NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION OF ARMENIA

ERIK is an international training programme coordinated by Linköping University, Sweden within the framework of the Swedish Institute Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP). The Programme is aimed at the development of the skills and capacities of young specialists from the EU Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, strengthening the principle of equality in leadership, management and gender policy, based on EU values and strategic directions.

Gender equality is a key principle of democratic societies and EU integration. The EU Gender Equality Strategy (2020–2025), the Gender Action Plan III (GAP III) and the Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) under Horizon Europe are designed to implement structural changes to ensure inclusive equality and participation. The ERIK programme is aimed at the development of the capacities of future leaders and decision-makers to contribute to sustainable development in their organisations and countries in the future.

Within the framework of the Programme, online training, as well as a summer school at Linköping University are  envisaged. Within the framework of the Programme a platform for knowledge exchange, institutional cooperation and long-term partnership networking will be created. Participants will acquire knowledge and skills necessary for the development, monitoring and implementation of gender equality programmes. The knowledge and skills gained as a result of the Programme will allow to promote and develop a culture of inclusive leadership, applying a gender-sensitive approach to policy development and management practice.

The ERIK programme is open to specialists aged 25–40 (from EU Eastern Partnership countries) such as:

• Employees and decision-makers involved in the development of strategic documents in the RA Government and local self-government bodies,
• Specialists involved in the process of EU integration, governance or democracy development,
• Researchers in the field of higher education who are engaged in gender research or participate in programs implemented by the European Union (Horizon Europe),
• Representatives of NGOs, think tanks or civil society engaged in gender equality, governance and strategic reforms,
• Specialists involved in monitoring, evaluation, human resources, and leadership of state programs.

Application requirements:

• Higher education (bachelor’s degree or higher),
• Relevant professional experience,
• Motivation and interest in the promotion of gender equality and democratic values,
• Proficiency in English.

Applications by women, representatives of vulnerable groups, and men in leadership positions are particularly encouraged. Advancing gender equality requires inclusive participation in all fields.

The course is held from November 2025 to November 2026 and consists of three modules:

Module 1: Fundamentals of Gender Equality in the EU (online)

Module 2: Gender Mainstreaming in Governance and Leadership (Linköping, Sweden)

Module 3: Monitoring and Accountability of Gender Equality Policies and Implementation (online)

Upon completion of the Programme, participants will be informed about the EU concept documents on gender equality and democratic governance, will have the necessary knowledge and skills to develop and implement Gender Equality Plans (GEPs), will master the necessary tools to promote inclusive leadership, will develop action plans and strategic proposals, and will join international professional networks dealing with gender equality and governance issues.

Main topics include:

• Promotion of gender equality in policy, management and leadership processes
• Development and implementation of Gender Equality Plans (GEP)
• Access to EU framework programmes (GAP III and Horizon Europe programmes)
• Promotion of a culture of inclusive leadership and participatory decision-making
• Monitoring and evaluation of gender equality initiatives

To find the description of the Programme please go through the following link:

Required documents are:

• Motivation letter
• Letter of Guarantee
• English Language Certificate
• CV (in Europass format)

Please use the templates prepared by the Swedish Institute Academy of Young Professionals Programme (SAYP).

Document naming format: Name your files using the course name: ERIK and your full name (for example, ERIK_Anahit_Aramyan).

The deadline for applications is August 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Central European Time, CET).

Admission results will be announced in September-October 2025.

Questions about the Programme can be sent to the following e-mail address: erik@iei.liu.se.

Applications are accepted through the following link.