- MarQuis Fair
- Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:06AM EDT
- Fellowship/Exchange Program
- OPEN
-
Atlas Corps is an international network of nonprofit leaders and organizations that promotes innovation to address 21st century challenges.
Atlas Corps Fellowship (USA)
Atlas Corps is an international network of nonprofit leaders and organizations that promotes innovation, cooperation, and solutions to address the world's 21st century challenges. Our mission is to address critical social issues by developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and promoting innovation through an overseas fellowship of experienced nonprofit professionals.
The Atlas Corps Fellowship is a 12-month professional fellowship offered twice a year (March & September). Fellows serve at Host Organizations working on issues that complement their expertise. Fellows learn leadership skills while sharing best practices and supplement daily knowledge with theoretical topics presented in the Atlas Corps Nonprofit Management Series.
Atlas Service Corps seeks nonprofit leaders from around the world to apply for a September 2011 Fellowship in the United States. Expenses are paid in this prestigious 12-month fellowship program, including a living stipend, health insurance, and training.
Eligibility
2 or more years of relevant experience in the nonprofit/NGO/social sector
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
English proficiency (oral, writing, reading)
35 years or younger
Applying to volunteer in a country other than where you are from
Commitment to return to your home country after the 12-18 month fellowship
Timeline
September 2011 Fellowship:
February 15: Application process opens
April 15: Deadline for applications
April 15 - June 15: English Tests and Interviews for Semi-Finalists
August 29 - September 2: Orientation
September 6: Fellows begin at Host Organizations
March 2012 Fellowship:
August 15: Application process opens
October 15: Deadline for applications
October 15 - December 15: English Tests and Interviews for Semi-Finalists
March 5 - March 9: Orientation
March 12: Fellows begin at Host Organizations
Application Process:
1. Online Application: All applications need to be submitted online. We will not accept applications via email or mail. You will need to create a login and you can save your responses so you can return to the application at any time. The application consists of background information, personal biography, essays, and letters of recommendation.
In order to sponsor candidates to come to the U.S. for one year as a Fellow we require detailed information about each applicant. The U.S. Government requires much of the information we are asking for in the application. Your responses also facilitate your host placement so please answer each question honestly and accurately. It is critical to be honest and complete in your application. If you are found to be dishonest in the application, not only will you not be accepted as a Fellow, but you will be sent home if you have been accepted.
2. Letters of Recommendation: Atlas Corps requires two (up to three) letters of recommendation 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 an Atlas Corps Fellow. You will need to send your request for a letter of recommendation directly through the application system. Your recommender will receive an email that asks for a recommendation. Please note: These recommendation requests will NOT be sent until your application is submitted and applications without at least two recommendations will NOT be considered.
3. Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee including Atlas Corps staff and nonprofit sector, government, and business leaders from multiple countries. Phone interviews and English writing tests will be conducted with semi-finalists. Host Organizations will conduct Skype video interviews with selected finalists. Host Organizations will make their final recommendations to Atlas Corps, and Atlas Corps will notify the selected candidates.
4. Visa Process: After being selected, candidates will go to the U.S. Embassy in their respective countries to apply for a J-1 visa. Atlas Corps will provide support in obtaining this visa.
Location: USA
On the ground
End Date: 08/29/2012
Last day to Apply: 04/15/2011
This opportunity is for: Anyone
The Atlas Corps Fellowship is a 12-month, professional fellowship offered twice a year (March & September). Fellows serve at Host Organizations working on issues that complement their expertise such as (in USA) Ashoka, Grameen Foundation, International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, Population Action International, U.S. Peace Corps,; and (in Colombia) Oxfam GB and the World Wildlife Fund. Fellows learn leadership skills while sharing best practices. Fellows supplement daily knowledge with theoretical topics presented in the Atlas Corps Nonprofit Management Series.
