Mercator Fellowship on International Affairs
Note: The call for applications for the 2012/13 programme will be published in February 2012; application deadline will expire on 31 March 2012.
Its own political interests, progressive European integration and ever increasing global expectations of an active role in international politics are increasingly shaping Germany's foreign policy. At the same time, political challenges have now assumed global proportions, from the fight against terrorism through human rights issues, energy supply and climate change to financial policy. These challenges not only demand political awareness and material resources but also, and in particular, competent and committed individuals at the international interfaces. This is where the Mercator Fellowship on International Affairs comes in.
Structure and Organization
The Mercator Fellowship on International Affairs is a project jointly run by the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German National Academic Foundation) and Stiftung Mercator in cooperation with the Federal Foreign Office. It promotes highly-qualified, German-speaking postgraduates of all disciplines who aspire to leadership positions in international organizations. Every year, 20 carefully selected postgraduates from Germany are accepted to the Mercator Fellowship program.
During the course of a 13-month programme, the fellows will work in two or three international organizations or in globally active NGOs, non-profit organizations or business enterprises. The fellows choose their respective work placements during the year based on their individual project outlines. These assignments are supplemented by seminars on international relations issues and key leadership skill development. The 2012/2013 programme begins in September 2012. For the duration of the programme, the participants will receive a stipend, which includes a monthly living allowance of 1,250 euros. Additional grants are available for placements abroad and language training.
The Mercator Fellowship on International Affairs promotes postgraduates not only in Germany, but also in Switzerland, where the Stiftung Mercator Switzerland and the Swiss Study Foundation run the project. Further information about the Mercator Fellowship on International Affairs in Switzerland can be found here: www.stiftung-mercator.ch
Applications
The call for applications for the 2012/13 programme will be published in February 2012; application deadline will expire on 31 March 2012.
Application Requirements
- Outline of a project proposal, stating possible workplaces
- Excellent university degree (to at least master’s level)
- Very good knowledge of English and one other modern foreign language
- At least one year of international experience since leaving school
- At least one year of professional experience (this can also take the form of work experience/internships)
- Maximum age: 29 years (periods spent doing compulsory military or civilian service or raising children may be taken into consideration, allowing such candidates to be older)
- German citizenship
- Very good general education, very good knowledge of international politics and business, wide-ranging personal interests and active social engagement
- Intercultural skills, team player, organizational skills
