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Embassy of Haiti Announces Haiti’s Future Leaders Fellowship 2015, Class of Jean Price-Mars

The Embassy of Haiti in Washington, D.C. is now accepting applications for the 2015 Haiti’s Future Leaders Fellowship. The fellowship was launched in 2014, and targets graduate students and young professionals of Haitian descent in the United States on the one hand, and university students in Haiti on the other. An initiative of the Embassy of Haiti to the United States, the fellowship is part of the Haitian Government’s commitment to the involvement of its diaspora in the country’s development process.

For the Haiti-bound fellows, the program is an eight-week assignment in Port-au-Prince, from June to August 2015, at key Government institutions. For the 2015 class, the Embassy will select up to five individuals, each with a demonstrated commitment to the development of Haiti.

Fellows will be given the opportunity to work with government officials and gain experience in public administration and policy making, while applying their qualifications to the benefit of Haiti. The program is geared toward candidates with a minimum of bachelor’s degree, with a preference to candidates already possessing a graduate degree. Candidates from all disciplines are encouraged to apply, particularly applicants with knowledge and experience in law, political science, statistics, economics, public administration, business and international development.

Each year, the class of fellows is named after a Haitian historical figure who has demonstrated a passion for public life. The 2015 class will be known as the Jean Price-Mars Fellows. Price-Mars was a Haitian teacher, diplomat, writer, and ethnographer. He held positions in the civil service, served as Senator, was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, and ran for President. He also represented Haiti abroad in numerous key diplomatic posts throughout his long career, including ambassadorships to France, the Dominican Republic, and to the United Nations. The leading figure in Haitian cultural nationalism, Price-Mars co-founded the Institut d’Ethnologie in 1941 where he was chairman of “Africology” and Sociology and served as the institute’s President until 1947.

Selection criteria for the fellowship program include:

  • Proof of academic standing (bachelor’s and/or master’s degree transcript).
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Written and/or verbal proficiency in French and/or Creole preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal abilities, including problem solving, working independently and in groups.
  • Outstanding research and analytical skills.
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and basic administrative capabilities.
  • Demonstrated maturity to work in high-pressure situations with good humor, grace and a positive attitude.
  • Capacity to adapt to new environments.

The fellowships are unpaid. The program will cover travel costs to Haiti, lodging, and transportation to and from the assigned work place. However, all costs associated with personal expenses are the sole responsibility of the fellows. The estimated cost for participation in this fellowship is approximately $4,500 USD. Please note that costs may vary significantly based on personal preferences.

Interested candidates should send their application via email to the Embassy of Haiti at amb.washington@diplomatie.ht NO LATER THAN February 6, 2015 and include “Haiti’s Fellowship” in the subject line.

Application packages must include:

  • Letter of interest (1 page)
  • Professional resume
  • Academic transcript
  • An original writing sample on the below listed topic.
  • Three current letters of recommendation outlining why you should be selected in the program. Specifically, one professional, one academic, and one character reference from a non-relative.

Please note any late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview by the Fellowship Selection Committee. Information on selection status will not be provided by phone.

Writing Prompt

Please submit a prompt on the following topic:

There are many Haitian – Americans who have made their mark throughout history in the United States. One of these notable persons is the visionary entrepreneur Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. How do his contributions in the United States inspire you as a fellow Haitian American? Also explain how his pioneering spirit motivates you to participate in this fellowship?

Page requirements: 3 – 5 pages
Spacing: No more than 1.5
Margins: 1-inch all around