AWN CBRNS — Grow with guidance. Lead with confidence.
APPLICATIONS OPEN – 2026 COHORT

Grow with guidance.
Lead with confidence.

A structured mentorship program for Arab women in CBRN security and related fields — connecting emerging professionals with experienced practitioners through competency-led matching, ethical guidance, and practical leadership development.

Purpose: The AWN-CBRNS Mentorship Program strengthens the pipeline of professional women in CBRN security by translating competency gaps into focused mentoring goals, practical development, and cross-sector professional visibility.
3-6
Month Cycle
9+
Competencies
45m
Per Session
4
Mentor Styles
3
Package Tiers
Program at a Glance

Competency-driven mentorship built for high-stakes security environments

Participants complete a short competency self-assessment, identify their Top 3 development priorities, and are matched with mentors based on sector, role context, availability, and mentoring goals. The result is a focused 3-6 month journey that supports career clarity, leadership confidence, and measurable development.

Self-assessment Top 3 priorities Smart matching Midpoint review Recognition
Why Now

CBRN risks are complex. Leadership readiness must be intentional.

As CBRN risks evolve, the sector needs professionals who combine technical credibility with judgement, communication, resilience, and collaborative leadership. This program supports women to build those capabilities through guided, ethical, and practical mentorship.

For Mentees

Build confidence and career clarity

For Arab women working in or entering CBRN-related fields who want structured growth and practical guidance.

  • Matched by domain, sector, availability, and Top 3 priorities
  • Build leadership capability beyond technical expertise
  • Translate priorities into practical 3-6 month goals
  • Expand your cross-sector network and visibility
  • Receive recognition at completion
Apply as a Mentee
For Mentors

Share expertise with structure and impact

For experienced CBRN practitioners ready to support emerging women professionals through a focused and ethical mentoring framework.

  • Choose Bronze, Silver, or Gold commitment level
  • Select your mentoring style: career, skill, transition, or advocacy
  • Use ready-to-adapt tools, templates, and agreements
  • Receive program-team support throughout the cycle
  • Contribute to an inclusive CBRN leadership pipeline
Become a Mentor
What Makes It Unique

Six features that make the model stronger

The page now uses sharper pillars that clearly distinguish the program's design features.

1

Competency-led matching

Matching is informed by self-assessment results, role context, and the mentee's Top 3 priorities.

2

Goal-based development

Mentoring priorities are translated into practical goals, success indicators, and action steps.

3

Practitioner-guided learning

Mentors bring field-based insight from CBRN security and related professional environments.

4

Cross-sector visibility

The program helps participants connect across technical, policy, regulatory, academic, and operational spaces.

5

Women's leadership pipeline

The model supports inclusive leadership by strengthening confidence, networks, and progression readiness.

6

Flexible, structured participation

The program combines a clear framework with adaptable cadence and mentoring formats.

Core Competencies

What participants can strengthen

Competencies are guided by the self-assessment and selected mentorship priorities.

J
Judgement

Sound decisions under pressure.

I
Influence

Lead through credibility, not only authority.

R
Risk communication

Communicate risk clearly and responsibly.

P
Partnership-building

Build trust across roles, sectors, and systems.

C
Change leadership

Guide improvement and adaptation.

Re
Resilience

Sustain composure and performance under strain.

S
Scenario decision-making

Practice judgement through realistic situations.

A
Self & social awareness

Know yourself and read the room.

L
Safety leadership

Model accountability, standards, and culture.

Eligibility and Participation

Who can participate?

Related fields may include: nuclear security, radiation protection, biosafety and biosecurity, chemical safety and security, emergency preparedness, non-proliferation, border security, critical infrastructure protection, training, regulation, policy, research, and capacity-building.

Mentors

  • Experienced practitioners committed to capability-building
  • Available to share professional learning and feedback
  • Open-minded, flexible, empathic, encouraging, and trustworthy
  • Committed to a structured, developmental mentoring relationship
Become a Mentor

Mentees

  • Arab women in CBRN security or related fields
  • Interested in learning from a different role, sector, or professional pathway
  • Eager to develop new skills and receive constructive feedback
  • Open-minded and learning-oriented
Apply as a Mentee
Resources

Toolkits and templates

Resources support mentors and mentees before, during, and after the mentorship cycle.

Mentor toolkit

  • Mentor orientation guide
  • Mentor-mentee agreement template
  • Session planning framework
  • Midpoint pulse check guide
  • Recognition guidance
Download Mentor Toolkit

Mentee toolkit

  • Mentee orientation guide
  • Competency self-assessment worksheet
  • Define your 3-6 month outcomes worksheet
  • Midpoint pulse check
  • Certificate, LinkedIn badge, and website listing guidance
Download Mentee Toolkit

Ready to grow with guidance?

Start with the competency self-assessment, identify your Top 3 priorities, and take the first step toward a focused mentorship journey.

AWN-CBRNS Competency-Driven Mentorship Program
2026 Cohort — Unlocking Critical Competencies. Strengthening CBRN Security.