The
Program
Program
Structure
The Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program (HMLP), launched in 2012, is a joint initiative of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, in collaboration with Big Win Philanthropy.
The HMLP works with government leadership in countries primarily across Africa, as well as in Southeast Asia and Latin America, by playing a catalytic role in supporting ministers to gain clarity of vision and the ability to lead and drive transformational initiatives with effective, cross-government delivery that create lasting impact and can change the trajectory of their country.
The HMLP delivers its Program in two cohorts per year. One cohort focuses on various sectoral ministers, including Ministers of Health, Education, Infrastructure, Gender, Youth, Agriculture, Technology, and more. The other cohort focuses on government leaders with whole-of-government and coordinating roles, primarily Finance Ministers and Planning and Economic Development Ministers, Prime Ministers, Vice Presidents, and others who work closely with their Head of State in driving the National Priority Agenda and who are in a crucial position to shape the government’s priorities.
The HMLP works with government leadership in countries primarily across Africa, as well as in Southeast Asia and Latin America, by playing a catalytic role in supporting ministers to gain clarity of vision and the ability to lead and drive transformational initiatives with effective, cross-government delivery that create lasting impact and can change the trajectory of their country.
The HMLP delivers its Program in two cohorts per year. One cohort focuses on various sectoral ministers, including Ministers of Health, Education, Infrastructure, Gender, Youth, Agriculture, Technology, and more. The other cohort focuses on government leaders with whole-of-government and coordinating roles, primarily Finance Ministers and Planning and Economic Development Ministers, Prime Ministers, Vice Presidents, and others who work closely with their Head of State in driving the National Priority Agenda and who are in a crucial position to shape the government’s priorities.
Four-Day Forum
The curriculum of the four-day interactive Forum at Harvard, with an opportunity for peer networking, concentrates on the following main themes:
- Leading with Clarity: Priority Setting and Defining Legacy Goals
- Adaptive Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy to Drive Transformation
- Resourcing Country Priorities
- Political Navigation for Impact
- Cross-sectoral Collaboration for Development
- Effective Organization and Delivery
- Global Mega Trends: Urbanization, Digitization, youth bulge
Pre- & Post- Harvard
Support
Prior to coming to Harvard, ministers have induction calls, are introduced to key objectives of the
Program, and are guided in defining or refining their priority and their legacy goal for their time in
office. The goal of the pre-Harvard engagement is to ensure ministers are well prepared to get the
best value from their time at Harvard. During this time, they are also linked with Program peer
advisors to get mentorship support.
Following the Forum, targeted follow-up and support is provided within the first year. Ministers have access to a menu of technical support opportunities including webinars, research support, online training materials, intended mainly to support implementation of their legacy goals. This support is a combination of virtual and in-country engagement. Some specific technical support may be provided based on the request of participating ministers.
Following the Forum, targeted follow-up and support is provided within the first year. Ministers have access to a menu of technical support opportunities including webinars, research support, online training materials, intended mainly to support implementation of their legacy goals. This support is a combination of virtual and in-country engagement. Some specific technical support may be provided based on the request of participating ministers.
VIRTUAL
IMPLEMENTATION
PLATFORM
The Virtual Implementation Platform (VIP) combines cutting-edge online learning modules, customized technical support, and virtual mentoring designed to support senior Ministry leadership in implementation planning and managing Ministers’ legacy goals.
IN-COUNTRY
POLICY RESEARCH
The Program offers Ministers selective policy research support by graduate-level Harvard students as requested. An additional policy research opportunity is made possible by the Tessa Jowell Fellowship awarded annually to a Harvard Doctoral Student for research supporting Ministers participating in the Ministerial Program.
Peer Networking
In addition to peer networking during the Forum, all Program alumni have access to an exclusive
online community of ministerial peers, as well as distinguished peer advisors, whom ministers may
tap for continued practical guidance and support in achieving their Legacy Goals.
REACH OF
THE PROGRAM:
2012–2026
Since its inception, 306 Ministers from 74 countries have participated in the Program.
