Global Development Fellows Program - Presentation

Presentation on theme: "Global Development Fellows Program"— Presentation transcript:

Slide1

Global Development Fellows Program

A UC Berkeley graduate student international development-focused program, developed in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development with the support of the Global Food Initiative of the Office of the President of the University of California, the Chevron Corporation and other generous donors

Office of the PresidentSlide2

Global Development Fellows

Opportunity for graduate students to:contribute to the search for solutions to complex global development challenges apply and share problem solving skills and technical knowledge

learn new skillse

xperience a new contextjoin a growing professional network sharing a common experience

Slide3

Who else is involved

The UC Berkeley’s Global Development Fellows Program (GDF) is an expansion of USAID’s Research and Innovation Fellowship program, developed to attract the nation’s best minds into the fight against global povertyOriginally focused on National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellows, the program was

expanded in 2015 to include grad students

who are not NSF Fellows from six universities: UC Berkeley, UC Davis,

the University of Notre Dame, the University of Chicago, Arizona State University, and Rutgers

UniversityGrowing collaboration with other UC ca

mpuses, especially UC DavisSlide4

How does GDF work?

Qualified UC Berkeley graduate level students (enrolled Masters, PhD) have access to an on-line catalogue of opportunities developed from requests from USAID partner organizationsOpportunities eligible for GDF involve 8-12 week assignments during 2016 summer breakIf accepted by the organization listing the opportunity, students can apply for a flat $7,500 fellowship to cover travel, housing and other costs associated the opportunity. Some hosting organizations provide additional support

.

Fellowships are usually taxableSlide5

Opportunities

Generated by USAID partner organizationsUniversities, research institutes, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises, local businesses and international corporationsApproximately 150 opportunities requiring graduate-level skills are currently listedMany opportunities have a STEM focus but others involve social science, management, business, etc.Slide6

“Bring your own” option

If you are interested in a non-listed opportunity with a qualifying organization, that organization can apply to be listed through the catalogGDF staff are asked to vet such opportunities but the final decision rests with USAIDThe opportunity can be listed as “open” or reserved for UC Berkeley students or even to an individual studentIf accepted into the catalog and the hosts selects you for the opportunity, you can apply for GDF fundingFunding is NOT automaticSlide7

Criteria for hosting

Must be a non-governmental organization, university, research institution, government agency, philanthropic organization, a not-for-profit entity associated with a private sector company, or a private organization involved in demonstrable development work Must be accredited or in good standing within their professional communityMust demonstrate interest and commitment by providing tangible support to Fellows commensurate with their organization or institution’s abilities and capacitySlide8

Criteria for opportunities

Must be of high scientific merit and feasibilityMust offer the potential for development impactMust provide a safe and secure work environment which allows Fellows access to all appropriate resources in order to effectively complete their fellowshipMust identify a Supervisor/mentor who is available throughout the duration of the Fellowship and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project  Slide9

GDF to date

36 GDF Fellows – MDP, Goldman, Public Health, Haas15 countries; 28 organizationsMexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Nepal, the PhilippinesSlide10

2017 Opportunities

Up to 41 Fellowships29 funded by USAID (open but only US citizens and legal residents)7 funded by UCOP Global Food Initiative (only agriculture and food but open to all)5 funded by MDP thorough funding provided by Chevron and other private donorsSlide11

How to find an opportunity

Consult the online Research and Innovation Fellowship catalog: https://www.rifellowships.org/Find an opportunity that’s right for you and meets GDF criteria?

Follow the online link to create an account

Apply to the host – you can apply to one or many opportunitiesHost should get back to you within seven days

Set up a Skype

, phone or email interview to explore further, negotiate the project scope, timing, etc.

Alternatively, work with a prospective “bring your own” host to get your opportunity listedSelection

Host makes their selection among applicants and issues a Letter of Invitation - only one invitation per opportunity

Each student can accept only one invitationSlide12

Securing a GDF Fellowship

Host Letter of Invitation does NOT guarantee a fellowshipUC Berkeley GDF Fellowship applications are due by midnight PST on January 13, 2017Host letter of invitation1-2 page resumeTwo letters of recommendation (e.g., from faculty,

former employers, etc. – at least one from faculty)

Work plan Budget

Application should be emailed to: berkeleymdp@gmail.comSlide13

When do I find out?

On or about February 8th you will receive official notice if you have been accepted into the UC Berkeley Global Development Fellows programMandatory orientation session on February 15th

, noon-1pm

You must formally accept the fellowship and commit to the program by February 24

th. Slide14

Then what?

Spring 2017:Participate in a mandatory no-credit preparation program in which you will refine your scope of work and work plan, develop consulting, presentation and cross-cultural skills, and learn how to stay safe and healthy Dates (tentative):Wednesday, February 15 (noon – 1

:00pm

) Kick off lunchThursday, March 16 (5-7pm)

Thursday, April 6 (5-7pm)Thursday, April 13 (5-7pm)Saturday, April 15 (9am – 5pm) UC-wide Conference (UC Davis)

Thursday, April 20 (5-7pmSlide15

And then?

Summer 2017In-country field work for a minimum of 8 weeksFall 2017Participate in a debriefing eventAnd beyond…

Continue to connect and collaborate with your host and other Research and Innovation Fellows through the RI Fellows networkSlide16

More info and questions?

Global Development Fellows webpage: http://mdp.berkeley.edu/global-development-fellowships-about/Research and Innovation Fellowships catalog: rifellowships.orgInformation for prospective hosts: https://www.usaid.gov/RIFellowships/host-institutionsApplication:

https://mdp.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/gdfapplication.pdf

Email contacts: berkeleymdp@gmail.com

rifellowships@usaid.govSlide17

Questions?