International Development Fellows Program (IDFP)
The International Development Fellows Program's online application for the 2012-2013 cycle is now closed. Please review the information available on this website and return in September 2012 to access the 2013-2014 application.
Catholic Relief Services' International Development Fellows Program (IDFP) gives people who are interested in a career in international relief and development an opportunity to increase their overseas experience and gain exposure to our programs. Each year, CRS places approximately 25 Fellows with our country programs overseas. Assignments are for one year, typically starting at the end of July.
Specific job responsibilities vary greatly from one country to another depending on the country program's focus (Agriculture, Health, Peacebuilding, Education, Microfinance, 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.
IDFP Live Web Chat
We held a live web chat to discuss the International Development Fellows Program on Thursday, November 17th.
A transcript of the chat can be accessed at: http://crs.org/about/careers/fellowships/chat/.
We discussed application tips as well as answered questions regarding the application process, the fellowship year, and starting your career with CRS.
2011 Schedule of University Visits
For a schedule of universities we will visit this year, please see schedule of university visits.
International Development Fellows Program Video
For frequently asked questions about the International Development Fellows Program, please see Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
Important Dates in the 2012-2013 IDFP Application Cycle:
- September 19, 2011
- Application becomes available online
- December 7, 2011
- Deadline for application
- October 2011 - January 2012
- Phone interviews and phone language testing is conducted
- Late February 2012 - Early March 2012
- Qualifying candidates are brought to Baltimore for a full day of interviews
- April 2012
- Offers are made to selected candidates
For more information about the International Development Fellows Program, please write to idfp@crs.org.
Eligibility Requirements
- Graduate degree in a field relevant to international development or a Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of international development/management experience.
- Professional proficiency in French, Spanish, Arabic, or Portuguese. French preferred.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
- At least 6 months overseas work or volunteer experience in a developing country OR significant domestic community development experience in addition to time spent overseas.
- Strong cross-cultural skills with the ability to adapt to the local culture.
- Ability to operate effectively in a stressful, fast changing environment where security could change unexpectedly.
- Fluency in English with strong oral and written communication skills and strong analytical skills.
- Interest in a career in development or emergency relief with Catholic Relief Services
- Commitment to CRS Principles
- 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
- Medical Evacuation Coverage
- Vacation
- Medical, Life, Travel, Accident, and Personal/Household Effects Insurance.
IDFP is now on Facebook! Like the Catholic Relief Services - International Development Fellows Program page for updates, tips and relevant information.
