Catholic Relief Services International Development Fellows Program 2019

Deadline: November 1, 2018

Applications for the Catholic Relief Services International Development Fellows Program 2019 are open. The Fellowship Program, or IDFP, is designed for individuals dedicated to a career in international development.

While completing comprehensive training on program management and operations, fellows support CRS’ work in various sectors such as agriculture/livelihoods, health, peacebuilding, emergency response, education, microfinance, or a combination of these. The fellows’ training focuses on project management, project design and proposal development, partnership and capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, budget and resource management, supply chain and logistics, human resources and security protocols.

CRS offers 20-30 fellowships each year. Each fellow is placed in one of CRS’ overseas country programs for the 12-month fellowship. CRS determines the location by matching the fellows’ skills and experience with the country program’s portfolio and needs. Most Fellows continue to work for CRS, in a wide variety of positions, upon successful completion of the fellowship.

Benefits

CRS provides IDFP participants with the following benefits:

• Great opportunities for professional growth and development overseas
• Stipend, allowances, and furnished housing
• Transportation to and from the country
• Extensive insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, travel/accident, evacuation and personal household effects)
• Paid vacation, sick and personal leave, and 12 paid holidays
• Language learning assistance

For 2019, the stipend is $30,000. Fellows pay their portion of health insurance premiums and contribute to housing like other CRS employees. Depending on their country assignment, some fellows may receive a cost-of-living allowance.

Eligibility

• Graduate degree in field relevant and applicable to international development (e.g. Agriculture, Health, Engineering, Business, Public Administration, Finance, Supply Chain)
• Fluency in English with strong oral and written communication skills
• Professional proficiency in a second language (preference given to major languages spoken where CRS works)
• At least six months overseas work or volunteer experience in a developing country (consideration given to applicants with at least five years of experience living in a developing country)
• Strong interest in a career in development or emergency relief
• Willing to work in various regions and developing countries around the world
• Able to work respectfully and professionally in a cross-cultural environment

Application

CRS accepts 20 to 30 fellows each year. They expect to select 25 fellows for August 2019.

The IDFP application will be open through November 1, 2018. They accept and review applications on a rolling basis. Applications received by October 8, 2018 will receive priority review.

To be considered for the program, please complete the following 3 steps:

1. Write your cover letter (500 word maximum). The cover letter should include the following:
   a. Why you want to join CRS’ Fellows program, and why you would be a good fit for the program
   b. A relevant experience that demonstrates your understanding of the overseas work environment
2. Update your resume or CV to highlight relevant experience and qualifications

Apply to the Fellows’ Program.

For more information, visit Catholic Relief.