Applying for the IKEA Foundation Ambassador programme

It’s time!

Applications for the IKEA Foundation ambassador programme are open from Monday 4 November to Sunday 15 December. Are you interested in applying? Review the criteria to apply then click on the link to get started. You can find additional questions and answers below.

What is the ambassador programme?

To help engage the many, a few passionate and engaged co-workers will be selected to become an IKEA Foundation Ambassador. 

This is a week-long intensive programme where ambassadors spend a week with the IKEA Foundation and several of their partners deep diving into the work they do. 

It is a mix of in-person field experiences and deep dive interactive sessions where your brain is filled to the brim with the great work the Foundation and their partners do. Now your real challenge begins – how to bring this all to the many? 

You will receive communications training as part of the programme and walk away from the week ready to build on the great work that past ambassadors have already done.

Criteria for applying to the ambassador programme

• You must be over 18 years of age and be eligible to travel to a foreign country 

• You must have the permission and endorsement of your manager 

• You must have a good level of written and spoken English 

• You must at least have a “meets expectations” on your last performance review 

• You need to have worked for IKEA for at least 1 year

When you submit you application an email will go to your manager, they will confirm you meet the criteria and need to give their approval before your application is submitted.

What type of person are we looking for?

Many different criteria are taken into consideration to ensure a diverse group of influencers and leaders from units all over the world who will be able to bring their experience back to their community. Due to the popularity of the programme we generally receive many more applications than we have spots for. Just because you’re not chosen this year doesn’t mean you wouldn’t make a fantastic ambassador.

In general, you should be a good communicator, with passion and interest in the topic. You should be an influencer or a leader in your location and be able to share and bring others along when you get home.

What’s the timeline?

Application will be open from 4 November until 15 December at 23.59CET. We will inform all applicants if they have been accepted or not no later than 24 January 2025. Unfortunately we cannot provide any updates on your application before that date.

The ambassador hubs will take place between March – August 2025 in the following weeks: W12, W14, W17, W22, W27, W35.

Where will ambassadors be sent to?

The IKEA Foundation will organise six hubs the coming year. While the locations are not yet finalised, the tentative plan is to host two in Africa, two in India, one in Europe and one in North America. It is not possible to request a specific location – each hub is unique and interesting in its own way. The ambition is to keep ambassadors from each country or business area grouped together.

If you are unable to travel to a specific location due to your nationality because of visa restrictions you can indicate this on the application form.

How is the programme paid for?

IKEA covers the cost of the trip and your hours during the week. There is a global budget to cover the travel cost for country co-workers. Hours are paid for by the local unit. Co-workers working on a global level will have their travel cost covered by their line organisation. 

I have a great idea for the IKEA Foundation to fund, or I want to volunteer my experience to support an IKEA Foundation project. Is this programme for that?

No. The ambassador programme is designed to help raise awareness and pride about the Foundation amongst the many. As the IKEA Foundation is fully independent from the business it is not possible for IKEA co-workers to guide what the IKEA Foundation provides funding for, and it is not possible for IKEA co-workers to be a part of the programmatic work the IKEA Foundation does.

If I didn’t get selected last year, can I try again this year?

Of course! Each year has had a lot of applications and many factors are considered to decide who can join. Just because you weren’t chosen one year doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be a great ambassador. You’re welcome to apply again.

If I don’t get chosen, can I get feedback on my application?

Unfortunately, because of the large number of applications it’s not possible to provide individual feedback on each application. We encourage you to connect with past ambassadors as well as those chosen this year to learn more about their experience and try again next year.

I have more questions!

Great, send an email to [email protected]