International Humanitarian Shelter & Settlements (HS&S) Practicum Fellowship

Background:
The U.S. Agency for International Development: Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, or USAID/BHA, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) has launched the Practicum Fellowship Program to sponsor undergraduate, graduate, and recently-graduated students, helping boost their professional experience and launch their futures in the humanitarian shelter and settlement (HS&S) sector.

As part of a pilot initiative, we will be launching the PRACTICUM FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2024, in addition to our current research fellowship to create more opportunities for SIX (6) students to gain invaluable international experience with working alongside Host Organizations in other countries in the day-to-day activities of professionals in the humanitarian shelter and settlement sector. Participants will travel internationally to selected National Organizations or local Habitat Offices in those countries to support Disaster Risk Reduction or Response activities for a period of three months after a three-month remote training and orientation based in the US.

If you are interested in applying to the Practicum Fellowship and engage in the field of humanitarian shelter & settlements assistance with hands-on experience, please read carefully the following Terms of Reference and fill out the survey as an expression of interest.

Main Goal of the Practicum: 
As a Practicum Student, you will undergo comprehensive exposure to the Shelter and Settlements sector while building skills, expanding your network, and contributing to the development of your career.

Here are the key expectations and guidelines for any interested undergraduate, recently graduated with a bachelor's or a graduate degree, or graduate student that is interested in applying to be a fellow: 

Duration and Timeline:
Collaborate with the program timeline, spanning six months (with the exception of a nine month opportunity with HFHI): Initial three months for remote learning and field planning. Subsequent three months for in-person field support.
The expected timeline is as follows:

• Practicum Call for Applications (January- March 2024)
• Selection and Interviews in collaboration with Host Organization (March-April 2024)
• Initial phase of the practicum – primarily remote (April-June 2024 - Fellow's estimated time commitment is 20 hours/week)
• Subsequent phase of the practicum - predominantly fieldwork (July-September 2024 - Fellow's estimated time commitment is 40 hours/week)
• Final Report (October-November 2024)

Applicant Profile:
Students chosen will be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents from a discipline related to city planning, environmental studies, architecture, engineering, international development, humanities, social studies, or related fields, falling into categories with the following backgrounds:

• Currently enrolled in accredited U.S. graduate school programs.
• U.S. citizens studying abroad in a graduate program or in the final year of their bachelor's degree program.
• Recent graduates (up to three years after graduation).
• Students in the final year of their bachelor's degree program.

Funding Allocation:
Acknowledge the financial support structure:

1. $7,500 stipend (provided in two installments) for each fellow.
2. Up to $8,000 coverage for travel expenses, including air travel, accommodation, meals, transportation, visa, travel insurance, vaccinations, etc.
3. $6,000 allocation for host organizations, ensuring that both participants and partnering entities are adequately supported throughout the program's duration.

Common Tasks and Duties:
Align tasks with Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) or Disaster Response programming on your Humanitarian Shelter and Settlements (HS&S) needs. Common tasks and duties may include program support, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), research, fundraising, grant and proposal writing, communications (including copy-editing, report-writing), partnership-building and engaging with local groups, field visits, supporting trainings, attending sector-specific conferences, events, cluster meetings, administrative tasks, creative projects (photography, videography, podcasts, web design, graphic design), etc.

Selection of fellows:

HFHI will evaluate and shortlist applicants based on the following criteria:

• Citizenship/Residency: The applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
• Educational Background: The applicant can be a student in the final year of their bachelor's degree program, a recent graduate with a bachelor's or a graduate degree with no more than three years post-graduation, or a current graduate student.
• Field of Study: The applicant should be studying or hold a degree in one of the specified disciplines or a related field.
• Position Requirements: The applicant must meet the specific requirements outlined in the position description provided by the National Office or Area Office, including language proficiency, skills, and relevant experience.

Shortlisted applicants will undergo interviews conducted by both the Host Organization and HFHI. The final selection for the available position will be a collaborative decision between the Host Organization and HFHI, ensuring the best candidate is chosen.

Criminal Background Screening: In line with the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, all selected applicants must pass a thorough background screening and will be held accountable to upholding our policies around ethical behavior, including safeguarding and whistleblowing.

Training and Network Support Development:
Fellows will be given the opportunity to receive training and support from their Host Organizations and HFHI over the course of the practicum experience. We encourage selected fellows to reach out to individuals from Host Organizations and HFHI who will make themselves available to provide guidance and support during the 3-months of preparation for your time abroad and during your time at the location you have traveled to.
Support may take the form of promoting the establishment of a local "buddy system", encouraging participation in regular cohort meetings, maintaining communication between the fellow and his/her/their family and friends, and adhering to HFHI policies, including provisions for time off and optional spiritual support).

Housing and On-Site Field Work:
During deployments to the field and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). During site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.
Lodging conditions in the field will be arranged by the fellow with options that should be made available through reference or guidance by the Host Organization. Fellows are expected to understand that the environments in which they will be working are zones where populations are suffering from climate emergencies and conflict. While some locations may not be ideal, they are the places where the work is most needed. 

If you agree with these Terms of Reference and are eager to apply for the position of Humanitarian Shelter & Settlements Practicum Fellow, kindly express your interest by completing the survey by the application deadline: Thursday at 5:00 PM EST, March 14, 2024.