Developing Opportunities for Women's Initiatives and Resilience in Academia (DOWIRA) is inviting applications for the DOWIRA Lead leadership pathway for women in senior leadership positions within Ukrainian higher education institutions. DOWIRA Lead participants will be selected through an open and competitive application process.
Applications are invited from women vice-rectors who:
- are responsible for institutional strategy, development or transformation;
- have the mandate and capacity to lead institutional change initiatives;
- are committed to advancing gender equality within their institution;
- are able to engage fully in all programme components (online and in-person).
What does participation in DOWIRA Lead involve?
Participants will:
- participate in leadership development programme;
- initiate and implement an institutional gender equality project at their universities;
- select and mentor a team of 4 colleagues (DOWIRA Rise);
- strengthen their leadership capabilities and capacity to lead change within their institution;
- join a national network of women leaders in higher education.
Selection Criteria
Only one participant (vice-rector) from each university may be selected. Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
- demonstrated leadership experience in higher education;
- motivation for participation;
- commitment to institutional change and advancing gender equality;
- potential to lead and deliver a strategic institutional project.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.
Application form
Applicants are required to complete an online application form and provide a letter of support from the rector:
The letter must confirm:
- commitment of the university to support engagement in all programme activities;
- agreement to support implementation of an institutional project.
Applications without rector endorsement will not be considered.
Information session for DOWIRA Lead applicants
An information session for everyone interested in applying for the DOWIRA Lead leadership pathway will take place on 2 July at 15:00 Kyiv time on Microsoft Teams. During the session, the programme team will present its aims, format and key components, provide practical guidance on completing the application form and answer questions about the selection criteria and application process.
Key dates
Information session for applicants: 2 July at 15:00 Kyiv time, (Microsoft Teams).
Application deadline: 12 July 2026
Interviews: 27 July – 7 August 2026
Selection results announced: 10 August 2026