Program

Franklin Fellows Program

Organization

U.S. Department of State

Opportunity Type

Fellowship

About the Program

President Obama has stated that "government does not have all the answers, and…public officials need to draw on what citizens know." Therefore, he directed the Administration "to find new ways of tapping the knowledge and experience of ordinary Americans – scientists and civic leaders, educators and entrepreneurs – because the way to solve the problems of our time…is by involving the American people in shaping the policies that affect their lives." The Franklin Fellows Program is a unique and innovative executive development vehicle via which the government taps citizens’ knowledge and which enables approved organizations to promote public service by their professionals. Mid-career and more senior Franklin Fellows, both sponsored and self-nominated, work on global issues of vital importance to the United States, such as the environment; counterterrorism; human rights; consular matters; international development assistance; HIV/AIDS and other trans-national diseases; trade, energy and financial policy; and many others. Franklin Fellows may interact via the interagency process with other government and international entities, such as the NSC, the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, other Executive Branch agencies and the United Nations. They will return to their home organizations and communities with a much-enhanced knowledge of foreign and development policy issues and government operations and culture. Particularly if your organization has an international focus or does projects abroad, the Franklin Fellows Program is an ideal way to position your organization to excel.

Approved, non-federal entities may participate in the Franklin Fellows Program as follows: First, such entities, once approved by the Department of State or USAID, may continue the salaries and benefits of their nominees who are selected. Remuneration for Fellows who are being funded directly by their nominating organizations shall remain the sole jurisdiction of the Fellow and the home organization. These Fellows will serve in the Department or USAID as unpaid consultants/experts. Second, approved, non-federal entities may donate funds as a gift to the Department of State for support of otherwise-unfunded State or USAID Fellows. Third, approved, non-federal entities may nominate Fellows whom they fund partially or not at all. The Department of State and USAID would rely on donations, if available, to support unfunded or partially-funded fellows. At present, no such donated funds are available. The Department of State or USAID will cover most costs associated with the security investigation and clearance. Once a Fellow has begun service, his/her host office may choose to send the Fellow on official domestic or international travel. If such official travel is directed, the host office will pay transportation, lodging and per diem necessary for the official travel.

Materials Required: Franklin Fellows Program application submitted through USAJobs.gov Resume attached to application Statement confirming you meet eligibility requirements (see above), including confirmation that you have the funds to support yourself. List of at least three (3) bureaus in which you are interested in and may possess qualifications to serve in, along with a brief explanation of how your expertise fits these bureaus. See the list of bureaus at the Department of State and the list of bureaus at USAID. Please include the above materials when submitting your application through USAJobs.

Application Deadline

We are not currently accepting applications for this position. Please subscribe to receive email updates regarding this vacancy.

Application Website

careers.state.gov/work/fellowships/franklin-fellows

Additional Benefits

The Department of State or USAID will cover most costs associated with the security investigation and clearance. Once a Fellow has begun service, his/her host office may choose to send the Fellow on official domestic or international travel. If such official travel is directed, the host office will pay transportation, lodging and per diem necessary for the official travel.

Description

The Franklin Fellows Program is open to mid/upper-level professionals from both private-sector and non-profit entities (including NGOs, academia, foundations, associations and others). Such professionals must be U.S. citizens and be able to obtain a security clearance. The clearance will be processed prior to the start of the Fellowship. The Department or USAID will make the final selection and placement of Fellows but will take into account suggestions from the candidate and from the nominating/funding entity, if any. The Fellows will contribute their knowledge and expertise to the strengthening of policy formulation and program implementation within the Department of State and USAID. Further, Fellows may interact with other government and international entities, such as the NSC, Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, other Executive Branch agencies, and the United Nations, depending on their duties. At the same time, Fellows will enhance their own knowledge of government and global issues. Fellows will gain valuable professional experience and enrich their nominating organizations and communities upon their return.

Applicants MUST: Be a U.S. Citizen. Have at least five years of professional experience related to the positions of interest. (Please note that we cannot count internships or part-time/short-term employment as part of that five-year minimum.) NOT be a current Federal employee by the time of the projected starting date. (This is NOT a Federal appointment.) Be able to fund themselves or have outside institutional funding for the duration of the Fellowship. (The Franklin Fellows Program has NO funds available to support Fellows at this time.) Be available to serve for one (1) year as a Fellow. Be able to work full-time and be physically present in the office of assignment. (Telecommuting and part-time work is not permitted.) Be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance but do not need to have a clearance in order to apply. Submit a Financial Disclosure Form prior to serving. Receive an Ethics clearance prior to serving.

Open to residents of:

Open to students attending school in:

Citizenship

• U.S. Citizens

Keywords

Contact

FranklinFellowsProgram@state.gov

Organization Phone

Last Modified Date