Eligibility Requirements:
* 2 or more years of relevant experience in the nonprofit/NGO/social sector
* Bachelor's degree or equivalent
* English proficiency (oral, writing, reading)
* 35 years or younger
* Applying to volunteer in a country other than where you are from
* Commitment to return to your home country after the 12-18 month fellowship
* Applicants to Colombia program must have Spanish proficiency
Atlas Corps Fellows will receive many benefits but will also assume a certain number of responsibilities. We encourage you to download and read the "Fellow Agreement" below to gain a better understanding of the benefits and responsibilities. Here is a brief list for your reference:
BENEFITS FOR FELLOWS COMING TO THE U.S.:
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, Atlas Corps will reimburse your visa fees, but not the travel to the Embassy.
Training:
Fellows will receive approximately one week of orientation in early September or early March. In addition, Fellows will be enrolled in Nonprofit Management Series training program while in the U.S., generally on the first Friday of every month.
Placement at a U.S. organization:
Fellows will be placed for a full time, 50-week volunteer position at an outstanding U.S. nonprofit organization.
Health Insurance:
Fellows will be enrolled in a basic health insurance plan in the U.S.
Travel:
Atlas Corps will arrange for an economy class round-trip airline ticket from the Fellow's home country to the fellowship host city.
Living Stipend:
Fellows volunteering in the U.S. will receive $14,750 over the course of the year. The stipend is sufficient to cover basic living expenses, including housing, food and transportation for one person. This is more than U.S. citizens receive when they participate in a similar domestic program called AmeriCorps VISTA.
End of Service Award:
After completing the program in good standing and returning to their home countries, Fellows will receive a $1,250 End of Service Award, which includes their $500 deposit returned.
Alumni Network:
After completing the program in good standing, Fellows will be included in a prestigious alumni network to continue learning from each other and supporting each other's work.
COSTS:
Deposit:
Fellows are required to give a US$500 deposit after being accepted into the program, due on the first day of orientation. The deposit will be returned to the Fellows after they return to their home countries, provided they finished the program in good standing.
Other Personal Expenses:
There may be other expenses Fellows may incur. For the most part, however, if they live simply and within their budget, there are few additional costs for a Fellow to participate in the program. Additional personal expenses including travel, entertainment, etc. will be covered by the Fellow. Personal expenses will not be reimbursed.
Please keep in mind:
Candidates who are preliminarily accepted, but do not receive their visas will be responsible for all of their visa related expenses.
Please read the Fellow Agreement and if your questions are not answered, contact apply[at]atlascorps[dot]org.
Application Process:
1. Online Application: All applications need to be submitted online. We will not accept applications via email or mail. You will need to create a login and you can save your responses so you can return to the application at any time. The application consists of background information, personal biography, essays, and letters of recommendation.
In order to sponsor candidates to come to the U.S. for one year as a Fellow we require detailed information about each applicant. The U.S. Government requires much of the information we are asking for in the application. Your responses also facilitate your host placement so please answer each question honestly and accurately. It is critical to be honest and complete in your application. If you are found to be dishonest in the application, not only will you not be accepted as a Fellow, but you will be sent home if you have been accepted.
2. Letters of Recommendation: Atlas Corps requires two (up to three) letters of recommendation 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 an Atlas Corps Fellow. You will need to send your request for a letter of recommendation directly through the application system. Your recommender will receive an email that asks for a recommendation. Please note: These recommendation requests will NOT be sent until your application is submitted and applications without at least two recommendations will NOT be considered.
3. Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee including Atlas Corps staff and nonprofit sector, government, and business leaders from multiple countries. Phone interviews and English writing tests will be conducted with semi-finalists. Host Organizations will conduct Skype video interviews with selected finalists. Host Organizations will make their final recommendations to Atlas Corps, and Atlas Corps will notify the selected candidates.
4. Visa Process: After being selected, candidates will go to the U.S. Embassy in their respective countries to apply for a J-1 visa. Atlas Corps will provide support in obtaining this visa.
Questions? Email apply@atlascorps.org
