International Development Fellows Program (IDFP)

Applications for 2009 Fellows will be accepted in the Fall of 2008.

Thank you for your interest in the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) 2008 International Fellows Program. The CRS International Development Fellows Program is intended to give people who are interested in a career in international relief and development an opportunity to increase their overseas experience and gain broad exposure to CRS programs. Each year, CRS has approximately 20 placements with our country programs (based overseas). Assignments are for one year.

Specific job responsibilities vary greatly from one country to another depending on the country programs focus (Agriculture, Health, Peacebuilding, Education, Microfinance, social assistance or a combination of these). The goal of the IDFP is to place Fellows in positions where they can draw on their previous education and work experience, while broadening their skills. Many of our fellowships lead to regular positions with Catholic Relief Services.

How to Apply for the International Development Fellows Program

All interested candidates must apply on-line. Unlike in previous years, CRS will not be accepting applications or conducting formal interviews during our visits to universities. We will instead do phone interviews for those individuals who qualify. Please note we will also be testing language ability, based on your stated level in your application, during the same phone interview. CRS will still be visiting universities this year primarily to provide information about the Fellows program, and answer any questions you may have about the selection process. We look forward to receiving your on-line application and meeting you when we come to visit your university this fall. A list of universities we intend to visit this year will available on-line shortly.

For frequently asked questions about CRS and the International Development Fellows Program, please go to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Eligibility Requirements

• Master's degree (in international affairs/ international development, Latin American/African/Asian studies, public health, international agriculture, international management or related field) strongly preferred but will consider a Bachelor's degree with significant management or development experience.
• Professional proficiency in French, Spanish, or Portuguese. French preferred.
• Competitive candidates will have overseas work experience in a developing country OR relevant US-based experience, especially domestic community development work similar to CRS' work overseas.
• Overseas experience required.
• Strong cross-cultural skills with the ability to adapt to the local culture.
• Interest in a career in development or emergency relief.
• Commitment to CRS' principles (including Catholic Social Teaching and the agency's approach to development)
• Ability to operate effectively in a stressful, fast changing environment where security could change unexpectedly.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Desire to work for a faith-based organization.

Benefits

CRS provides the IDFP participants with the following benefits:

• Stipend, cost of living adjustment, housing, transportation to and from the country of assignment, SOS, vacation, medical, life, travel/accident and personal/household effects insurance.