Applicants can now send in their application for the Catholic Relief Services International Development Fellows Program 2026.
About Catholic Relief Services International Development Fellows Program
Catholic Relief Services’ International Development Fellows Program prepares dedicated global citizens to pursue a career in international relief & development work. CRS empowers Fellows to hone their skills and gain practical field experience while contributing to impactful work. Each Fellow works alongside experienced CRS staff to address critical issues facing developing countries today. CRS invites applicants of diverse backgrounds who are committed to our agency mission and strategy to join the global team.
Designed to Prepare Fellows for Success
The Fellowship is a unique 12-month professional development opportunity, designed to prepare Fellows for success in a range of onward positions with CRS. The Fellowship is centered upon skill building in the following four areas:
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- Activity planning & implementation
- Monitoring, evaluation, accountability & learning
- Resource/budget management
- Reporting
PROJECT DESIGN
- Research, assessments, analysis
- Participatory design
- Results framework & theory of change
- Proposal development
SYSTEMS & OPERATIONS
- Supply chain and logistics
- Human Resources
- Finance & compliance
- Safety, security, risk mitigation
PARTNERSHIP
- Project planning
- Program implementation
- Capacity strengthening
- Reflection & assessment
Minimum Catholic Relief Services Fellowship Requirements
- Graduate degree in a relevant field
- At least six months work or volunteer experience in a developing country
- Fluency in English with strong oral and written communication skills
- Professional proficiency in a second language (preference given to French, Arabic and Portuguese)
- Willingness to work in locations with tropical and infectious diseases and limited access to medical facilities.
Benefits
MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION
Fellows enjoy an international medical plan as well as vision coverage with zero deductible for in-network providers and low coinsurance and copayments.
SAFE FURNISHED HOUSING
CRS provides each Fellow with basic furnished housing, which includes electricity, running water, internet and security services (if necessary). The Fellow’s housing is usually an apartment or house near the CRS office.
PAID TIME OFF (VACATION, SICK, & PERSONAL)
CRS provides Fellows 20 days of paid vacation along with 12 days of sick leave annually. In addition, we offer 4 personal days to attend to emergency or non-emergency situations occurring during a normally scheduled work day.
TRAVEL & MEDICAL EVACUATION
CRS covers relocation costs such as transportation to and from the country of assignment, visas, inoculations, etc. Additionally, CRS provides 100% employer-funded medical evacuation coverage for the Fellow and their dependents.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS (403B)
CRS offers a 50% match on the first 6% of contributions as well as a contribution of 7% of pay regardless of employee contributions, after six months of service. (Note: Employees without a social security number are eligible to participate in an offshore retirement fund with the same contribution calculation.)
CONTINUED EDUCATION
Upon hire, Fellows have access to CRS’ robust online learning platform. Additionally, CRS will reimburse up to $5,200 per year for employees pursuing degrees and professional certifications, after one year of employment.
Selection Process & Timeline
Applications will be accepted until midnight (GMT) on November 1st, 2021. The top candidates will be invited to complete a video interview, language test, and live virtual interview. Please visit the FAQs for more information.
Due to the high volume of applications and the rolling basis of the review, candidates will only be contacted if and when they advance to the next stage of the selection process.
For More Information and to Apply:
Application Deadline:
Application for Catholic Relief Services fellows program closes November 1st, 2021