MPAC's Policy Research Fellowship Program

April 24, 2012


The Muslim Public Affairs Council’s Washington, DC, office is looking for the best and brightest fellows who are interested in faith-based policy research and advocacy in the heart of the nation. MPAC’s Policy Research Fellowship is for individuals who are seeking a career in public affairs, public policy research and advocacy.

Background:

Founded in 1988, MPAC is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media, Hollywood and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of American Muslims.

MPAC’s Washington, DC, office serves as the primary interface between the American Muslim community and the policy-making community comprised of the administration, Congress and think tanks. Our goal is to expand American Muslims voices on public policy discourse on Capitol Hill and within government agencies and to contribute to the establishment of fair and effective policies.

In 2013, MPAC will select three Policy Research Fellows who will each participate in a four-month fellowship, which will include:

  • Conducting research on pressing policy issues, and producing policy products which will be used by MPAC staff to engage policy-makers
  • Engaging Congressional offices, government agencies and civil society organizations regarding their research
  • Networking with high-caliber professionals from a multitude of backgrounds in our nation’s capital

MPAC is looking for someone who has completed at least one year of a post-undergraduate degree and seeks a career in public policy and/or civic activism. The fellowship is a paid, part-time position for the time period of a semester or four months (depending on which comes first).

Fellows are required to produce three to four white papers that are about five to seven pages in length. They are also tasked with working side-by-side with the Government Relations staff on advocacy work with Congressional offices, government agencies and civil society organizations.

Program Structure

  • One fellowship is awarded per academic semester, or every four months
  • Each fellow is paid $3,500 during the course of the program
  • Preferably, the fellow will live within the Washington, DC, area and must be available part-time (20-25 hours per week), but a distance fellowship might be considered.
  • Each fellow will directly assist the MPAC staff in advocacy outreach efforts to Congressional offices, federal departments and civil society groups

Applicant Qualifications

  • Must be committed to MPAC’s philosophy and civic approach
  • Required to virtually commute to the DC office to fulfill hours
  • All sessions allow for a remote fellowship; however, it is preferable if the fellow could spend a one-week period at the DC office for Capitol Hill advocacy activities.

Required Documents

Applicants must mail or e-mail the following documents:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter addressing how the applicant believes the fellowship will advance both his/her career goals as well as MPAC’s work on Capitol Hill
  • List of three references with their contact information
       - At least two must be academic
       - The third may be professional or academic
  • Unofficial academic transcript from most recently graduated university/college
  • A three-page writing sample relevant to the topic of the incoming fellow’s research topic at the DC office (Information about the topic can found in the “Graduate Fellowship Research Topic” document)

All applications and any questions about the Policy Research Fellowship should be sent directly to Saif Inam, MPAC's Policy Analyst, at saif@mpac.org or 202-547-7701.

We are no longer receiving applications for MPAC Fellowships.




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