The Next Generation Award will recognize young professionals from ISO members who are championing sustainability-driven standardization and the value of partnerships to tackle issues from a multi­disciplinary perspective.

The Award is sponsored by past ISO President, Dr Zhang Xiaogang, to promote sustainable development and raise the enthusiasm, creativity and active participation of emerging leaders in the standardization industry.

The Award

The Award is an opportunity for both the candidate and the ISO Member, as the awardee will gain increased knowledge,  experience and contacts in international standards that will contribute to the building of capacity within the ISO member organization that they work for. 

The Award will include a:

• Secondment opportunity to ISO/CS (based in Geneva, Switzerland) for a period of six months*
• Dedicated mentor at ISO/CS throughout the secondment period
• Scholarship covering the awardee's travel and living expenses while in Geneva. 

_{*The candidate's salary will need to be maintained by their employer during the secondment period.}

Selection Criteria

Candidates must meet the following criteria for their application to be considered: 

1. Be a staff employee working at an ISO Member;
2. Be the age of 18 - 35 at the time of applying;
3. Demonstrate relevant experience in standards development work related to sustainability;
4. Their current role must involve collaboration and working with partners (i.e. other ISO members, government ministries, international organizations, SDOs, etc.);
5. Be able to demonstrate proficiency in English;
6. Include a statement by the candidate's employer indicating their support of the candidate, their commitment to maintain the candidate's salary during the secondment at ISO/CS in Geneva, as well as their commitment to employ the person at the end of their secondment;
7. Provide a CV and motivation letter.
    

Timeline

Applications are open 15 January until 28 February 2025.

The winner will be announced at the ISO General Assembly in October 2025 and will be expected to begin their secondment at ISO/CS in early 2026.

How to Apply

You will find more details on the selection criteria and how to submit your application on the following Cvent page: ISO Next Generation Award application.