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The Emerging Markets Development Advisers

Program (EMDAP)

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Table of ContentsWhat is EMDAP?

-Program Overview

-Where Does EMDAP Operate?

-What Types of Assignments Are Possible?

-Who Is Eligible to Apply?

-What Will You Get From EMDAP?

-What is Included in the Grant Package?

Application and Selection Process-How To Apply

-Selection/Notification

-Pre-Departure/Additional Trainings

-Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions & Program Timeline- Frequently Asked Questions

- Program Timeline

EMDAP Alumni Profiles- Alumni Profile: Lumas Kendrick

- Alumni Profile: Kelly Willis

- Alumni Profile: Jeannette Dempsey

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WHAT IS EMDAP?

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Program Overview

The Emerging Markets Development Advisers Program (EMDAP) is a cooperative activity between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Institute of International Education (IIE).

EMDAP is an opportunity for U.S. MBA candidates and students in graduate international development programs to contribute to business development in emerging markets by using their knowledge of business management practices to identify business solutions in diverse situations. This contributes to achieving USAID’s objectives abroad – specifically, broad-based economic development.

The EMDAP offers students the opportunity to gain ten months of business experience in an international setting, while receiving a grant to cover working and living expenses abroad, health insurance and round trip airfare to their assignments.

EMDAP Class of 1998-99

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Program Overview (con’t)

To date, ten groups of Advisers have participated in the program, providing business assistance to 133 businesses and organizations in 38 countries assisted by the USAID.

The 147 Advisers represent 69 U.S. graduate schools.

Advisers are selected through an open, merit-based national competition.

The 2002-2003 group of Advisers departed in September for assignments in Jordan, South Africa, Bangladesh, Croatia, Mexico and Mozambique.

For the 2003-2004 cycle, placements may include countries in Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean, the Asia/Near East and Eastern Europe & Eurasia.

Number of Participants:

1992–93

1994–95

1995–96

1996–97

1997–98

1998–99

1999–00

2000–01

2001–02

2002-03

16 11 16 15 13 23 15 15 11 12

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Where does EMDAP Operate?

Assignment Countries Since 1992: 38

Bangladesh Indonesia Panama

Barbados Jordan Peru

Bolivia Kazakhstan The Philippines

Botswana Kenya Russia

Chile Kyrgyzstan South Africa

Croatia Madagascar St. Lucia

Dominica Malawi St. Vincent & The

The Gambia Mali Grenadines

Ghana Mexico Tanzania

Grenada Morocco Trinidad & Tobago

Guatemala Mozambique Uganda

Guinea Nepal Zambia

Haiti Nicaragua Zimbabwe

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What Types of Assignments are Possible?

Areas of assistance vary widely from assignment to assignment, but skills most frequently required are:

• Financial planning and cost control• Loan portfolio tracking and analysis, including microfinance• Production efficiency and quality control• Marketing and trade: import/export • Human resource development/management• Information systems and data base management• Strategic/business planning

A Director’s meeting at ProMujer, Bolivia Jeannette Dempsey (98-99)

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What Types of Assignments are Possible? (con’t)

 

Assignments in Eastern Europe/ Eurasia tend to

focus on Business Assistance and Business Education Centers, where local small and medium

enterprises receive business management

and import-export advice and training. Candidates

interested in these assignments should have

backgrounds in marketing, trade and

import-export. Language skills in Russian and/or a Central Asian language

required.

Eastern Europe / Eurasia

EMDAP Adviser Sherry Sposeep (01-02), left, with colleagues in a yurt in Kyrgyzstan

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What Types of Assignments are Possible? (con’t)

Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean

Assignments in Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean vary, depending on the needs of the local business community. Examples of past assignments include

strategic planning;

information technology;

banking;

agribusiness.

Ecomaya head office, assignment of Jennifer Straghalis (01-02) Flores, Guatemala

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What Types of Assignments are Possible? (con’t)

Assignments in Asia & the Near East range in focus from Information technology companies, trade and investment organizations, human resource development and/or management consulting companies.

Candidates for these assignments should have a background in marketing/public relations, finance or accounting, consulting, IT or telecommunications.

Asia & the Near East

An information technology firm in Jordan

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What Types of Assignments are Possible? (con’t)

In all regions, some assignments have focused on two areas of service, Microfinance or Business Development Services:

Microfinance assignments require candidates with a background in banking, finance, accounting, or loans.

Business Development Services assignments require candidates with a background in marketing/ public relations, IT-related or communications technology training.

Candidates selected for a microfinance

or a business development

services assignment will

attend a three-week summer training course. All costs

associated with this course are program-

funded and attendance will be

mandatory.  

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Who is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited US graduate business management program or International Management/Finance program.

