New Policy Fellowship in Honor of Dr. Ronald D. Asmus

By On January 30, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In Economics, Fellowships, International Affairs, Peace & Security, Political Science, Public Policy

The German Marshall Fund of the United States has launched the new Asmus Policy Entrepreneurs Fellowship to support two emerging policy entrepreneurs from the U.S. and Europe. The fellowship is in honor of Ronald D. Asmus, GMF Brussels office executive director and director of strategic planning, who dedicated his life to the principles of freedom and passed away on April 30, 2011.

Applicants must be American or European citizens under the age of 40 who propose a project that they believe will address an important foreign or economic policy issue and will advance transatlantic cooperation. Over the course of the year, Asmus Fellows will utilize existing GMF activities and networks to discuss and consider policy questions and frameworks before proposing a solution. Fellows will also have the opportunity to attend three to four key GMF programs, in some cases as speakers. Each fellowship is worth up to $25,000.

For those interesting in applying, consider how your project will advance the goals and ideals of Dr. Asmus’ work. Dr. Amus was a leading thinker, practitioner and policy entrepreneur working on US-European relations for over two decades.  He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs from 1997-2000 and was also a senior analyst and fellow at Radio Free Europe, RAND and the Council on Foreign Relations.  Dr. Amus authored many articles and books, and is primarily remembered as someone with an “unshakable belief in the importance of transatlantic cooperation”, who pushed for NATO’s enlargement toward the former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Read here for more information on the fellowship program and application. All applications must be received by February 10th, 2012.

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How to Win a Boren Fellowship

By On December 28, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Fellowships, International Affairs, Linguistics, Peace & Security, Public Service, Tips

The Boren Awards for International Study, funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), provide fellowships of $20K to $30K to provide undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to study the language and culture of countries normally underrepresented in U.S. study abroad programs. It’s an opportunity to learn a less commonly taught language such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, or Swahili, among others. In return, Boren Fellows are expected to work for at least one year in a Federal agency with national security responsibilities, such as the Departments of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department or the CIA. It’s no wonder the Boren Fellowship is a highly competitive award, providing an opportunity for both study abroad and a career in the Federal government.

The key to winning a Boren Fellowship is crafting an application that meets the needs of the program. The NSEP asks applicants to identify how their fellowship project will contribute to U.S. national security goals, as well further your academic and professional growth.  Even though the NSEP has a broad definition of national security, going beyond issues such as terrorism and peacekeeping to include topics such as sustainable development and population growth, it’s imperative that your fellowship essay has a strong focus on an issue that is of critical interest to U.S. national security. First, be well-read on security issues that are in the news: the New York Times and The Economist are a good place to start.

In your essay, specifically discuss how your project will contribute to goals that will make Americans and the homeland safer in the short and long-term. Focusing on a topic in current events can be an advantage, however more obscure security topics may be eye-catching if you know the topic well. Reach out to experts in your proposed topic area who can comment on your essay, including professors, journalists, academics in think tanks, and Federal government employees working in national security. Even though the NESP allows a broad definition for national security, they will more likely choose an applicant with a clearly defined topic that will advance U.S. security interests. For example, if you are studying public health and are proposing a topic such as infectious disease control in developing countries, be sure to find a U.S. hook, such as the impact of the regional insecurity caused by infectious disease on anti-terrorism efforts or the U.S. role in UN peacekeeping.

Also, in your essays, do not forget to discuss what you plan to do in your career after the fellowship and be specific. If you are not sure what you plan to do, choose your ideal path and discuss that goal with confidence that you will reach it. There are not many opportunities like the Boren Fellowship, so discuss how this unique fellowship will help you reach that goal. An applicant with clearly defined career goals is much more likely to secure a fellowship than an applicant who expresses that they are simply exploring options.

The Boren Fellowship deadline is January 31, 2012. If you have any questions about developing a strong essay, please submit a question on the “Ask a Fellow” form the to right and we’ll be happy to answer them!

 

© Victoria Johnson 2011, all rights reserved.

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New Fulbright Public Policy Fellowship in 11 Countries!

By On November 30, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Bangladesh, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Dominican Republic, Fellowships, Guatemala, Haiti, International Affairs, Jamaica, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Public Policy, Thailand, Tunisia

If I wasn’t already tied to my research in New Zealand, I would definitely apply for this one! Fulbright is inaugurating a new Public Policy Fellowship in academic year 2012-13 that will allow fellows to serve in professional placements in foreign government ministries or institutions, to gain hands-on public sector experience while carrying out PhD research. The 11 countries offering this new fellowship include: Bangladesh, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Thailand and Tunisia. Areas of public policy focus include: public health, education, agriculture, justice, energy, environment, public finance, economic development, information technology, and communications.

According to the website, the Fulbright Public Policy Fellows will serve in a capacity similar to a “special assistant” for a senior level official. Fulbright is looking for PhD students with a strong service orientation, flexibility and resourcefulness, outstanding organizational skills, a wide range of competencies including strong writing, communication and IT skills, and an ability to work behind the scenes in a supportive role. Fellows may be responsible for activities such as policy and budget development and analysis; program monitoring and evaluation; drafting speeches, talking points, and correspondence; record keeping and note taking; and general project management. Fellows would spend approximately 32 hours per week in their professional assignment and 8 hours per week pursuing a related academic project.

Apply now for this PhD fellowship - deadline is February 1, 2012!

