Catholic Relief Services (CRS) 2025 International Development Fellows Program for Fellowship

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Fellowship Requirements

• Graduate degree in a relevant field
• Minimum of two years of work experience, including minimum of six months of 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)
• Able to work in locations with infectious diseases and limited access to medical facilities.
• Graduate degree (Master’s level or higher) in relevant field (e.g. Sustainable Development, Global Affairs, Development Economics, Public Administration, Agriculture, Health, Business, Finance, Supply Chain).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

• Strong relationship management skills, able to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds (in-person and virtually), able to influence without authority.
• Effective communicator; able to develop tailored and influential messaging for varied audiences, proficient in virtual work setting.
• Develops others; able to listen, support and mentor.
• Flexible; willing to work in developing countries around the world.

Required Languages

• Fluency in English with strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Professional proficiency in a second language (preference given to major languages where CRS works (e.g. French, Arabic).

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel within country of assignment 10 -25% of the time

Offered Benefits

• CRS provides basic furnished housing for each Fellow, which is usually an apartment or house near the CRS office or near the homes of other CRS staff. The Fellow’s house will have electricity, running water, internet, and security services (if necessary). CRS does not provide TV and cable subscriptions.
• Fellows are salaried employees and enjoy comprehensive benefits. Fellows also receive an allowance for relocation and, depending on their country of assignment, may be eligible for additional allowances such as cost of living allowance and/or rest and relaxation. 
• CRS covers the Fellow’s travel to their country of assignment. In the event of a life-threatening illness or accident, Fellows as well as accompanying dependents on assignment have access to CRS’ medical assistance vendor who can facilitate emergency care anywhere in the world.
• Fellows can access providers around the world through CRS’ health plan with Aetna International. The health plan includes medical and vision coverage with zero deductible for in-network providers and low coinsurance and copayments. Comprehensive dental benefits are available to Fellows as well.
• 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 workday.

Application Process