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FAQs
1. What is the Israel Research Fellowship?
The IRF is an Israel-based fellowship. It is a year-long program providing gifted and highly-motivated individuals interested in a career in public service or research at the executive level (i.e. law, international affairs, government, and non-governmental organizations) with the opportunity to work in such placements in Israel. Our fellowship hopes to provide the tools which will help in the creation of a community of outstanding leaders and public servants, all of whom are passionate advocates for a sturdy and long-lasting peace in the Middle-East.
Potential placements include the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NGO Monitor, the National Security Council, the Jerusalem Post, as well as a host of think tanks and research centers.
Prof Gerald Steinberg is the Academic supervisor of the program.
2. What does the Fellowship program entail?
The Fellowship is comprised of three key components:
- Placements
- Continuous Professional Training
- Mentoring
Our Fellows are not mere interns. Israel Research Fellows receive substantial levels of responsibility within organizations - be it governmental, media, or a think-tank - where he/she is placed. Each Fellow will be assigned at least one mentor to closely assist and guide the Fellow throughout the year.
The Fellows are never alone. Complementing the guidance provided through the placement, the Israel Research Fellowship personnel maintain an on-going relationship with each Fellow, offering assistance all year long.
The training of the Fellows does not cease when he/she leaves the office. Each Fellow is required to prepare for and participate in a number of professional, academic and educational seminars during the year. The Fellows will have ample opportunity to share their own work with their colleagues at other placements. Above and beyond the skills and knowledge each Fellow gains from his/her placement, the Israel Research Fellowship will lead and provide for regular meetings, web-chats, conference calls and emails, all geared to help further develop skills, deepen knowledge, engage and inspire.
Subsequent to their fellowship year, all Fellows, as part of their agreement with Israel Research Fellowship, are expected to continue contributing to the larger community capacity through public speaking, writing, or training sessions at least twice during the year. Also, after completion of their Fellowship year, each Fellow is asked to serve as a mentor for one of the incoming Fellows. Mentors provide guidance and advice on how to navigate through the fellowship experience and help to create an active network of Fellows, past and present, who will continue to benefit from the fellowship for years to come.
3. Who can apply for the Fellowship?
Our ideal candidates are motivated, driven and interested activists with MA, PhD or Law degrees who are interested in a career in public service. It should be noted that we also consider exceptional college graduates from undergraduate degrees. Work experience is, of course, also taken into consideration.
4. When does the Fellowship start? When does it end?
The Fellowship starts at the beginning of September every year and ends at the end of August. Fellows have to be in Israel by the middle of August - at the latest - for final-round interviews with potential placement agencies. If the Fellow is interviewing for a government position, then s/he has to be in Israel by the end of June at the latest.
5. Is this a paid Fellowship?
Yes. All Fellows receive a generous stipend of at least $2,000 per month for their term of service. The exact amount depends on several factors including how many Fellows have been chosen that year.
6. Is there an option to be a fellow in another country?
The Israel Research Fellowship is purely an Israel-based fellowship, and anyone who can obtain a year-long visa (or is Israeli) is eligible to apply. The Israel Research Fellowship will not cover relocation costs, however, the stipend should be more than sufficient to cover such costs.
7. When is the deadline for submitting an application?
All online applications for the 2013/14 fellowship class must be received by March 15.
8. How many Fellows are selected?
Approximately 10 individuals are invited to become Israel Research Fellows, though this may vary year to year.
9. How does the decision process work?
Once the finalists have been selected from among the candidates, they will be invited for at least one phone or in-person interview. External consultants, as well as IRF staff, conduct the interviews. Such interviews will take place from the beginning of March to the end of April. Those selected as Israel Research Fellows will be notified by May.
After candidates accept, they and Israel Research Fellowship staff will discuss different placement possibilities, stipends and other details of the program including specific commitments expected from the Fellows during and following the Fellowship year. We will then, with the Fellow, schedule one or more appointments with the suggested placement organizations.
10. Remind me, how do I apply?
You can apply, by March 15, directly through the website, by downloading and emailing the forms back to us. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to email Ari Rudolph at: .
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