The Department of State is the President's primary advisor on the conduct of international relations. The Department recommends and implements U.S. foreign policy, managing human and material resources to engage with over 162 countries and numerous international organizations. The Department's professionals address critical national security challenges across the globe, while working in this country with a broad spectrum of other government agencies, Congress, the non-profit and private sectors and representatives of foreign governments and entities.
Since the end of the Cold War, the range and complexity of issues facing the international community have grown exponentially. The Department of State has launched a "Franklin Fellows Program" in order to strengthen its ability to deal with this plethora of issues and to draw on the expertise of mid-career professionals working in disciplines related to them. Fellows, serving as consultants, will provide background and policy recommendations within their host offices and will undertake other duties as directed, including representing the Department in the interagency context and possibly traveling internationally on Department business.
Talented, imaginative mid-level professionals not only will enrich the Department's deliberations on foreign policy formulation but also will be of even greater value to their home organizations when they return. The Department is ready to accept nominations from universities, non-governmental organizations and public or private sector employers for Franklin Fellows to work one to two years on these vital issues. The Department is also ready to accept offers of financial support for highly qualified individuals whose organizations may not be able to offer full support during the fellowship period. The Department will accept self-nominations but such individuals need to know that the Franklin Fellows Program is not funded by the U.S. Government; outside funding may not be available. Nominations, offers of financial support or general inquiries should be submitted to FranklinFellowsProgram@state.gov.
Please note that nominees must have at least five years' professional experience and must be U.S. citizens able to qualify for a security clearance.
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Please click here to download the Position Descriptions.