IRSG extends applications for nextgen leaders programme

Singapore-based International Rubber Study Group (IRSG)  Nextgen Rubber Leaders’ (NRL) Programme for under 35-year old individuals is designed to inspire, grow and develop the world’s rubber leaders of tomorrow. IRSG says it has extended the application for the programme and invites applicants to submit their details. IRSG did point out that becoming a NRL does not mean that the participant is employed or being remunerated by IRSG.

Serving as a platform for engaging a limited number of ambitious young professionals in national, regional and international activities and events, programme participants are invited to:

– Contribute with the IRSG’s global rubber dialogue

– Support the development of balanced policy frameworks

– Help shape solutions for tomorrow’s rubber economy

The NRL community builds on creative ideas and the innovative potential of the next generation to challenge conventional thinking and explore new strategies for the future of the whole rubber sector. It offers young professionals a unique opportunity for learning and development with exposure to critical issues in the rubber debate.

A Nextgen Rubber Leader will:

– Participate and shape the programme of an exclusive, annual NRLs’ Summit or Congress;

– Participate to selected national, regional, and global events such as the World Rubber Summit (WRS);

– Build your own professional network as well as interact with senior rubber leaders from across the world;

– Access and contribute to the IRSG’s studies and flagship reports;

– Work in one of the NRL taskforces development issues identified by the NRL community;

– Develop and share a NRL vison with a global audience.

Being a NRL means participating in regular calls and meetings with projects co-members, replying regularly to emails and delivering the tasks signed up in the group’s working group or the NRL projects, with activities to take no more than 5-8 hours per month. However, some months could be very quiet and others busier, IRSG points out.

Who can nominate a NextGen Rubber Leader ?

IRSG’s Member Governments, PoA members and SNR-i participants have the opportunity to nominate young professionals to the programme.

The NRL is a self-governed entity, led by the NRL Board. The NRL board and its committees are formed by NRLs only. The Nominations Committee of the NRL board oversees reviewing applications and selecting candidates who will join the programme. The Singapore IRSG Secretariat provides support and guidance to the board.

What is the minimum selection criteria candidates should fulfil?

– Solid interest and proven track record in rubber (both natural and synthetic); the CV and personal statement indicate the potential to become a leader in the rubber sector;

– Obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher;

– Minimum of 3 years full-time and post-graduate professional experience in an rubber-related field – please note that this does not include masters’ degree and PhD research, internships or volunteer work during studies;

– Highly motivated and encouraged to work with IRSG, contribute to the activities of his/her member committees, and ready to commit to become a member of the exclusive FRL and remain engaged;

– Advanced level of English, language of the Programme;

– Not to be older than 35 years at the time of application.

The size of the NRL is limited (30 pax) with equal percentage of gender participation. Complying with the minimum criteria is a condition, but does not mean that the candidate will automatically be accepted in the programme. Successful candidates do not only comply with the application criteria, but they also demonstrate exceptional motivation, willingness to contribute to the work of the NRL community and the Study Group, and to the overall diversity of programme participants in terms of gender, sector, company, and region.

The recommendation lettershould be written in official company/organisation letterhead and should contain a signature. It should be written in the context of the NRL-30 application by someone who has worked with the candidate and who is best placed to confirm the candidate skills and ability to contribute to the NRL and Study Group’s community. .

The letter should be addressed to the Secretary-General by email : secgen@rubberstudy.com International Rubber Study Group 3

The personal statement should be concise and highlight relevant dimension of the candidate’s background and experience which could contribute to the work of the NRL community. The candidate should highlight what s/he would plan to achieve as a NRL and mention concretely how s/he would contribute to the work of the IRSG’s community. The personal statement should demonstrate the candidate’s motivation and commitment to become a NextGen Rubber Leader.

How long does a NRL participate in the NRL programme?

Each NRL-30 is taken on-board initially for one year. Every year, the level of engagement of each participant is assessed and if the participants is considered inactive s/he may be replaced. If the participant is considered active, s/he may be offered to stay on-board an additional year.

Every NRL-30 also has to secure his/her financial means while attending the programme.

After successful completion of the programme, NRLs will receive a certificate and join the Alumni community to stay active part of the Study Group’s network.

Self-governance system

The NRL is a self-governed entity, led by the NRL board, with the board and its Committees formed by NRLs only. The Nominations Committee of the NRL board oversees reviewing applications and selecting candidates who will join the programme. The IRSG Singapore Secretariat provides support and guidance to the Board.

The NRL Programme emphasises the responsibility and independence of its participants. For this purpose, the NRL board is selected among the NRL-30 participants and oversees and monitors the achievement of objectives, compliance with processes, as well as the selection of new programme participants.

The mission of NRL-30 board is to coordinate and integrate the work of the NRL community. It is composed of 10 NRL-30; three committees with three members each and the NRL Chair, completed by the NRL Chair.