The U.S. Department of State has opened the application period for the next round of the Veterans Innovation Partnership (VIP) Fellows. Successful applicants will constitute the VIP Fellowship Class of 2021, representing the seventh year and cohort of the program. Job announcements on USAJOBS, the U.S. Federal Government's official employment site, will remain live through 11:59 PM EDT on Friday, October 23, 2020.
The VIP Fellowship program facilitates the transition of America's veterans and separating service members to diplomacy and development careers through a yearlong paid professional fellowship at the U.S. Department of State. Fellows are exposed to career opportunities, gain valuable skills for working in the public or private sector, and receive mentoring from experienced professionals, including support from other highly successful VIP program alumni at the Department.
On November 9, 2009, Executive Order 13518, Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government, established the Veterans Employment Initiative. The Initiative is a strategic approach to helping the men and women who have served our country in the military find employment in the Federal Government. VIP was launched in 2014 in support of this initiative and in recognition of a veteran's natural potential as a source of talent for diplomacy and development.
The Office of Global Partnerships (GP) founded VIP as a public-private platform to mobilize networks that promote global affairs opportunities for veterans. In recent years, it has grown into a formal and respected source for a highly sought-after professional cohort of veterans, managed and funded on a yearly basis by the Bureau of Global Talent Management (GTM). During each fellowship period, fellows fulfill the duties of Foreign Affairs Officers or Program Analysts in full-time Civil Service positions Department-wide.
Starting today, eligible veterans may submit applications for the 2020-21 cohort by searching "Veterans Innovation Partnership Fellow" on USAJOBS. The official application period will close October 23, 2020 or as soon as 250 applications are received for each of the two position descriptions. GTM and GP promote this opportunity to potential applicants across the country, from all branches of service, enlisted and officer, to bring diversity and a wide range of backgrounds and experience onboard.
VIP is open to veterans who have recently completed a master's or doctoral degree in International Business, International Relations/Affairs, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related fields. Individuals must apply within two years of completing their graduate program, except for those precluded from doing so due to a military service obligation, who will have up to six years to apply. Successful applicants are able to show outstanding leadership and life experiences, as well as demonstrated excellence in academic, cross-cultural, and communication skills. Selected veterans are placed in a dynamic developmental program in the DC Metro Area.
Additional information on eligibility and application requirements can be found on the VIP Fellowship website at: https://www.vipfellowship.org/.
Follow @VIPFellowship on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn
