What is International Navigator?
A modular programme over five months, International Navigator takes participants outside their four walls, giving them a behind-the-scenes view of how society works and addressing some of the key issues facing it. The programme is based in a city but the lessons learned against that backdrop are not exclusive to any one place. International Navigator gives participants the chance to put the pieces of the urban jigsaw together in a stimulating and dynamic way.
Who goes on International Navigator?
Usually, but not exclusively, people under 30, participants come from extremely diverse backgrounds, representing a balance of the public, private and not for profit sectors. A typical programme may include participants from government departments, local authorities, banks, telecoms industry, SMEs, community groups and voluntary agencies, holding a variety of key positions within these organisations.
What does the programme do?
The programme aims to give participants:
- An understanding of how a range of organisations, across the sectors, deal with common issues, showing the differences and similarities
- The chance to meet and challenge senior decision-makers and leaders from a variety of backgrounds
- An opportunity to spend an intensive learning period with peers from very different backgrounds and professions
- Insight into and experience of the value of diversity in all its forms
- Encouragement to step outside the perimeters of received wisdom
What happens on the programme?
Each programme is designed to reflect current issues and themes. The days are characterised by variety and challenge often starting at 8 am and not finishing until 7 pm. In every day there is an emphasis on learning by experience on site visits, in groupwork to engage in real life case-studies and the opportunity to challenge and debate with leaders in their field of expertise. Underpinning all of this is the potential for learning from a diverse and talented peer group. Throughout the programme, delegates are encouraged to challenge their preconceptions, step outside their comfort zone and to explore the scope of leadership and creativity.
The programme is designed around four major learning precepts:
- Interaction of the group is vital to understanding diversity. We ensure mixing of the participants so they get to work with people from very different backgrounds and perspectives
- The group is encouraged to challenge the views of the people they meet both to learn an active questioning style and to step beyond received wisdom
- Participants are actively encouraged to review the days and to understand how their learning relates to their role and their organisation
- The participants are encouraged to take an increasing amount of ownership of the learning as the week progresses.
What sorts of issues and activities does the programme entail?
Typically the days will focus on themes which affect all organisations and aim to show how a range of others tackle them – whether it be a Department of Health Chief Director managing risk with limited resources or the small charity dealing with a rigorous change programme.
How much does it cost?
R17 500.00 excluding VAT.
What are the benefits?
The International Navigator programme is a dynamic and fast-moving learning experience. Due to the varied nature and diverse structure of the days, participants can expect to practise a vast range of competencies including:
- negotiating and influencing
- multi-disciplinary team-working
- working with change and innovation
- holistic problem solving
- solution based reasoning
- engaging with and valuing diversity
The programme allows participants to:
- get an unparalled view of the world they inhabit
- build a diverse network of peers
- challenge the status quo
- spot opportunities for their own organisation by identifying transferable ideas and good practice
This results in motivated individuals who are able to significantly raise their game as potential leaders, both within their own organisations and in society as a whole.
Where and when is International Navigator held and how much does it cost?
International Navigator is a modular programme run over five months.
My organisation doesn’t run a formal fast track system. Is International Navigator for me?
The programme is aimed at people who are recognised as having high potential in their chosen field. In larger organisations participants may be on an accelerated promotion or graduate entrant scheme. In smaller organisations these schemes may not exist however the impact and contribution that participants are making is recognised and they are already seen as an asset to the organisation.
How do I apply?
To apply for the programme, applicants are required to complete a short application form. Part of this requires applicants to give their perspective on the most pressing issues they believe face society today. Applicants must then sign the participants section of the Terms and Conditions and forward it along with their application form to their nominator or line manager.
As applicants must have the full support of their nominating organisations, a reference form must be completed by the applicant’s nominator or line manager.
Participants are selected by the Common Purpose Advisory Group consisting of senior decision makers from across the city and participants will be notified approximately two weeks after the closing date as to whether their application has been successful.
My organisation can’t afford the full fee?
Common Purpose is committed to the principles of diversity and inclusivity and we welcome applications from organisations large and small. Ability to pay the full fee is not a criterion for selection. Some bursary assistance may be available. If your organisation cannot pay in full you will be asked to write explaining why and indicating how much your organisation can afford to contribute towards the fee.
Download International Navigator brochure