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CFR Seeking Applicants: 2012-2013 Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship

By On November 16, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Fellowships, International Affairs, Peace & Security, Public Policy, United States

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship Program, made possible by a generous grant from the Stanton Foundation, offers younger scholars studying nuclear security issues the opportunity to spend a period of twelve months at the Council on Foreign Relations’ (CFR) offices in New York or Washington, DC, conducting policy-relevant research.

CFR will award up to three fellowships in 2012. The fellowships will be awarded on the basis of academic and professional accomplishments and promise, and on the merits of the specific research projects proposed. The fellows could work on a wide range of issues, including nuclear terrorism, nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons, nuclear force posture, and, as it relates to nuclear security, nuclear energy.

It is expected that fellows will begin their fellowship year in summer or fall 2012. While in residence at CFR, fellows will be expected to lead a project of their own design, conduct original research, and write at least one policy relevant document. Fellows are expected and encouraged to participate fully in CFR’s intellectual life. The scholars selected as Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows will be mentored by the fellows of CFR’s David Rockefeller Studies Program.

The program seeks to stimulate the development of the next generation of thought leaders in nuclear security. The program is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are eligible to work in the United States. CFR does not sponsor for visas. Candidates must be junior (non-tenured) faculty, post-doctoral fellows, or pre-doctoral candidates from any discipline who are working on a nuclear security related issue.

The duration of the fellowship is twelve months. The program awards a stipend of $100,000 for junior (non-tenured) faculty; $75,000 for post-doctoral; and $50,000 for pre-doctoral fellows. Payment will be made in twelve equal monthly installments. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR, and are not eligible for employment benefits, including health insurance.

The deadline for the 2012-2013 Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship has now passed, but please visit CFR’s website for more information about the next deadline and other fellowship opportunities at CFR: www.cfr.org/fellowships.

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CFR Seeking Applicants: 2012-2013 International Affairs Fellowship in Nuclear Security

By On October 14, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Fellowships, International Affairs, Public Policy

The Council on Foreign Relations recently launched a new fellowship, the International Affairs Fellowship in Nuclear Security (IAF-NS), sponsored by the Stanton Foundation. The program awards a stipend of $125,000 and offers university-based scholars valuable hands-on experience in the nuclear security policymaking field and places researchers in U.S. government positions or international organizations for a period of twelve months to work with practitioners. The IAF-NS closes the gap between research and practice and enriches the teaching and scholarship of academics, while also benefiting policymakers by exposing them to cutting-edge scholarly research.

CFR will award two fellowships in 2012. The fellowships will be awarded on the basis of academic and professional accomplishments, and on the merits of the specific research projects proposed. Potential topics appropriate for the fellowship include nuclear terrorism, nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons, nuclear force posture, and the security implications of nuclear energy. During their fellowship tenures, fellows will be invited to attend CFR meetings and participate in select events, such as the annual International Affairs Fellows Conference in New York.

The IAF-NS program is only open faculty members with tenure or on tenure-track lines at accredited universities and who propose to conduct policy-relevant research on nuclear security issues. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are eligible to work in the United States and be between the ages of twenty-nine and forty. CFR does not sponsor for visas.

The duration of the fellowship is twelve months, preferably beginning in September and extending into August. While deferment is typically not granted, requests will be considered under special circumstances and only for one year. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR, and are not eligible for employment benefits, including health insurance.

The deadline for the 2012-2013 International Affairs Fellowship in Nuclear Security has now passed, but please visit CFR’s website for more information about the next deadline and other fellowship opportunities at CFR: http://www.cfr.org/thinktank/fellowships/

 

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International Climate Protection Fellowships in Germany

By On September 12, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Fellowships, Germany, International Affairs, Natural Sciences, Public Policy, Water & Soil Conservation

Environmental conservation leaders from developing countries could spend a year in Germany on an International Climate Protection Fellowship. The fellowship program’s goal is to promote exchange of ideas among the recipients. To do that, Fellows travel around Germany and get to know organisations engaged in the field of climate protection. The fellowship helps them build a network of contacts that they can then draw upon later when they are working around the world as experts in a range of fields.

‘The International Climate Protection Fellowships are primarily intended for people who are already engaged in climate protection,” says Francois Buscot, a member of the selection committee. Read more. 

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation gave away 14 fellowships this year to leaders from Bolivia, Ecuador, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Uzbekistan and China. Their research covers topics such as the transition from fossil fuels to solar energy in Uzbekistan, the effects of climate and socio-economic factors on dengue fever epidemics in Sri Lanka, or urban planning that reconciles the needs of humans and nature.

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New U.S. State Department Fellowship for Young Leaders from Abroad

By On August 13, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Fellowships, International Affairs, International Develoment, Non-profit, Peace & Security, Philanthropy, Public Service, Social Entrepreneurship, Women's Studies

The U.S. State Department just launched a new fellowship program for young leaders from abroad, aged 25-38, to spend 4 months in the U.S. working at community-based organizations and government agencies. The goal of the Community Solutions Program fellowship is to help these young leaders gain experience and new skills they can use in their own countries.

One of the incoming Fellows, Thomas Julo Barlue of Liberia, will be working at Peace First, an organization in New York City founded as a response to the sky-rocketing youth homicide rates in the early 1990s. Thomas writes:

“During my stay in New York, I will be focusing on critical conflict resolution skills and how to develop projects that improve communities and instill a sense of civic engagement, in schools and among young people.” Read more.

66 young leaders from 21 countries will come the U.S. on August 16 for an orientation in Washington, DC. In addition to spending 4 months at a community-based organization, the Fellows take part weekly in an online leadership institute. The Fellows work in the fields of transparency and accountability, tolerance and conflict resolution, environmental issues and women’s issues. Read the full article here.

 

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