Young Professionals

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROGRAMME

Youth is at the heart of everything we do at the ALF, and this commitment is reflected not only in our programming but also in how we are structured internally. This is why we created the ALF Euro-Mediterranean Young Professionals Programme dedicated to empowering young people who are eager to expand their intercultural expertise through a full-time professional experience.

This programme aims to empower talented graduates under the age of 30 from the 43 countries in the Euro-Mediterranean region by providing them with first-hand professional experience in intercultural dialogue.

It also contributes to the Foundation’s mission to foster youth inclusion through empowerment and engagement, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.

The selected young professionals undertake their mission in the vibrant city of Alexandria, Egypt within one of the ALF’s content units: Corporate Communication, Civil Society, Public Policies, Finance and Administration—where all the magic happens. These are the core units driving the Foundation’s key initiatives, offering young professionals a first-hand opportunity to engage with impactful projects that shape the future of intercultural dialogue.

Once their journey begins, these young professionals will:

Gain invaluable work experience and insights from the daily operations of the ALF Secretariat, understanding practical objectives and goals of intercultural dialogue.

Work in a vibrant, multicultural, and multilingual setting, which will prepare them for the job market, equipping them with practical skills for navigating the global intercultural dynamic.

Experience professional growth by working in a prestigious intergovernmental institution, gaining exposure to high-level operations and initiatives.

Build a network with like-minded professionals and experts in the field of intercultural dialogue, enriching both their personal and professional life.

Meet our 2025-2026 Professionals:

Sarra Kachroudi – Tunisia

Working as an Associate with the Civil Society Unit, she is a young professional with an academic background that includes a Fundamental Bachelor’s Degree in Public Law, an Arab Master’s in Human Rights and Democracy, and a Research Master’s in Public Law. With professional experience in peacebuilding, advocacy, and both local and international development, I strive to combine technical expertise with empathy, integrity and a deep commitment to the values and causes I believe in.

She is a deeply empathetic and an ambitious young woman who aspires to advocate for justice and peace. In her free time, Sarra enjoys being by the sea, exercising, caring for animals, and exploring art galleries, libraries, and museums wherever she goes.

Sara Urso – Italy/ Egypt

Sara is currently working as a Communications Associate as a part of the Corporate Communications team. She obtained a BSc (Cum Laude) in International Relations and an MSc in Political Science from Leiden University in the Netherlands, specialising in ethnic conflict and development with a focus on gender and feminist theories.

Starting her professional career in The Hague, Sara has worked for and with a broad spectrum of NGOs, International Organisations, and academic institutions in the human rights and international law fields. She has extensive experience in outreach, content creation, and story-telling that focuses on the human element and connection.

As a native Alexandrian, Sara loves being by the sea. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, and travelling to new countries with her friends.

Selma Essafi - Tunisia

Selma is currently working as a Public Policies Associate within the Public Policies Unit. She originally studied Business Administration, but over time found herself drawn toward international relations, which led her to the College of Europe in Natolin for a Master’s in European Studies, focusing on European Neighbourhood Policy. After that, delving into Euro-Mediterranean multilateralism, she interned at the Union for the Mediterranean, where she worked on topics she deeply cares about, especially gender equality and youth.

Selma is generally curious about how different parts of the world and different ideas connect, so every few months she is usually deep into a new theme, debate, or discipline. She loves feeding that curiosity through anything she can get her hands on, from books and films to museums and nature and, most importantly, conversations and experiences with people.

Athina Papapavlou - Greece

Athina is the Administration and Finance Associate. She holds an MA in European Studies and Diplomacy from the University of Macedonia, as well as a BA in Mediterranean Studies, specialized in International Relations and Organizations, from the University of the Aegean. She has contributed to policy, research, and administrative functions across multiple professional settings, including Frontex, the Hellenic Ministry of the Interior, the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy, the Center for Democracy and Law (CEDLAW), and the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps (NRDC-GR). Athina has also completed fellowships and international training programs, including the Global Policy and Sustainability Fellowship (GPODS), United Leaders Sustainability Training, and the OSCE Scholarship for Peace and Security. She is currently an active member of the Mediterranean Youth Council and a mentee at the EU Knowledge Hub on the Prevention of Radicalization.

In her free time, Athina enjoys traveling and visiting museums. She is also an active volunteer and a member of various associations focused on International Affairs, Peace, and Security, reflecting her commitment to intercultural dialogue, collaboration, and global engagement.