The Leadership Institute for Human Rights aims to equip human rights advocates with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to navigate complex challenges and lead effectively in the ever-changing landscape of human rights. The program aims to develop adaptive leaders who can address systemic issues, mobilize communities, and drive sustainable change in the pursuit of human rights and social justice.

Program Objectives

• Develop adaptive leadership skills: Equip leaders with the tools and frameworks of adaptive leadership to effectively respond to complex challenges and foster adaptive change in the human rights context.

• Strengthen Institutional Arrangements for Human Rights: Diagnose existing institutions and intervene to strengthen the overall function of the Human Rights institutional ecosystems.

• Develop the Multiple Levels of Leadership Capacity: With social media technologies being exploited to polarize and radicalize users, there is a need to cultivate leadership capacity a senior, mid-career, and junior staff levels. The dynamic nature of polarization necessitates increase adaptive capacities at all levels of society.  

Program Structure

Phase 1: Pre-Program Preparation (1 week)

• Welcome and orientation

• Pre-assessment of leadership skills and challenges

• Introduction to adaptive leadership concepts and frameworks

Phase 2: Online Learning Modules (4 weeks)

• Self-paced online modules covering adaptive leadership theories, case studies, and practical tools

• Reflection exercises and peer discussions

Phase 3: Action-learning (6 months)

• Participants design and implement a capstone project addressing a specific human rights issue

• Participants apply adaptive leadership concepts to real-life human rights challenges

• Regular mentoring sessions to provide guidance and support

• Peer collaboration and knowledge sharing

Phase 4: Colloquium

• Participants present the progress on their capstone project 

• Final presentations and evaluation

Note: The above program outline is a general framework and can be customized based on the specific needs, context, and resources available for implementing the Adaptive Leadership School Program for Leaders of Human Rights Advocates.

Source: Foss, Nicolai J., Jens Schmidt, and David J. Teece. "Ecosystem leadership as a dynamic capability." Long range planning 56.1 (2023): 102270. (click here)