Project Profile

The IRD-Peace Corps Fellowship Program

THE IRD-PEACE CORPS (IRD-PC) FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM offers returned volunteers who may be considering careers in international development the opportunity to expand their knowledge of sustainable, community-based development by working at IRDs headquarters with our staff of community development professionals. Consisting of a three- to six-month fellowship appointment open to third-year Peace Corps Volunteers (including those who have served at least six months in Peace Corps Response). Documentation of best practices and lessons learned through their Peace Corps experience and new IRD program assignments.

IRDS COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

The IRD-PC Fellowship provides participants with the opportunity to strengthen their foundational knowledge of international development through practical, hands-on experience. Fellows will: Apply development theory through practical work experience in key program sectors. Strengthen their understanding of sustainable development. Expand contacts with development practitioners and employers through networking events and engagements via IRD social media vehicles. Receive recognition of these contributions through publication of the aforementioned IRD-PC Fellow white paper on the IRD website and via other IRD social media vehicles.

PROGRAM GOALS
The primary goal of the IRD-PC Fellowship program is to strengthen the relationship between the Peace Corps and IRD by establishing a forum for the study of best practices in relief, stabilization, and development. In addition, the Peace Corps and IRD hope to create an incentive to encourage current Peace Corps volunteers to extend for a third year of public service in the Peace Corps.

IRD was joined by two outstanding fellows for its inaugural program, which ran from January to April 2012. Fellows Mica Jenkins (left) and Mark Strohbehn (center) stand with Peace Corps Chief of Staff Stacy Rhodes during a luncheon at IRD HQ.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE
IRD-PC Fellows receive an unprecedented opportunity to work with international relief, stabilization, and development practitioners of the highest caliber. Through research and writing, Fellows not only contribute to improved thought leadership within the organization, but will strengthen the overall capacity of IRD program sectors by providing: Research assistance on targeted relief, stabilization, and development issues. Development of thought leadership contacts within key development industry, US government, and international networks.

SCOPE AND STRUCTURE

Each IRD Fellow will be on a contractual agreement with IRD for a period of three to six months, as determined by mutual agreement or IRDs needs. Each Fellow will work at IRD headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, five days each week and will be paid a monthly stipend. Each IRD-PC Fellow will be assigned a program mentor who will provide guidance and oversee their fellowship activities. Each IRD-PC Fellowship mentor will develop a concise work plan illustrating specific performance objectives

IRD-PC Fellowship

2013 IRD-PC Fellowship Program

KEY DATES

January 15, 2013

Applications due

March 15, 2013

Fellows announced

May 1, 2013
Fellowship begins

INFORMATION
PCFELLOWS@IRD.ORG

to be accomplished by the Fellow on a weekly or monthly basis. The IRD-PC Fellow will be encouraged to explore a variety of career choices, including employment with other organizations or, as appropriate, further employment with IRD. Although day-to-day contact with the IRD-PC Fellows will be through their IRD mentor, any contractual or performance issues will be managed by the IRD Human Resources Department, including but not limited to hiring, orientation, and termination.

e) Global Health Hygiene & Nutrition; and f) Infrastructure Development. Additional information on each sector is available on IRDs website at: www.ird.org. Essay: a maximum 1,000-word essay about a current development issue and at least one proposed community-based development approach to help mitigate the problem. Be sure to include your best practices from your Peace Corps field experience, if appropriate, to your topic. Resume: Two pages or less, including an objective and relevant activities and accomplishments. References: Three references from past employers (one must be your Peace Corps Country Director), professors, or international development thought leaders. Each reference should include the persons title, affiliation, and contact information.

IRD-PEACE CORPS FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS & QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications: Applicants are required to have a minimum of a four-year undergraduate degree and must have completed a three-year commitment as a Peace Corps volunteer overseas within two years of the application deadline. Peace Corps Response volunteers will be considered providing their service was for six months or more. APPLICATION PROCESS: Each Fellow is chosen by an IRD selection committee, consisting of the IRD Chief of Program Operations, relevant IRD Sector Directors, as well as select IRD Senior Management Team members. The IRD-PC Fellowship application consists of the following required materials: Cover Letter: a statement that describes your interest in the IRD-PC Fellowship with a defined area of study or sector of interest. IRD sectors of interest include: a) Democracy, Governance & Community Development; b) Community Stabilization; c) Sustainable Food and Agriculture; d) Relief and Humanitarian Assistance;

IRD-PEACE CORPS FELLOWSHIP AWARD

Each IRD-PC Fellow receives a stipend of $3,000 per month for a three- to six-month period. Fellows are expected to work five days per work week in support of this fellowship appointment and are required to submit IRD time sheets to verify fellowship work has been performed. Note: IRD reserves the right to withhold stipend payments for Fellows who do not fulfill their fellowship obligations. IRD accepts applications continuously and appoints Fellows as funds and needs allow. Please submit all questions and applications to pcfellows@ird-dc.org.

IRD is a nonprofit humanitarian, stabilization, and development organization. Our mission is to reduce the suffering of the worlds most vulnerable groups and provide the tools and resources needed to increase their self-sufficiency.
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