U.S. Speaker and Specialist Program for Macedonia – Strengthening Democratic Institutions

Program Description and Requirements: The U.S. Embassy seeks proposals that share U.S. perspectives and best practices by achieving the following program objectives: - Promote understanding of U.S. strategic priorities, policies, and institutions; - Build linkages between citizens, experts, and institutions in the United States and Macedonia. The program will bring approximately 4-5 American experts (U.S. citizens only) to Macedonia to engage audiences through lectures, workshops, and seminars; through appearances in foreign media; and in a consultancy capacity. Applicants should identify potential topics to be addressed by the program; applicants are encouraged to propose a thematic series of visits that build off of each other. Topics may include, but are not limited to, accountability and transparency of government institutions, business and innovation, public communications, media literacy and media ethics, rule of law, and judicial independence. Acceptable speakers programs can be designed to reach a variety of professional audiences in a wide range of disciplines. Applicants should include a sample schedule of a visit in the application package. Most visits should be of one-week duration. U.S. and international applicants must identify potential local sub-grantees.