About the Short Course

The Women in STEM Short Course is a program to equip officials and scientists with knowledge of proven approaches and tools required for STEM field advancement and reform. Participation in the course is expected to positively impact public and private sector governance of the STEM field. The course will build on the participant’s existing knowledge and experience, enabling them to contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the sector in Mongolia.

The Short Course will emphasise a) equipping participants with the knowledge and skills of essential leadership skills and qualities to take on leadership roles within their organisations; b) fostering collaboration with Australian government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector in the STEM field; c) providing comprehensive training modules that cultivate leadership development; and d) emphasising the importance of gender equality in the scientific field and advocating for a culture of inclusivity. The Women in STEM Short Course is funded and managed by Australia Awards – Mongolia.

The Women in STEM Short Course comprises Preliminary Activities, Core Learning Elements, and Applied Learning Activities. Preliminary Activities will be conducted online and face-to-face in Mongolia. The Short Course Provider will be responsible for a series of activities clearly focusing on learning best practices. The face-to-face delivery of the Core Learning Elements in Australia will consist of two weeks of study, visits, panel discussions, and engagements. Activities will include sessions focusing on critical topics, industry visits, and networking events. The Applied Learning Activities will be conducted virtually and focus on reflection, demonstration, and evaluation, with online material concentrating on core skills such as giving and receiving feedback.

Key Dates:

• Pre-liminary activities (online and in-Mongolia): Late January 2024
• Core Learning Elements (in-Australia): 18 February – 3 March 2024
• Applied Learning activities (online and in-Mongolia): Early May 2024

Expected Outcomes:

• Receive a sound understanding of gender-inclusive policies within scientific organisations;
• Understand policy and governance approaches to support women scientists, assisting them to lead and engaging in high-impact research projects;
• Build advanced leadership skills, including strategic planning, team management and effective communication;
• Learn best practices in the Australian STEM sector and how to apply them at their workplaces and organisations; and
• Develop, expand, and strengthen linkages between specialists between Mongolia experts and Australia’s public and private sectors.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of Mongolia, currently residing in Mongolia;
• Not be applying for or holding permanent residency in either Australia or New Zealand, or be married, engaged to, or a de facto of a person who has, or is eligible to hold, Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency. This criterion applies at any stage of the application, selection, or mobilisation phases of the course;
• Be able to provide attested documents for processing a visa application for entry into Australia for the duration of the Australian component of the course and satisfy all requirements of the Department of Home Affairs for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500);
• Not be a currently serving military personnel;
• Obtain the necessary study and travel approvals from their employer and be available and committed to participating in the course based on the anticipated course schedule outlined;
• Have no prior attendance record at any previous Short Course (however, Australian Awards Scholarships alums who have completed their degrees more than two years ago may be considered).

Specific Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be officials or scientists working in the STEM sector;
• Willing to participate in a virtual ‘community of practice with other Participants and the Course Provider to maintain connections made during the course;
• Evidence of organisational support for the course’s objectives and the applicant’s participation for the duration of the program;
• Have occupied their position for a minimum of two years of relevant work experience;
• Not plan for retirement for 36 months after completing this Short Course;
• Must be committed and available to participate in the activity both in person and online and must obtain the necessary study leave approvals from their business and
• Should articulate personal or professional goals by how the program aligns with their aspirations for leadership in STEM.

Application Process

Australia Awards – Mongolia and the Australian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar will manage the final selection of participants, noting that a merit-based and open/competitive selection process will be offered for this opportunity. Applications will be assessed on the following:

• Relevance of the Short Course to the role of the applicant.
• Proposed application of the skills, knowledge and networks established during the Short Course.
• Evidence of support from the applicant’s workplace/supervisor to attend the course and implement the RWP.

To apply for the short course, all applicants are required to complete their applications online at:

https://oscar.australiaawardssouthasiamongolia.org/ and upload all required documentation by 8 December 2023. Only completed applications submitted online will be considered.

After the initial eligibility screening, short-listed candidates will be notified by phone and invited to interview at Australia Awards – Mongolia in the week beginning 18 December 2023.

All applicants will be notified of the outcomes of the selection process by email.

For inquiries, call 976 – 11 – 318 852/322 284 or email info@australiaawardsmongolia.org