Deadline: 4-Jan-23

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is excited to announce the launch of the 2023 Space4Women Mentorship Program for women and girls in Space and STEM.

The Space4Women Mentorship Program matches experienced mentors in the space sector with women and girls (mentees) who would like to pursue their studies or a career in space or STEM related subjects.

Purpose

• The Space4Women Mentorship Program matches experienced mentors in the space sector with women and girls (mentees) who would like to pursue their studies or career in space or STEM related subjects.
• Mentees are an indispensable element for the future of the space industry. In pursuit of space career, young women and girls need the motivation and support. Mentors are an important part of encouraging women and girls to pursue education and careers in the space sector. As professionals and leaders in the industry, both men and women, can be seen as role models for young women and girls to learn from and gain support.

 Benefits for mentee:

• Refine personal and professional goals
• Learn how to confront and overcome career challenges
• Receive feedback on ideas, plans, projects
• Learn from mentor’s personal experiences
• Achieve greater productivity and competence
• Enhance professional confidence
• Improve interpersonal relationships
• Expand personal and professional network.

Eligibility Criteria

• Anyone of any gender with an interest in space and a willingness to support women and girls in space education and careers is welcome to submit an application.
• Role and responsibilities
  • Mentees will discuss their academic and/or work aspirations and concerns with mentors to receive guidance and support. Mentors will not tell mentees exactly what to do, and they do not have all answers, but they will help mentees learn and gain new perspectives.
  • Mentees will take an active role in their own learning and take responsibility for managing the mentoring relationship.
• Mentees’ responsibilities include:
  • Actively engage with mentoring process and appointed mentor Identify the skills, knowledge, and/or goals that they want to achieve, and communicate them to their mentor
  • If agreed with the mentor, complete goals-setting and action plan or alternative similar documents
  • Plan and schedule meetings with mentors on a regular basis
  • Have a positive attitude and be ready to learn
  • Work with mentors to seek resources for learning; identify people and information that might be helpful
  • Look for opportunities to give back to the mentor; share any information that you think might be valuable
  • Put the mentor’s feedback into practice throughout the mentoring process.
  • Mentees
  • High school students, junior professionals and professionals interested in changing career tracks are eligible to apply as a mentee.
  • Applications are particularly encouraged from mentee candidates without access to other space sector fellowships or mentoring programs in their educational system or region.
  • Mentee candidates must complete an online application and indicate their interest in being matched with specific mentors. Online applications will open in December.
  • The program is dedicated to any persons identifying as women and girls, as well as any persons identifying as non-binary.
  • Requirements
  • Mentees must ensure to have the time and capacity to fulfill the commitments with their mentors.
  • Complete and sign the mentee agreement.
  • Follow the Mentorship Program Code of Conduct and UN branding guidelines throughout the duration of the mentorship program.
  • Attend dedicated online meetings organized by UNOOSA.
  • Mentor and mentee must commit to a format (email, virtual meeting, in-person meeting) and frequency (monthly, bimonthly, etc.) of communication and make every effort to attend and engage during these scheduled times. This commitment shall be indicated in the process-tracking survey provided by UNOOSA within one month of matching.
  • If agreed with your mentor, complete your goals-setting worksheet and action plan, and discuss your objectives.
• Be responsive to emails and communications from your mentor and let the Mentorship Program staff know if you are having difficulties communicating with your mentor.
• Complete a year-end survey prepared by UNOOSA.

For more information, visit UNOOSA.