This innovative, all-expenses paid program is an opportunity for talented young professionals from developing countries with strong research backgrounds to shadow leading U.S. think tanks for six months. In addition, Fellows will be enrolled in a professional development training program and join a growing network of nonprofit leaders from around the world.
Location
Fellows will be based at leading think tanks in Washington, DC area for six months (January through July). They will serve 40 hours per week at their host think tanks, focused on a mutually agreed-upon research topic that relates to democratic and/or economic reforms. Fellows are expected to publish their research during the program through articles, blogs, and presentations.
Logistics
CIPE and Atlas Corps will provide Fellows with logistical support regarding visa, health insurance, stipend, and international travel. Fellows will also receive a monthly living stipend that covers basic housing, food, and transportation for one person.
If selected as a Fellow, you are responsible for the following pre-departure logistics.
Visa Expenses
Selected candidates are expected to pay for their travel to the U.S. Embassy and pay the initial visa expenses. If the visa is approved, CIPE and Atlas Corps will reimburse your visa fees, but not the travel to the Embassy.
Participation Fee
Fellows are required to contribute a $250 participation fee. If a Fellow ends the program in good standing, they will receive a $500 end of service award. The end of service award is given for successfully fulfilling the responsibilities and expectations of being a Think Tank LINKS Fellow. There is no cost to apply to be a Fellow. The $250 participation fee will only be collected from applicants who are matched with an organization and accepted as a Think Tank LINKS Fellow.
Deadline
Applications are due August 15. Fellows will be selected by October. The program begins in January and completes in July. Space is limited, apply early!
Eligibility
CIPE and Atlas Corps are looking for qualified candidates who have:
- Demonstrated research background relating to issues of democracy and/or economic reform.
- Bachelors degree or higher, preferably in Economics, Public Policy, Finance, or a related field .
- At least two (2) years of professional experiences with proven record of research-based work.
- Proficiency in English (both in writing and speaking).
- Age 35 or younger.
- Currently working for a think tank, policy research institution, or a similar organization.
After the initial screening by CIPE and Atlas Corps, top applicants will be interviewed and selected by the respective Host Organization's staff. Preference will be given to non-OECD applicants.
Responsibilities of Think Tank LINKS Fellows
- Conduct research on a topic that relates to democratic or economic reforms.
- Produce research results that meet the thematic and quality criteria set by CIPE, Atlas Corps, and the host think tank.
- Contribute to CIPE's Development Blog (www.cipe.org/blog) to highlight key findings.
- Participate in Atlas Corps Global Leadership Lab training sessions.
- Attend orientation, roundtable discussions, and other activities as required by CIPE, Atlas Corps, and the host think tank.
- If selected, pay a USD $250 participation fee, which will be returned upon successful completion of the fellowship.
- Return to home country after the Fellowship.
How to apply
- Submit an online application at: bit.ly/FellowApplication.
- Select "Atlas Corps-CIPE Think Tank LINKS Fellowship" as the response to the question, "Please let us know where you learned about Atlas Corps.”
- Attach a writing sample (in English) that demonstrates your research, writing, and analytical skills. It should be in Word document or PDF file, and it should be no more than 10 pages.
- Follow the instructions on the application to attach two (2) letters of recommendations from individuals who know you in a professional capacity and can write about your skills and experiences as well as your potential for success as a Think Tank LINKS Fellow. One of the letters should be from your current employer.
For further information about the fellowship and application process:
- Maiko Nakagaki (CIPE), Program Officer, 202.721.9243, mnakagaki@cipe.org.
- Dave Moss (Atlas Corps), Partnerships Manager, 202.263.4568, partners@atlascorps.org.
