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, Quality Control, and Institutional and Fundraising—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 2024-2025 Professionals:
Michael Gendy - Egypt
Working with the Civil Society Unit, Michael holds a diverse academic background, with an MA in International Relations, a diploma in Middle East Studies, a diploma in Entrepreneurship, and a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. With this academic background and extensive practical experience, he has been able to professionally manage large projects, deliver effective training programs and build a strong audience through social media. Michael is passionate about arts and crafts, a creative hobby in which he explores various materials and techniques to make unique handmade pieces. He enjoys working with colours, textures and different tools, whether painting, sculpting or assembling DIY projects. This hobby allows him to unwind, express his creativity, and continuously develop new skills.
Lucas Bozzo – Italy
A multimedia communicator, writer and researcher. Growing up in cosmopolitan Toronto, he is fascinated by global diversity and interconnections and aims to nurture social justice, equality and development by fostering interpersonal and intercultural learning, understanding and cooperation. He holds an MA in History and Global Studies from the University of Bologna and a BA in Media Production from Toronto Metropolitan University. Lucas was previously a Knowledge Intern at UNDP’s Istanbul Regional Hub and Research and Visibility Advisor at WUSC Jordan in Amman. He loves to cook and eat, play and share music, and learn about and discuss personal experiences, history, politics, social issues, psychology and philosophy.
Ghida Hamed - Jordan
A professional working as a Fundraising and Institutional Partnerships Associate with a solid background in grants management and fostering strategic partnerships in the development and humanitarian response sectors. She holds an MBA in Business Management (conc. Entrepreneurship, Education and Strategic Management), and has led research and business development efforts to scale impactful programs in areas such as youth empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, protection, livelihoods and health. As part of the Young Professional Program at the ALF, she is eager to broaden her expertise, drive innovative solutions at a regional level, and contribute to meaningful change in the communities she serves. She enjoys befriending and feeding all the stray cats, holistic healing and wellness, and organising community festivals and events.
Wissal Chafik - Morocco
An associate within the Public Policy Unit, she holds an MA in Global Affairs from the Faculty of Governance at UM6P, a BA in international studies, and a minor in communication from Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane. She is part of the EU Jeel Connect Network of the EU Neighbours South. Wissal is passionate about research and youth empowerment. Away from work, Wissal is a filmmaker and a photography and cinema enthusiast. She also enjoys playing badminton and sports in general.
Mai Shaheen – Palestine
A professional serving in the Quality Control Unit, she specialises in project management and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) in the field of international development focused on the Palestinian context. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature, with expertise in project management within non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Mai is a volunteer member at the Witness Centre, and a volunteer translator at the Law for Palestine Organisation. She is also passionate about supporting and empowering Palestinian women and youth.
