Chevening - Leadership (Policy Development and Environmental Movement)

Chevening is looking for individuals who will be future leaders or influencers in their home countries.

Explain how you meet this requirement, using clear examples of your own leadership and influencing skills to support your answer.

In relation to my aspiration to empower young people in policy development and the environmental movement, I believe that leadership can be exercised from any position.

In the front, set an example: In 2016, I was selected as lead coach for (redacted) after winning the competition in 2015. I led the training process on research, public speaking, negotiation, and drafting. I conducted intensive 20 training sessions and 3 training camps. I also encouraged the previous delegation to engage in one-on-one mentoring activities to support the team. Halfway through the training process, there was financial issue that could hinder the team's departure. Therefore, I negotiated with the rectorate to obtain financial assistance from the university in advance for (redacted) for each delegates. After 9 months of preparation, the team competed in the Netherlands and won 4 awards. I learned that success is measured not by how high we climb but how many people we can take to the top with us.

In the middle, take initiative:In 2019, I was appointed as vice president of (redacted) ambassador selection for (redacted) I managed 20 staffs from event, mentoring, and logistics team. (redacted) assigned the committee to organize 5 weeks bootcamp for 30 finalists in order to preserve and promote Jakarta's culture. Firstly, I developed proposal and syllabus to add more sessions about community development. Secondly, I negotiated with (redacted) to allocate (redacted) to invest in psychologists' sessions to nurture the candidates' sense of purpose and responsibility. In parallel, I initiated mentoring program from alumni to finalists. When COVID-19 outbreak happened amidst the bootcamp, (redacted) cancelled the annual final event. However, I took part in managing resource mobilization to crowdfund (redacted) donation for COVID-19 affected people in (redacted). I realized that in times of crisis, we have to adapt and advocate the culture of compassion.

At the back, give support: Since 2019, I have been working as consultant for (redacted) to support the partnership between Ministry of Environment and Forestry Indonesia with Ministry of (redacted). To accelerate Waste to Energy development in Indonesia, I was assigned to support the drafting of MoEF decree. I initiated monthly meeting, presented overseas benchmark, and consulted with Japanese technical expert to provide policy advisory to influence MoEF. I also liaised with Indonesian Solid Waste Association in the technical study to support science-based policy by toxicity parameter recommendation. As of October 2020, the draft is in the process of harmonization with Ministry of Law and Human Rights. I learned that in a room full of technical expert and high level bureaucrats, it is important to be the bridge that can support all stakeholders to understand one another better.

Through Chevening, I aspire to amplify community development through personal development by tapping into global network to support grassroots movements and vice versa.

There is a lack of clarity as to whether these are all amateur leadership and influencing experiences or, if these were accomplished on a professional basis. Do not use bullet points in your presentation. This is an essay, not a curriculum vitae. It is a written interview. Never use bullet points, never use bold letters for emphasis. It makes you appear as a braggart trying to over-impress the reviewer. Just be simple in your presentation. Discuss, never over emphasize. That will not be good for your application.

The narrative of your leadership and mentoring skills need to be more given more of a basis. The background of the competition and the imperative reasons for winning are never clear. You do appear to be a problem solver, however your approach to problem solving needs to be better represented as a part of your leadership skills. Remove the unnecessary references to leading from the back, middle, and front. Never tell, always show your leadership and influencing skills.

Use specific instances to prove your leadership and influencing abilities. Do not enumerate your skills as used within a series of departments. Leadership and influencing can be proven only when handling the most delicate, dire, or impossible situations. Your discussion does not do that. You are listing your work duties and responsibilities rather than discussing your leadership and influencing abilities in a relevant manner.