While most advisers return to complete their degree after the period abroad, recently graduated candidates will be considered. Any candidate who has been out of school for more than one semester will not be considered.

The applicant’s US academic institution must approve the ten- month leave between the first and second year of the business program and endorse the candidacy of the applicant.

A minimum of two - three years previous work experience in such areas as: marketing, banking, finance, business management, information systems management, and consulting.

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What Will You Get From EMDAP? • Contribute to emerging market business

development by using your knowledge of business management practices to identify business solutions in diverse situations.

• Gain one year professional, hands-on work experience in a developing economy.

• Work at a mid-managerial level.

• Increase the value of your professional skills for your future career.

• Benefit from the unique opportunity to network with international businesses and NGO’s.

• Become a published author with the publication of the EMDAP Case Study book.

• Experience conducting business in a global economy.

• Receive specialized training (MF & BDS).

• Immerse yourself in the local culture during the 10-month assignment.

EMDAP Adviser Todd Trickler (98-99), right, in Panama

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What is included in the Grant Package?

Stipend 

Housing Allowance

Medical and Accident Insurance 

Round-Trip International Airfare to Assignment

Visa

Settling In Allowance

Required Inoculations

Pre-Departure Trainings

Laptop for Assignment

ProArte, Nicaragua

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APPLICATION and SELECTION PROCESS

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How To Apply

You are required to submit an application either online or via hard copy.

1. The Application: Instructions for completing the application are included both online and in the application packet.

2. The Personal Statement: In your personal statement indicate:

a.Your academic and professional objectives in seeking this assignment;

b. how this opportunity fits into your long-term career plans;

c. what specific contribution, you expect to make, using your business and professional skills;

d. your reasons for wanting to apply your skills in developing countries;

e. how you would share these experiences upon return to the United States.

EMDAP Application Packet

-EMDAP Program Application

-Personal Statement

-Resume

-Foreign Language Evaluation

-School Endorsement

-Official Transcripts

-Two Letters of Recommendation from your school or university

-At Least One Letter of Reference from a former employer

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3. Your Resume or Curriculum Vitae

4. The Foreign Language Evaluation Report: Provided both online and in application packet. This form must be completed by a college or university faculty member in order to attest to competency in the language stated by the applicant.

5. School Endorsement: A form is included both online and in the application packet. Have the form completed by your school, showing the university seal.

 

6. Transcripts: Include official transcripts from your current and past academic institutions.

7. Two Academic Letters of Recommendation: Have both typed on institution/university letterhead. Letters must include your name and program name at the top and comment on your:

a. level of maturity;b. adaptability and flexibility;c. your ability to successfully complete an assignment abroad in the

developing world.

8. At least one Professional Letter of Reference: Obtain letter from a current or former employer that speaks to your professionalism and maturity in a work environment.

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Application Deadline

FEBRUARY 7, 2003

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Selection/Notification

EMDAP Advisers are identified through an open competition and are selected on the basis of merit from among top U.S. MBA and graduate degree candidates.

During the EMDAP National Screening Panel (NSP), an independent group comprised of 3 – 4 business school professionals and a representative of the private sector review, rate and rank all eligible applicants.

Preference is given to applicants with:

• At least two - three years of previous management experience

• Academic achievement in business management coursework

• Foreign language competency (where applicable)

• A commitment to work in the developing world

• The maturity and flexibility to work in new, often unsupervised situations

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Selection/Notification (Con’t)

The NSP: recommends qualified applicants for candidacy as an EMDAP Adviser. Both recommended and non-recommended applicants are notified of the outcome of their application following the NSP.

Assignment Identification: IIE and USAID/Washington program managers with the assistance of each cooperating USAID field mission identify worldwide assignments.

Matching Process: Mission officers match candidate credentials with the requirements of the assignments they have identified.

 

The Scope of Work: If short-listed for an assignment, candidates will be sent a Scope of Work, which describes the available position in that country.

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Selection/Notification (Con’t)

Telephone Interviews: arranged between short-listed candidates and host organizations once mutual interest in the assignment is determined.

IIE Interviews: candidates are interviewed by IIE in order to ascertain expectations of the EMDAP assignment, communicate program performance expectations, and confirm commitment to the ten-month in-country assignment and case study requirement.

Official Notification: If the outcome of the telephone interviews are satisfactory to the candidate, the host organization, and IIE, the candidate will be contacted in order to officially 'offer' them the placement opportunity.

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Pre-Departure/Additional Training

1) Pre-Departure Orientation (August 2003): Meet fellow EMDAP Advisers, hear past Advisers’ experiences, learn more about EMDAP policies and procedures, and confer with various USAID officials.

The orientation will also address cross-cultural communication, international health, the writing of the EMDAP case study and other useful information.

