The Embassy of Haiti in Washington, D.C. is now accepting applications for the 2016 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 2016, at key Government institutions. For the 2016 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 dedication and commitment to public service. The 2016 class will be known as the Dantès Bellegarde Fellows. Dantès Bellegarde (1877-1966) was a known diplomat, historian and fierce advocate for the ending of United States occupation of Haiti. His appointment in 1921 as Haiti’s Ambassador to France was the beginning of an extensive international political career, which includes Ambassadorships in the United States and the Vatican. He also served as Haiti’s representative to the Permanent Court of Arbitration of The Hague, the Commission of Experts on Slavery and Forced Labor, and Commander of the French Legion of Honor. He was lauded by W.E.B Dubois as the “international spokesman of the Negroes of the World.” His posts in the Haitian government included that of Minister of Agriculture, Public Instruction and Minister of Education, where he is hailed for his sweeping reforms.
- 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 March 1, 2016 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:
The Diaspora represents one of Haiti’s greatest resource and is considered an underexploited asset in the country’s development. In your opinion, what are the causes for the lack of Haitian Diaspora engagement? Also propose manners in which Haiti can more effectively involve its Diaspora in its strategic development process.
Page requirements: 3 – 5 pages
Spacing: No more than 1.5
Margins: 1-inch all around