program. Participants are selected based on their willingness and motivation to become a professional leader of a CSO one day.
In the course of the program at least 20 future leaders with modern management knowledge are trained and prepared to work as an executive director in one civil society organization.
It is expected that the entire civil society sector and organizations benefit of the program on some level. Throughout the program participants’ knowledge, skills and attitude are analysed and developed by working on their motivation, willingness and courage to take on bigger responsibility in leading a CSO in their field of interest.
Some of the participants of the development program (participated from June 2020 – June 2021) have already become leaders, board members, advocacy experts, etc. The participants and the organizations they work for have both benefitted from the program.