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!