The
U.S.-Educated Azerbaijani Alumni Association (AAA) hosted a two-day Model U.S. Senate exercise on February 18 and 19, 2017. Led by AAA board member and YLP alumna Samira Gasimova and FLEX alumnus Elmir Mukhtarov, the mock exercise provided an opportunity for participants to experience the U.S. legislative process while providing education and experience on how a legislative body makes laws.
Non-exchange participants were drawn from ADA University, Tourism and Management University, Baku State University, Moscow State University Baku Branch, Baku Engineering University (formerly Qafqaz University), Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Azerbaijan State University of Economics, Azerbaijan University of Languages, Khazar University, University of Culture and Fine Arts, and Baku Slavic University as well as several local high schools including Dayanat Lyceum, Haydar Aliyev Lyceum, Zarifa Aliyeva Lyceum, Baku European Lyceum, Dunya School and Istek Lyceum.
The Model U.S. Senate conference required participants to assume the role of an existing American Senator and to exercise the Senators responsibility for representing his/her constituents. As Senators, participants discussed the pros and cons of healthcare policy in the U.S., researched a variety of bills, crafted appropriate amendments, represented the people of their States and portrayed the assigned Senator as accurately as possible. In doing so, the Senators proposed legislation, convened committee meetings, held floor debates, and passed several motions relating to healthcare discrimination, public-private partnerships with insurance providers, pre-existing health conditions, and employer provided health insurance benefits.
The Model U.S. Senate was a tremendous success at fostering shared values while offering participants a better understanding of democracy’s benefits as well as the complexities inherent to the legislative process.
The U.S.-Educated Azerbaijani Alumni Association (AAA) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that unites alumni of U.S. Department of State exchange programs in Azerbaijan. The AAA was established in October 2003 by a group of US-educated Azerbaijani alumni with the aim of uniting all alumni of Azerbaijan under one umbrella to apply their knowledge and skills to promote mutual understanding, peace, and development.
The Model U.S. Senate is yet another example of U.S. Exchange Alumni applying the knowledge and skills acquired from their exchange experience while giving back to their communities.
Founded in 2014 by SUSI Alumna Zara Apetrei Huseynova,
WoWoman is a women’s empowerment platform which creates space and tools for women to develop themselves personally and professionally. WoWomen stands for helping women to dare to follow their dreams, live up to their full potential and most importantly, enjoy the Journey itself.
With a team of over 50 volunteers, WoWoman Azerbaijan has organized and managed 15 programs and over 100 events, trainings, seminars, and master classes that empower women to follow their dreams through a variety of disciplines such as entrepreneurship, information technology, cinematography, human resources, project management, yoga, and much more. WoWomen receives up to 800 applications for each event every week. At present, more than 6,500 women have enriched their lives through WoWoman programs & events.
WoWomen celebrated its 2nd year anniversary on February 19 at the Fairmont Hotel where media representatives, famous guests, trainers, representatives of embassies and ministries, government agencies and private sector supporters were present. During the event WoWomen shared all of its achievements of 2016 and held an awards ceremony recognizing best trainers, partners, teams and projects.
WoWomen announced a bold vision for 2017 that included plans for creating a
global online platform to connect all its members, create a peer mentorship system, and provide a hybrid—online and offline—education platform. WoWomen has also launched the WoWomen Global Ambassador Program to create local chapters around the world. Ambassadors are currently active in five cities and
applications are open for anyone who is interested in becoming a WoWoman Ambassador in their city.
Zara Apetrei Huseynova is a 2012 alumna of the
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) program for leadership, public policy, and social entrepreneurship hosted by the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Ms. Huseynova is a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for sex equality and women’s entrepreneurship. She is the founder and CEO of
ALZA Boutiques in Baku, Azerbaijan and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Azerbaijan Oil Academy. She is currently a finalist for the Fulbright Student program and looking forward to start an MBA program in the U.S. this fall. Her motto is: “Nothing is impossible, even the word says, 'I’m Possible.'”
