1. Global Development Fellows Program
A UC Berkeley graduate student international development-focused program, developed in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development with the support of the Global Food Initiative of the Office of the President of the University of California, the Chevron Corporation and other generous donors
Office of the President

2. Global Development Fellows
Opportunity for graduate students to:
contribute to the search for solutions to complex global development challenges
apply and share problem solving skills and technical knowledge
learn new skills
experience a new context
join a growing professional network sharing a common experience

3. Who else is involved
The UC Berkeley’s Global Development Fellows Program (GDF) is an expansion of USAID’s Research and Innovation Fellowship program, developed to attract the nation’s best minds into the fight against global poverty
Originally focused on National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellows, the program was expanded in to include grad students who are not NSF Fellows from six universities: UC Berkeley, UC Davis, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Chicago, Arizona State University, and Rutgers University
Growing collaboration with other UC campuses, especially UC Davis

4. How does GDF work?
Qualified UC Berkeley graduate level students (enrolled Masters, PhD) have access to an on-line catalogue of opportunities developed from requests from USAID partner organizations
Opportunities eligible for GDF involve 8-12 week assignments during 2016 summer break
If accepted by the organization listing the opportunity, students can apply for a flat $7,500 fellowship to cover travel, housing and other costs associated the opportunity. Some hosting organizations provide additional support.
Fellowships are usually taxable
Note on non-US Citizens

5. Opportunities Generated by USAID partner organizations
Universities, research institutes, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises, local businesses and international corporations
Approximately 150 opportunities requiring graduate-level skills are currently listed
Many opportunities have a STEM focus but others involve social science, management, business, etc.

6. “Bring your own” option
If you are interested in a non-listed opportunity with a qualifying organization, that organization can apply to be listed through the catalog
GDF staff are asked to vet such opportunities but the final decision rests with USAID
The opportunity can be listed as “open” or reserved for UC Berkeley students or even to an individual student
If accepted into the catalog and the hosts selects you for the opportunity, you can apply for GDF funding
Funding is NOT automatic
Note on applicability of criteria to listed opportunities
Note on working on UCB faculty research

7. Criteria for hosting
Must be a non-governmental organization, university, research institution, government agency, philanthropic organization, a not-for-profit entity associated with a private sector company, or a private organization involved in demonstrable development work 
Must be accredited or in good standing within their professional community
Must demonstrate interest and commitment by providing tangible support to Fellows commensurate with their organization or institution’s abilities and capacity

8. Criteria for opportunities
Must be of high scientific merit and feasibility
Must offer the potential for development impact
Must provide a safe and secure work environment which allows Fellows access to all appropriate resources in order to effectively complete their fellowship
Must identify a Supervisor/mentor who is available throughout the duration of the Fellowship and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project 

9. GDF to date 36 GDF Fellows – MDP, Goldman, Public Health, Haas
15 countries; 28 organizations
Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Nepal, the Philippines

10. 2017 Opportunities Up to 41 Fellowships
29 funded by USAID (open but only US citizens and legal residents)
7 funded by UCOP Global Food Initiative (only agriculture and food but open to all)
5 funded by MDP thorough funding provided by Chevron and other private donors
While we would like to use up the funding, we reserve the right to offer fewer fellowships

11. How to find an opportunity
Consult the online Research and Innovation Fellowship catalog:
Find an opportunity that’s right for you and meets GDF criteria?
Follow the online link to create an account
Apply to the host – you can apply to one or many opportunities
Host should get back to you within seven days
Set up a Skype, phone or interview to explore further, negotiate the project scope, timing, etc.
Alternatively, work with a prospective “bring your own” host to get your opportunity listed
Selection
Host makes their selection among applicants and issues a Letter of Invitation - only one invitation per opportunity
Each student can accept only one invitation

12. Securing a GDF Fellowship
Host Letter of Invitation does NOT guarantee a fellowship
UC Berkeley GDF Fellowship applications are due by midnight PST on January 13, 2017
Host letter of invitation
1-2 page resume
Two letters of recommendation (e.g., from faculty, former employers, etc. – at least one from faculty)
Work plan
Budget
Application should be ed to:

13. When do I find out?
On or about February 8th you will receive official notice if you have been accepted into the UC Berkeley Global Development Fellows program
Mandatory orientation session on February 15th, noon- 1pm
You must formally accept the fellowship and commit to the program by February 24th.

14. Then what?
Spring 2017:
Participate in a mandatory no-credit preparation program in which you will refine your scope of work and work plan, develop consulting, presentation and cross-cultural skills, and learn how to stay safe and healthy
Dates (tentative):
Wednesday, February 15 (noon – 1:00pm) Kick off lunch
Thursday, March 16 (5-7pm)
Thursday, April 6 (5-7pm)
Thursday, April 13 (5-7pm)
Saturday, April 15 (9am – 5pm) UC-wide Conference (UC Davis)
Thursday, April 20 (5-7pm

15. And then? Summer 2017 Fall 2017 And beyond…
In-country field work for a minimum of 8 weeks
Fall 2017
Participate in a debriefing event
And beyond…
Continue to connect and collaborate with your host and other Research and Innovation Fellows through the RI Fellows network

16. More info and questions?
Global Development Fellows webpage:
Research and Innovation Fellowships catalog: rifellowships.org
Information for prospective hosts:
Application: content/uploads/2016/10/gdfapplication.pdf
contacts:

17. Questions?