EXECUTIVE TRAINING AT AUBG

This executive program aims to improve the capacity for strategic planning and policy-making in the public administration in Bulgaria. Improving the professional capacity of civil servants in this field may have positive spill-over effects in the long-run, such as improving the overall capacity of the public administration, the process of strategic planning and the quality of strategic documents, as well as raise the trust in the public administration.

Who can apply

The primary target for the program are employees from strategic departments of ministries and state agencies and from programming units of the managing authorities of programs, co-financed by the European structural and investment funds (ESIF). However, the program will be open to civil servants, experts, and business professionals provided they meet the admission criteria.

Admissions Criteria

Applicants for the program will be asked to submit a complete application package:

• an application form;
• CV;
• one recommendation by their direct supervisor or another colleague who is familiar with their work;
• English-language certificate or another proof of English proficiency if they have such. 

Applicants should have at least 3 years of experience in the public administration or in a position that requires them to work with the public administration. All applicants need to pass an interview.

Application Deadline

April 30, 2019

Partners

This program is a collaboration between the Department of Public Administration at Sofia University – top-ranked in the country for public administration, the American University in Bulgaria – top-ranked in the country for business administration, and the Institute for Public Administration – the main government body that supports professional development of civil servants.

Program Format

The program consists of 10 modules taught over a five-month period. Modules are scheduled approximately every two weeks and are hybrid in nature. The first part of the module consists of online readings and materials with which participants should familiarize themselves before the classroom sessions. The second part includes two-day sessions of intensive lecturing, discussions, and group activities. The third part includes either an individual or group assignment to be finalized and submitted after the classroom sessions and before the start of the next module.

Lecturers

The program includes top faculty from Sofia University and AUBG, as well as distinguished international faculty from Europe and the U.S.

Outcome Assessment

The program culminates with a final project that brings together the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course of study. The project is presented in front of a graduation committee in an open session.

Certification

Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate with the credentials of Sofia University and AUBG.

The Program

The program content focuses on two main aspects:  

• soft skills (analytical and critical thinking, communication skills, flexibility and adaptability, innovation and creativity);
• policy-making skills. 

The combination of these two skill-sets is likely to significantly improve the policy-making and the strategic-planning skills of each participant. While providing a theoretical foundation, all modules are practically oriented assuring a hands-on experience. The program will be taught in English and Bulgarian with some modules in Bulgarian and others entirely in English.

Module 1: Strategy and Strategic Planning

Module 2: Policy Analysis and the Policy Process

Module 3: Design Thinking and Innovation 

Module 4: Structuring Data: Data Analysis and Text Analytics

Module 5: Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement

Module 6: Negotiations

Module 7: Implementation

Module 8: Policy Evaluation

Module 9: Policy Communication and Reporting

Module 10: Financing Strategic Goals