Under Executive Order 13750, exchange program alumni who successfully complete the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, or Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program are eligible for 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government, with the possibility of extensions if certain criteria are met.
What is Noncompetitive Eligibility (NCE)?
NCE allows U.S. federal government agencies to hire eligible exchange program alumni outside of the formal competitive job announcement process and allows eligible exchange program alumni to compete for certain federal employment jobs that are only open to federal employees.
Does applying through NCE guarantee employment by the federal government?
No, noncompetitive eligibility does not entitle an applicant to a job with the federal government. The applicant must meet qualifications standards and additional requirements for the job, such as a background investigation. The decision to hire eligible candidates is at the discretion of the hiring agency.
Is this effective immediately?
This Executive Order went into effect on November 29, 2016. If you are an alumnus or alumna of one of the three qualifying programs, you are eligible to utilize your NCE status when applying for or soliciting a position within the federal government if you successfully completed your program after November 29, 2015 or as otherwise provided by the E.O. (see question below, “Does this benefit me if I completed my academic exchange program more than a year ago?”).
How do I demonstrate my NCE status?
Starting in spring of 2017, a certificate of achievement will be provided to eligible participants upon successful completion of their programs. This document certifies the start date and validity of noncompetitive eligibility, and activates such status under E.O. 13750. If you need a copy of your certificate of achievement, or completed your grant within an eligible timeframe but before these certificates were issued on completion, please email ExchangeNCE@state.gov. To establish your noncompetitive status when applying for a federal job, you should include the certificate of achievement as proof of eligibility for NCE when requested or in the “required documents” area of the application.
Does this benefit me if I completed my exchange program more than a year ago?
Federal agencies may extend the period of eligibility for up to two additional years, or a total duration of up to three years in all, if, after your completed program, you:
- Served in the military.
- Studied at a recognized institution of higher education.
- Were involved in another activity, which in the agency’s view, warrants an extension.
If I joined AmeriCorps or Peace Corps after my eligible exchange program, do I get an extension?
No, extensions are not granted for participation in AmeriCorps or Peace Corps. However, both of these programs themselves provide noncompetitive eligibility status for 12 months following volunteer service. For more information, visit this website: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/peace-corps/
How do I notify a federal agency that I’m eligible for NCE?
You should attach your certificate of achievement to your application and make sure to mention your noncompetitive eligibility status in your resume. You should also indicate you have NCE when answering qualifying questions on USAJOBS postings.
What grade and series do I fall under when listing my NCE on an application?
Many federal applications require that you enter a grade and series when demonstrating NCE status. As an exchange program alumnus or alumna, you were not a federal employee and therefore do not have a grade or series. You are encouraged to contact the hiring official at the federal agency where you are seeking employment to determine how you should fill out the application if it requires a grade and series in order to claim NCE.
How do I find NCE jobs?
As an NCE-eligible candidate you may work with your career services center on campus, attend career fairs, and utilize online tools such as USAJOBS (the official job site of the United States Federal Government).
Does participation in one of the eligible exchange programs count as “time in service” towards a federal career?
No.
Program-Specific Questions:
Which Fulbright Program alumni are covered under the Executive Order?
The Executive Order only applies to the Fulbright U.S. Student program. Participants who received the following awards on the U.S. Student program are included:
- Fulbright U.S. Student Study/Research Awards
- Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Awards (ETAs)
- Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Award
- Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships in Public Health (U.S. Students only)
If I received a Gilman Scholarship award while attending a community college, and subsequently pursue a four-year degree, can I utilize my NCE once I complete my studies?
Federal agencies may extend the period of noncompetitive eligibility for up to two additional years, or a duration of three years total, for applicants who studied at a recognized institution of higher education after completing their exchange program. Note that applicants must begin applying for jobs and be selected before their eligibility expires.