 

2) Microfinance (MF) or a Business Development Services (BDS) Training (July 2003): If you are selected for either a MF or BDS assignment, you will be required to attend additional training that will take place in the summer. The SOW will indicated if the assignment will require additional training.

The Business Development Services training - Glasgow, Scotland.

The Microfinance training - Boulder, Colorado.

Attendance at all the required trainings is mandatory as part of your EMDAP/IIE assignment!

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Contact Us

Emerging Markets Development Advisers Program

Institute of International Education

1400 K Street, NW Suite 650

Washington, DC 20005

Tel: (202) 326.7710

Fax: (202) 326.7698

Email: emdap@iie.org

www.iie.org/pgms/emdap/

A woman weaving outside Sucre, Bolivia; microfinance assignment 1998.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Program

Timeline

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Frequently Asked Questions

1) Can I choose the country to which I want to go?Applicants are asked to prioritize the world areas they would prefer as assignment location; however, the EMDAP cannot guarantee that applicants will be placed in the area of choice. Placements are made based on the compatibility of business skills and language ability with job descriptions.

2) Where will the assignments be?The assignments vary year by year and are determined by the response of the USAID field missions abroad. Usually, assignments span the globe and EMDAP is able to place at least one adviser in each of the four world regions: Africa; Asia & the Near East; Europe & Eurasia; and Latin American & the Caribbean.

3) What kind of companies do Advisers work with?Assignments range from marketing potato chips for a small business in St. Petersburg, Russia to working with the Panama Canal Transition Committee. Each Adviser brings to their assignment a broad knowledge of business and marketing techniques along with an ability to apply business solutions to diverse situations. Often, Advisers work with non-profit foundations and non-governmental organizations who serve the local business community.

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Frequently Asked Questions (con’t)

4) When do the assignments take place?Advisers are typically in country from September to July.

5) Typically what kind of skills do advisers have?Advisers come from diverse backgrounds though many share some of the following experiences and training: graduate study in business administration and/or international management including international business, finance, economics and information systems; international and/or overseas work experience; and language skills. *Previous experience working abroad IS NOT a requirement of the program*

EMDAP Adviser John Terborgh (02-03) outside his host organization, the Royal Society of Conservators of Nature, Amman, Jordan

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ACTIVITY TIME 

EMDAP recruits applicants October, 2002 – February, 2003

Application Deadline February 7, 2003

EMDAP National Screening Panel (NSP) March, 2003

Applicants notified of their status following the NSP March, 2003

Host organizations review candidates Mid-March, 2003 – mid-April, 2003

Short listed candidates review Scope of Work Mid-April, 2003 – May, 2003

Telephone interviews between adviser candidates, Mid-April, 2003 – May, 2003 host organizations and U.S. Field Mission

Interviews between adviser candidates and Mid-April, 2003 – May, 2003representative of the IIE.

The final notification of EMDAP placements On or about May 31, 2003

Microfinance and Business Development July, 2003 Services trainings

EMDAP Pre-Departure Orientation August, 2003

Advisers leave for assignments September, 2003

Advisers return from assignments July - August, 2004

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EMDAP Alumni Profiles

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Alumni Profile – Lumas Kendrick

A recent MBA graduate from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Lumas holds joint-bachelors degrees in Electrical Engineering and African Studies from San Francisco State University. Lumas’ EMDAP assignment was with Sinapi Aba Trust Micro-finance Institution in Kumasi, Ghana during the 2000-01 cycle. Currently, he owns One World Technology Consultants (OWT), an international consulting firm providing appropriate technology solutions for developing countries.

"...the cultural dimension to development is a fundamental area that must be

understood if one is to have an impact."

- Lumas Kendrick, FMDAP Adviser 2000-2001

Sinapi Aba Trust, Inc., Ghana

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adviser in Madagascar in 1997 with the Commercial Agricultural Promotion Project where she defined and promoted the concept of "conservation enterprises" and served as a consultant to several such companies. She received an MBA degree from Michigan State University in 1999 in Supply Chain Management. She is currently a manager with Pfizer, Inc. in New York City where she focuses on strategic financial planning and reporting, with emphasis on external environment and competitive analysis.

Alumni Profile – Kelly Willis

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worked in Bolivia with ProMujer, a microfinance NGO promoting access to credit for women in Bolivia. She received her M.A. in International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Currently, Jenny is a Microfinance Specialist with the Microfinance Unit at Catholic Relief Services (CRS). She is responsible for the management and technical implementation of the accreditation process for all of CRS’s microfinance partners. She builds and leads teams of professionals to accredit partners through onsite evaluations and accreditation.

Alumni Profile – Jeannette Dempsey

Regional Staff training at ProMujer, Bolivia - Jeannette Dempsey (98-99)