Foundational Leadership Program (FLP)

Course launched: 4th June 2017

The Foundational Leadership Program (FLP) is the seventh leadership program that RIGSS has launched. It is specifically designed for young, entry-level professionals from various sectors.

The program aims to provide participants with professional orientation and grooming, skills development, and attitudinal transformation towards becoming future leaders. FLP will possibly be the first leadership training for many of the participants, and would thus serve as a springboard for their leadership career.

FLP is a four-week course, of which three weeks is focused on promoting better understanding and appreciation of the evolution of Bhutan as a sovereign nation-state; our challenges and vulnerabilities in the changing global and regional context; values and ethics; foundational leadership skills and related tools; right mindset and motivation for public service and a better understanding of Gross National Happiness and its practical interpretations.

Participants also undergo a week-long immersion program, where they spend a week in a village to experience rural life first-hand, and to assess the potential and impact of development interventions in transforming people’s lives. This is expected to give the young participants a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our rural communities that will stimulate them to reflect on our national priorities and policies.

Course content

Week I: Leadership & GNH

  • Leadership
  • Servant Leadership
  • Team Building
  • Serving Teams
  • Leadership of the Self
  • Bhutanese Values & Tradition/Culture
  • GNH: Its Practical Interpretations
  • Professionalism, Ethics & Integrity in Public Service

Week II: Grass Roots Immersion Program

Week III: Nation-Building

  • Bhutan’s Political History: Formation and Development of the Bhutanese State
  • The Role of Monarchs in Shaping the Bhutanese State: 100 Years & Beyond
  • Constitutionalism & Rule of Law
  • Bhutan’s Traditions and Culture
  • Bhutan’s Economy: Issues and Perspectives
  • Collaboration and Coordination in Governance
  • Professionalism & Leadership in Public Service Delivery

Week IV: Key Skills for Effective Leadership

  • Presentation & Communication Skills
  • Basic Research/Analytical Skills
  • Data and Policy Research
  • Effective Reading/Writing Skills

Competitive Selection Process Guide

1. Intake & Slot distribution
Sl. No. Category/Sector Mode of selection Slots
1 Civil Service Open competition 15
2 Armed Forces

Nomination by Armed Forces and final selection by RIGSS

 3
3 Corporations/SoEs

Nomination by agencies and final selection by RIGSS

 5
4 Autonomous agencies/CSOs/Private

Open competition

 4
5 His Majesty’s nominees

Nomination

 3
Total       
30
2. Online Application System

The admissions for the course will be announced in the media including RIGSS website and Facebook page. All interested and eligible candidates will be invited to register and apply for the course through the RIGSS Online Application System.

3. Submission of Written Works & Other Credentials

Applicants must submit their written works and other credentials on or before the deadline specified in the announcement.

4. Declaration of Results for Shortlisted Candidates

Based on evaluation of the written works and marks obtained in the Class X and XII Board examinations, applicants will be shortlisted and names of the shortlisted candidates will be announced Institute’s website (www.rigss.bt).             

5. Interview for Shortlisted Candidates

A Skype interview will be organized for all shortlisted candidates as a part of the final selection. The date and time for interviews are scheduled by the Institute and communicated to candidates in advance of the interviews. The interview usually lasts for 15-20 minutes.

6. Psychometric Test

Shortlisted candidates will have to give an online psychometric test as a part of the final selection. Test instructions and deadline will be emailed to candidates soon after the shortlisted candidates are declared.

7. Declaration of Final Results

Names of the selected candidates will be announced on the Institute’s website (www.rigss.bt).

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for the course must meet the following general and sector specific eligibility criteria:

1. General Criteria (applies to all candidates)
  • Applicants must have a minimum qualification of Bachelors degree (any field)
  • Applicants should be within 30 years of age
  • Applicants must possess a minimum work experience of 2 years (CVs should clearly specify job history)
  • An applicant should maintain a minimum gap of five years between two RIGSS courses (FLP/YPLP/SELP). For example, if a candidate is selected for the FLP course, he/she will be eligible for the YPLP course only after five years of completion of FLP.
2. Sector-specific Criteria:
  • Applicants from the civil service must be in P4 or P5 position levels
  • Applicants from the armed forces must be in the rank of a captain/Lieutenant