The ICMA Global Engagement Committee is excited to announce the latest application cycle for the Tranter-Leong Fellowship, running from October 21 through December 2, 2024. The Tranter-Leong Fellowship aims to enhance the professional development for the ICMA member, further the local government management profession, and encourage ICMA membership and international affiliate relationships.

The ICMA Global Engagement Committee traditionally awards two fellowships of $5,000 each from the Tranter-Leong Fund per application cycle. One fellowship is for those who seek an experience in Asia and another fellowship is for those who seek an experience elsewhere, other than the United States or Canada. To aid in the application process, some possible projects in Asia have been developed. Applicants can choose from these projects or develop a project of their own. If an applicant chooses one of the projects below, he or she does not need to obtain a letter of support from the host organization as the host organization is already aware of these projects. If an applicant decides to pursue his or her own project, a letter of support from the host organization is required.

Designed Projects

Indonesia

ICMA works with The Asia Foundation (TAF) to implement the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded ERAT (Effective, Efficient, and Strong Governance) program in Indonesia. ERAT is a five-year program that was launched January 2021 and will conclude January 2026. 

The goal of USAID ERAT is for the citizens of Indonesia to benefit from effective local government by increasing the quality of policy implementation and service delivery at the subnational level. ERAT is slated to achieve three related, important results:  

1. Coherence between national and subnational policies strengthened. 
2. Performance of local service delivery enhanced.
3. Local budget allocation and execution improved. 

TAF and ICMA work in 30 subnational districts in Indonesia. One of the key areas for improving service delivery is working with districts to digitize services where possible. One tool that could help in this digital transformation is using artificial intelligence (AI). At the local government level in Indonesia, there is not widespread use of AI to support improved service delivery. The ERAT project would welcome expertise in how to use AI in local governments. We would anticipate training on prompt engineering as it is foundational knowledge that is key to AI and demonstrates how AI can be applied to everyday tasks in a government setting. Additionally, the scholarship recipient would conduct an assessment of ways that ERAT local governments could use AI, given limitations they may have, and to work with one local government in supporting the use of AI in one service delivery method as a pilot. The ERAT workplan for FY25 will focus on complaint handling, access to information, transparency, digital transformation and supporting work in improved access to education and health services.

Philippines

ICMA implements Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (CHANGE)-- a USAID-funded five-year activity designed to support strengthened democratic governance in the Philippines by making local governance more responsive, transparent, and accountable. CHANGE fosters capacity and harmony of governments and civil society to improve the implementation of decentralization, enhance local governments’ legitimacy and effectiveness, and empower citizens.

CHANGE is based on the premise that collective actions and stronger partnerships between local governments and the communities that make up their constituencies will bring democratic governance closer to the people. More specifically, the improved implementation of decentralization in the Philippines will help strengthen democratic governance in the country. CHANGE has three key objectives:

• Strengthened Enabling Environment for Decentralization.
• Enhanced Local Service Delivery.
• Empowered Civil Society.

CHANGE works with national government agencies and local government units (16 cities in the Philppines). 

ICMA-USAID CHANGE is seeking a subject matter expert on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in local governance. At present, most local governments in the Philippines struggle to transition from traditional paper-based systems to digital platforms. While there are a host of challenges to be considered, this transition to digitalization may be made more relevant and even be accelerated by the adoption of AI-driven solutions.

The applicant should be able to demonstrate how AI is reshaping local government operations, service delivery, and community engagement.  The fellow will provide case studies and/or tools, where AI has improved service delivery, streamlined processes, supported transparency, and facilitated better engagement with citizens and communities. The applicant will also guide the Philippine team in crafting actionable plans toward AI integration and digitalization in local governance. The applicant should have demonstrated experience in work in digital integration and adoption of AI applications and strategies in public service delivery. The applicant should have experience and an excellent understanding of local government and citizen/community engagement approaches.

India

ICMA has been working with the Urban Management Centre (UMC) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India for more than 25 years.

UMC works closely with local governments by providing tailor-made solutions in professionalizing urban management. With their understanding of adult learning pedagogies, capacity building, and training, they work toward building individual and systemic capacities of cities. They have supported local governments across South Asia and Africa by providing technical assistance while facilitating good governance by encouraging peer-to-peer exchanges and providing practitioner-based assistance that has resulted in sustainable solutions. They employ a collaborative, mission-driven approach with a unique mix of experts from across sectoral capacities to be able to respond to interdisciplinary development challenges.

UMC is looking for a fellow to help with an analysis of the governance and management systems required as populations grow. The ideal applicant will have experience in capacity building and scaling of city systems and services and the implementation of improved service delivery models. The fellow will work with UMC to create operating procedures, adapted from U.S. service delivery models, help prepare sample bylaws and other plans (heritage management, for example) for cities to help them adapt to the needs of growing populations.

Other Opportunities

Opportunity for YSEALI Host Communities

Are you from a recent YSEALI host community that was not selected to participate in the reciprocal exchange to assist with the YSEALI fellow’s follow-on project? If you would still like to assist with the follow-on project, consider applying for the Tranter-Leong Fellowship. In the application, list the information about the follow-on project and how your expertise could help advance the project.

Develop Your Own Fellowship in Asia

Do you have your own idea for a local governance project in Asia? If so, submit your idea for this application cycle by December 2, 2024.

Interested in applying for this application cycle? Review the application requirements at Tranter-Leong Fellowship and apply today!