Future Leaders

We're searching for individuals who are curious, driven, and ready to grow. You might be:

• Emerging leader: Early to mid-career professional (typically with 3–10years of experience) who is stepping into leadership roles or showing strong potential to do so within their organisations or communities.
• Professional in energy or geopolitics: Working in fields such as energy, policy, international relations, or think tanks, with a keen interest in the forces shaping our global future.
• High-potential individual from a diverse background: Motivated professional with a wide range of educational, cultural, and career path, eager to contribute to global challenges.
• Innovator and change-maker: Passionate about driving transformation, building sustainable solutions, and addressing global issues with creativity and purpose.
• Aspiring thought leaders: Professional looking to lead effectively in complex environments, influence strategy, and communicate with impact on topics like energy security and geopolitics.

Application Criteria

While we encourage applicants from all walks of life, you should meet the following criteria to be eligible:

• Under the age of 36
• Fluent in English (Norwegian not required)
• Some leadership experience (e.g., project or team lead)
• A basic understanding of the energy sector
• Committed to actively participating in all programme sessions and components

Cost

The participation fee for the programme is 35,000 NOK. This covers all programme-related activities as well as the ONS Strategic Conference pass valued at 20,900 NOK.
Please note, travel and accommodation costs are not included in the fee.  

We encourage applicants to discuss the opportunity with their employers, as many organisations are open to supporting development initiatives.

To promote inclusivity and accessibility, ONS offers two full scholarships which cover the entire programme fee. If you wish to apply for a scholarship, please indicate this in the application form.

How to apply  

As part of your application, please submit the following:

• Basic personal and professional information
• A motivational letter between 300-500 words outlining why you want to join the ONS Future Leaders Programme, and your reflections on the future of energy in an uncertain world
• A short one-minute video introduction where you tell us about yourself, your ambitions, and what you hope to gain from the experience  

Application deadline: 16 September 2025
We aim to respond to all applicants by late September.

How is the programme structured?

The programme is delivered across two intensive sessions at exciting locations, one in the autumn and another in the spring, each lasting two days. These sessions are designed to build momentum, challenge perspectives, and foster a collaborative learning environment.

In addition, you will be offered one-on-one sessions with Bjørnson Organisasjonspsykologene to guide you through the process.

A highlight of the programme is your participation at the ONS Strategic Conference, where you will follow a curated agenda tailored to maximise learning, visibility, and networking opportunities.

After the programme, you will participate in an evaluation and debrief session, designed to reflect on your journey. You will be invited to Future Leaders Alumni Events to reconnect with fellow participants and build lasting relationships with alumni.

Make your mark – Contribute to the ONS Future Leaders online publication

As a participant, you will contribute to the first edition of the ONS Future Leaders publication—a unique online publication featuring thought pieces, reflections, and forward-looking ideas at the intersection of energy, leadership, and geopolitics. Your voice will become part of a lasting legacy that showcases the perspectives and potential of emerging talent.