Employment
CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWSHIP – FULL-TIME PAID POSITION
***The application deadline for the 2013 Congressional Fellowship is now passed. All who applied before the January 30th deadline will be contacted shortly. Please note that applications for a 2014 Congressional Fellowship may be submitted for review according to the guidelines below.
Becket Fund for Religious Liberty Fellowship – Established in 2011, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty’s Congressional Fellowship is designed to help bring talented people interested in international religious freedom into the field of public policy. The fellowship is open to recent college graduates in the fields of political science, religion, law, journalism, international relations, or other relevant studies.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty is the nation’s premier legal and educational institute dedicated to defending the religious expression of all faiths. Becket is launching a congressional fellowship program to expand knowledge and awareness about Congress to those interested in the defense of religious liberty worldwide. For one year, fellows will gain “hands-on” understanding of the legislative process and international religious freedom by serving on congressional staffs. Through this unique opportunity, the Becket Fund will give recent graduates with a demonstrated commitment to religious liberty and public policy an opportunity to learn more about Congress and the legislative process through direct participation.
A comprehensive orientation begins in February. Office assignments as full-time legislative aides in the House of Representatives and/or Senate run for one year. Fellows receive entry level salary commensurate with experience.
QUALIFICATIONS
- U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency;
- a college degree completed within the last three years; and
- a demonstrated interest in international religious liberty, foreign policy and the policymaking process.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong background in international religious liberty and be committed to building a career in public policy. Research experience, including experience conducting interviews, ideally in the context of religious liberty or international affairs research, is required. Field experience internationally is strongly desirable. Applicants must have exceptional analytic skills and excellent oral and written communications skills in English. Proficiency in one language in addition to English is strongly desired as is familiarity with countries or regions where serious religious liberty violations occur.
Applicants should be highly motivated and well-organized; able to work quickly and well under pressure, both independently and as a member of a team; juggle multiple tasks; and meet tight deadlines. The Fellowship year will require creativity, initiative, perseverance, and flexibility while maintaining Becket’s high professional standards.
INTERVIEWS AND SELECTION
Fellows are selected in a nationwide competition. Candidates must first submit their applications for a paper review before being invited for an interview. Interviews take place at the Becket offices in Washington, DC in early January 2013. Fellows will also interview with congressional offices and committees in order to secure a placement.
Becket does not reimburse travel to and from interviews or provide hotel accommodations. Applicants not currently in the United States must fund their own transportation, should they be selected for an interview.
APPLICATION
There are no application forms. Please submit the following, in order:
- a detailed resume and cover letter;
- a transcript (unofficial);
- a personal statement explaining how the Congressional Fellowship relates to your professional goals (around 500 words);
- the names and contact information for two professional references who have agreed to write letters of recommendation with letters of recommendation; and
- a sample of your best writing (one published or unpublished manuscript and preferably related to an area of public policy or religious liberty).
SALARY AND BENEFITS: The salary for 2013 fellows is entry level commensurate with experience.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 30, 2013
Please send applications to Tina Ramirez at tramirez@becketfund.org.
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