Ubuntu Transitions Program
The Ubuntu Transitions Programme offers African Oxford graduates a chance to develop their careers and personal goals by connecting them with relevant organizations and opportunities for experiential learning and making impactful contributions across our extensive network in Africa. Graduates are connected to programmes, activities and opportunities within launching start-ups, corporates, multinational development agencies, governments, NGOs, or research institutions. While placements are mostly in Africa, roles with Africa-focused organisations outside the continent are also considered. Tailored placements align with Africa Oxford Initiative’s themes—Healthy People, Green Futures, Integrated Societies, and Innovation for Prosperity—with the aim of making a positive societal impact.
Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to find out more about the guide for host organisations and AfOx scholars.
Thank you for your willingness to host AfOx Scholars for their Ubuntu placements. We are delighted to partner with like-minded organisations to support AfOx scholars in their Ubuntu Transitions period. Please complete the form provided below to ensure that we can match you with the most suitable scholar.
Guide for Host Organisations
We are delighted to partner with like-minded organisations to support AfOx scholars in their Ubuntu Transitions period. The scholars may reach out directly to hosts, or be connected by AfOx. The hosts responsibilities include but are not limited to the following;
- Provide an accurate and reasonably detailed description of the proposed project(s) offered and the duties associated with it (them), including an overview of the skills required by the ideal candidate(s).
- While Scholars may be included in widely offered internship programs in your organisation, please ensure that there are specific places set aside with the intention of taking AfOx scholars.
- Share your expected timelines in good time including processes such as online or in-person interviews where necessary. AfOx Scholars are expected to finalise their placement by Hilary Term ( end of March).
- Hosts should designate a point of contact within the organisation, who will discuss practical arrangements with the scholars before their arrival, supervise and act as the primary contact for communications with AfOx. Should the placement be done remotely, please assure a similar level of supervision is provided including regular catch-ups.
- During the placement, please provide the internship project as described or an appropriate alternative project subject to prior discussion with the scholar(s). Host will also be required to provide scholars with an appropriate work-space and equipment necessary to carry out the internship project work and make any necessary and reasonable adjustments to accommodate scholars in case of disability or additional needs.
- It is necessary to have in place effective procedures and arrangements to ensure that the placement takes place in a safe environment, including appropriate procedures for raising concerns and complaints, including in relation to bullying and harassment. Provide assurance that your organisation’s insurance will cover potential liability that may arise from the internship(s) including liability arising from accident and/or injury to the intern and third parties.
- We will request you to provide feedback to AfOx by evaluating the Scholars at the end of the placement.
Guide for AfOx Scholars
The Ubuntu Transitions Program is geared towards supporting your career transitions. Key milestones and expectations for the scholars include but are not limited to;
- Upon receiving the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Award, start thinking of what you would like to do post Oxford. Explore possible challenges you are interested in solving for and potential hosts for your placement (whether you have connections or not), and potential mentors to connect with. This is just an exploratory phase and we will support you in narrowing down your options
- Michaelmas term: Those seeking to pursue DPhils immediately after completing their master’s degree should make their applications, do reach out to AfOx for support should you need it. Start narrowing down options for placement and actively reaching out to potential host for placement. AfOx will provide necessary support and make introductions to partner organisations and individuals in our networks.
- Hilary Term: Finalise placement arrangements with host organisations, agree on projects to undertake and timelines. Ensure hosting agreements are signed and agreed with AfOx and host organisations. Under no circumstances should scholars accept a placement that they do not fully intend to complete. Students who are in doubt as to whether to take up an offer should seek advice from the AfOx .Please note that students can accept a maximum of 2 placements for a minimum of 3 months each, with funding from AfOx available for 4 months in total.
- Trinity Term: Liaise with AfOx programs team to start arranging your logisitics ( flights, stiped payment, visas etc) and host organisation for accommodation & work permits. Scholars should obtain at their expense adequate travel and medical insurance which includes cover for personal money and property risks; any emergency medical expenses; and repatriation in case of a medical emergency or death.
- Summer: Join the work preparedness sessions organised within the Leadership and Impact Program. Prepare accordingly for the placements, including familiarising with laws and norms of both the organisation and host country.
- September-December: Placement period. Scholars are expected to join the Leadership and Impact Program sessions ( 1-3 virtual sessions) during their placement. Scholars should act as ambassadors for AfOx and the University of Oxford, being aware at all times that their personal conduct both on placement and outside of work will reflect upon themselves, AfOX and the University. Any issues that arise can be reported to their line manager and AfOx for resolution.
- January- March: Reporting period: Scholars and host organisations complete reporting and where possible, support scholars looking for placements in the same organisation. The reporting timeline remains the same even where the hosts organisations have extended the Program.
- Reach out to AfOx in good time if anything is unclear or circumstances change.
Contact Us
If you have any inquiries or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email at afox@ndm.ox.ac.uk. We are always here to help and would be more than happy to provide any assistance or information that you may need. Thank you for your time.