This course is open to policy leaders in the public and private sector, alongside those in senior research and non-profit roles, who are committed to better governance in natural resources, and in a position to influence the governance of these sectors.

Participants should have in-depth experience and be in a senior leadership position or advisory role.

We strongly encourage women to apply, with a number of bursary and scholarship opportunities currently available to help support current and rising female leaders in the natural resource sector.

Prospective participants include:

• Ministers, chiefs of staff, heads of extractives state-owned enterprises, commissioners, heads of agencies, departments and other public bodies involved in the management of oil, gas and mining and the revenues they generate as well as their deputies and advisors
• Executives, directors, chiefs and heads at oil, gas and mining companies, at headquarters or country office levels, as well as their deputies and advisors
• Leaders from management consulting firms providing advice to governments in resource-rich countries in extractive sector policy design and implementation or public financial management
• Vice-presidents, deputy managing directors, and head of departments at multilateral agencies, such as the IMF and World Bank
• Chief executives, directors and senior fellows at think tanks and nonpartisan bodies as well as experienced journalists covering natural resources related issues

At the Blavatnik School, we provide a highly immersive participant experience. Lectures will be integrated with global case studies, simulations, and peer-to-peer discussions – giving executives a highly effective forum in which to discuss policy challenges and develop step-change approaches.

The Blavatnik School is one of the newest and most vibrant departments of the University of Oxford. The School was founded in 2010 and in 2016 opened its doors to its new state-of-the-art building, designed by Herzog & de Meuron. With large lecture theatres, flexible seminar rooms, private study areas, a reading room and full catering facilities, the new building provides an exceptional environment for study, research and collaboration.

The course will take place at the Blavatnik School of Government in Oxford, UK. The course is delivered in English.

The total cost of the course is £8,000. This includes tuition over five days from world-class experts and academics, six nights' accommodation, and most meals. The course fees exclude overseas transport, visas or other incidentals.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships will be offered on a competitive basis to public sector applicants from select resource-rich countries: Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. In exceptional cases, scholarship applications from outstanding candidates from other countries may also be considered. These can partially or fully cover tuition and, in select cases, may assist with travel. A bursary application must be completed by the closing date to be eligible for these awards.

This year we are also offering additional bursaries for childcare costs associated with attendance. This is intended to enable participants to attend who otherwise might not be able to because of childcare needs. Requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, dependent on need.

Although our 2020 in-person programme was cancelled due to Covid-19, on 10 September 2020 we held a live online taster of our one-week programme.

The online event 'Managing oil, gas and mining governance in exceptional times', led by Sir Paul Collier, offered interesting and highly informative lectures and discussions with leading experts, and is available to view on our YouTube channel.