Catholic Relief Services International Development Fellows Program (IDFP) 2019-20

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) invites application for International Development Fellows Program (IDFP) 2019-20 from candidates from all backgrounds and nationalities. The Fellowship brings together a group of approximately 20 to 25 bright young individuals who show exceptional intellectual ability and leadership potential. It is a unique professional development opportunity for candidates dedicated to pursuing a career in international relief and development work.

The fellowship is being offered by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) with an aim to help Fellows build skills in programming and operations by taking lead and supporting roles on a variety of CRS projects overseas, learning from experienced CRS staff and partners and completing a structured training program.

To be eligible for the CRS International Development Fellows Program (IDPF), an applicant must:

• Be a graduate in the relevant field and applicable to international development (Agriculture, Health, Engineering, Business, Public Administration, Finance, and Supply Chain)
• Be fluent in English with strong oral and written communication skills
• Have professional proficiency in a second language 
• Have at least six months of overseas work or volunteer experience in a developing country
• Have a strong interest in a career in development or emergency relief
• Be willing to work in various regions and developing countries
• Be able and willing to be based in locations with tropical and infectious diseases and with limited access to medical facilities
• Be able to work respectfully and professionally

Note: Preference will be given to candidates who can speak major languages spoken in locations where CRS works. Applicants having at least 5 years of experience in living in a developing country will also be given consideration.

CRS offers IDFP participants the following benefits:

• Opportunity for professional growth and development overseas
• Stipend, allowances, and furnished housing for the fellows
• Transportation to and from the country
• Extensive insurance coverage 
• Vacation, sick and personal leave, along with 12 paid holidays
• Need-based stipend of approximately USD 30,000

Note: It must be noted that the insurance covers medical, dental, life, travel/accident, evacuation and personal household effects.

Follow the below steps to apply for the fellowship:

Step 1: Prepare a statement of interest, answering the following questions:

• What relevant experience can leverage the candidate to be successful in the program considering the four primary learning areas of the fellows’ foundational training?
• Which four primary fellowship learning areas interests the candidate most and why?

Step 2: Update the resume to highlight experience and qualifications relevant to CRS-IDFP.
Step 3: Visit the application link and register as a new user.
Step 4: Fill in the form with the required details, upload relevant documents and submit the application. 

Note: It must be noted that incomplete applications will not be accepted after 7 days of the closing date. If the candidate wishes to submit the application after the last date, email at recruitmentsupport@crs.org for assistance.

Strong candidates will be accessed through various stages of the selection process including:

• Application review
• Video interview
• English writing assessment 
• Foreign language test

Note: In January, top 35 to 40 candidates will be invited for the in-person interviews at CRS Headquarters in Baltimore. CRS will make fellowship offers to the successful candidates in Feb or March 2020.

Application deadline- 1st November 2019

Q. What kind of work will the fellows do during the program?
A. Fellows support program implementation, proposal development, operations and partnership. Fellows may build their understanding of CRS’ programming in a variety of sectors by completing these tasks.

Q. Can spouses and children accompany fellows?
A. Fellows can travel with their spouses and children. CRS covers their relocation costs and offers them health and welfare benefits as well.

Q. Will the fellows be placed in a dangerous location?
A. Fellows will be placed in non-danger pay locations. The safety of the staff is CRS’ top priority. CRS monitors safety and has a standard protocol for heightened security levels.

Q. Does a candidate need to be a Catholic?
A. No. CRS welcomes people of all faiths and secular traditions who share their values and commitment to serving those in need.

Q. What is the procedure of working with CRS after the fellowship?
A. CRS follows the same recruitment process as the fellowship program for their other internal staff.

Q. How long do the staff members remain in CRS positions?
A. A career with CRS consists of many international postings. Each posting usually lasts from 2 to 5 years, depending on the position.

Q. Is the IDPF program is open for individuals from all countries?
A. Yes, individuals are eligible from all countries.

 
Q. Does CRS cover the cost of travel for the in-person interview?
A. Yes, CRS covers the cost of travel and lodging for candidates invited for an interview. International candidates will be responsible for securing visas (if required).

Find more FAQs here.