New Voices Nonproliferation Fellowship

INFORMATION & APPLICATION PROCESS

General Information and Program Purpose
Issue Areas
Selection Criteria
Salary and Benefits
Application Materials
Submitting Applications
Deadlines
Selection Process
Starting Date for Fellowship

 

General Information and Program Purpose

The New Voices Nonproliferation Fellowship Program invites recent college undergraduate and Master degree graduate students to apply for a one year full-time fellowship with the Arms Control Association in Washington, DC.

During the first six months of this year, U.S. and foreign leaders will make a number of pivotal decisions concerning nuclear weapons policy and approaches to arms control and nonproliferation that will provide a framework for the international security environment for years to come. But much work will need to be done to move from that framework into practical policy approaches and programs. ACA believes that this is the time to work harder and more effectively than ever and sees many ways young people could quickly play a meaningful role. We have also found, however, that resources are stretched thin within our community, making it increasingly difficult for recent graduates to find compensated opportunities, thereby limiting the field, especially for those who have a demonstrated academic interest but simply cannot afford to work below a livable wage.

With the generous support of the Prospect Hill Foundation, the Arms Control Association launched the New Voices Nonproliferation Fellowship in fall 2009.

 

Issue Areas

The Arms Control Association works on a wide array of global security and nonproliferation issues. Applicants are encouraged to explore the Arms Control Association Web site to learn more about our work.

For the 2010-2011 program, ACA is especially seeking individuals with interest and skills related to nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament issues (in light of the New START agreement, Nuclear Security Summit and 2010 NPT Review Conference), nuclear and missile proliferation, Iran and North Korea's nuclear programs, and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Specific work plans will be developed based on the selected fellow’s skills and interests, and will likely include research, writing, policymaker engagement, and other organizing that support the goals of the association.

 

Selection Criteria

Fellows should have completed a Masters-level graduate or undergraduate program in 2009 or by mid-2010 and have demonstrated excellent academic accomplishments and a strong interest in the Arms Control Association’s issue areas. We are not accepting applications from PhD recipients or candidates.

The Fellowship is limited to U.S. citizens or foreign citizens already eligible to work in the United States.

 

Salary and Benefits

The Fellow receives an annual salary of $27,500 plus health benefits, including health insurance and disability coverage.

The Arms Control Association is an equal opportunity employer.

 

Application Materials

There is no application form. Complete applications for the Fellowship must contain the following items:

1.  A signed 1-2 page cover letter that includes the candidate’s name, phone number and email address, as well as description of the candidate’s qualifications, rationale for applying, Fellowship objectives and career goals.

2. A policy/opinion essay of no more than 1,000 words relevant to work of the Arms Control Association. Candidates may submit an essay written for a course or published in another venue so long as it does not exceed the 1,000 word limit.

3. Official transcript(s) detailing the candidate's entire college academic record including undergraduate, graduate and foreign study.  Photocopies of official transcripts are acceptable. When emailing applications, candidates are asked not to include the guide to grades often found on the back of the transcript.  Applicants may scan and email their official transcript or mail it separately from other materials submitted electronically.

4. Two signed letters of reference.  Each letter should address the accomplishments and standing of the candidate; the candidate's interest and experience in peace and security issues; the candidate's ability to communicate, both orally and in writing; the candidate's maturity and judgment, and the candidate's potential to make a significant contribution to peace and security issues.  Photocopies of letters are acceptable.

 

Submitting Applications

We encourage applicants to submit their materials electronically but will also accept paper copies.

Applicants may submit some materials via email and have other items, e.g., transcripts and reference letters, sent in the mail.

Email Applications

Applicants are encouraged to submit all application items as one compiled Adobe PDF file or Microsoft Word document. Reference writers may email their reference letters as a PDF file or Word document directly to email address below.

Email items to [email protected]

In the subject line type: New Voices Nonproliferation Fellowship Application -- name of applicant

Paper Applications

Applicants are encouraged to submit all required materials in a single envelope, which speeds the processing of applications.

Additional requirements:

* Number each page of a multi-page document

* Use 8.5" x 11" paper

Mail applications to:

Arms Control Association
ATTN: New Voices Nonproliferation Fellowship
1313 L Street, NW, Suite 130
Washington, DC 20005

Within one week of the submission deadline, all applicants will receive an email confirming their whether their application was received and whether it was complete. If you do not receive such an email within after that time period, please contact Eric Auner at the Arms Control Association office.

 

Deadlines

The deadline for receipt of all application materials for this round is:

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

 

Selection Process

A panel of experts will review all applications. Top candidates will be contacted for an interview in WashingtonDC, or via phone if the candidate cannot travel to the ACA office. Interviews take place approximately 3-4 weeks after the application deadline.  All unsuccessful applicants will be notified at that time.

 

Starting Date for Fellowship

Anticipated starting date is approximately August 1, 2010. A July or September start date is also feasible depending on the selected Fellow's schedule.