Preparing the Future Research Fellowship on the Vatican’s engagement on peace, development, human rights, and ecology

University of Notre Dame, United States

Updated: 8 days ago
Location: Notre Dame, INDIANA
Job Type: Temporary
Deadline: 22 Apr 2024

Position Information


Job Title Preparing the Future Research Fellowship on the Vatican’s engagement on peace, development, human rights, and ecology
Job Description
This 11-month research fellowship (September 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025) provides an opportunity for a qualified professional to contribute to the work of the Holy See on peace, development, human rights, and ecology. The fellow will be a research associate of the University of Notre Dame’s Rome Global Gateway; the fellowship is co-sponsored by Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and the Catholic Peacebuilding Network, with the generous support of Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities. The fellowship is part of a wider effort to develop a new generation of lay women and men to serve the Catholic Church in its mission of transforming the social order in light of the Gospel. 
For 10 months, the fellow will do research either with the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development or Caritas Internationalis (CI) (or, if appropriate, another Vatican entity engaged in peacebuilding). The Vatican entity selected will be a mutual decision of the fellow, the entity, and the search committee. 
The Fellow will work on one or more policy- or practice-related research projects developed in consultation with and that would fit with the priorities of the Dicastery or CI.  The nature of the research project(s) could involve one or more of a variety of different activities, such as publishing an academic paper or policy report, developing a training manual or strategic planning tool, or planning and writing the substantive report for a major event. 
Supervision of the fellowship will be joint between the Vatican entity and Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, the Catholic Peacebuilding Network and the Gateway. The Vatican entity would be the fellow’s primary supervisor and determine their daily scope of work. The Gateway and CPN would supervise that portion of the project that would directly benefit them.  
For 1 month (which could be spread across the year), the fellow will work on a project connected to the fellow’s work for the Holy See that would also benefit the Rome Gateway, the Catholic Peacebuilding Network (CPN), and the Kroc Institute. 
Engagement with Notre Dame. The fellow’s engagement with Notre Dame programs will include the following: ·       
  • As a way to help promote/ disseminate the fellow’s research project(s), and the related work of the Vatican entity and the Notre Dame sponsors, the fellow will help organize a lecture or panel co-sponsored by the fellowship sponsors (and possibly the Vatican entity) and hosted by the Rome Gateway. This event will take place before June 30, 2025. ·       
  • The fellow will submit a blog (750-1000 words) or comparable piece for publication by the sponsors. ·       
  • The fellow may be invited to participate in one or more relevant webinars, podcasts, and/or classes for the Notre Dame sponsors. 


The fellow would be encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to discern and deepen their sense of vocation, such as: ·       
  • The fellow will have regular opportunities to engage with the rich ecclesial, spiritual, and other resources in Rome, including those offered through the Rome Gateway. The fellow would be strongly encouraged to do a 3-day spiritual retreat on a long weekend. 
  • The fellow will meet regularly (once per month) with a designated person from CPN and/or the Gateway – and other times, as needed, with specialists from Kroc and other entities at the Keough School – to discuss substantive issues that relate to their project. 
  • The fellow will have the opportunity to consult with the sponsoring organizations to identify post-fellowship opportunities with Catholic organizations or other entities.
Minimum Qualifications
  • A master degree in a relevant field.
  • For the Dicastery: Fluency in English; proficiency in Italian strongly preferred; proficiency in Spanish acceptable if no Italian. 
  • For Caritas Internationalis: fluency in English; knowledge of French, Spanish, or Italian would be helpful but not required.   
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to their Catholic faith and, specifically, Catholic social teaching; and an interest in and ability to work effectively in and with Vatican and other Church institutions.
  • Strong research and writing skills in English.
  • Willingness to relocate to Rome 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong interpersonal, intercultural, and diplomatic skills needed for engagement with the global Catholic community, governments, international institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
  • Interest in working for the Church in some capacity as a vocational and career choice.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants should submit the following:
1.  Cover letter that explains the applicant’s interest in the position, relevant skills and experience, and issue areas of special interest.
2.  Resume / Curriculum Vitae
3.   A recent publication or other writing sample.  
Department VP-Assoc Prov for Internationaliztn (28401)
Department Website
Family / Sub-Family No Eprism / Intl _No Eprism
Career Stream/Level Other
Department Hiring Pay Range Euro 32,000
Pay ID Monthly
FLSA Status T1 - Non-exempt Temp/On-call Hourly
Job Category Other
Job Type Temporary
Schedule: Days of Week & Hours
Schedule: Hours/Week
Schedule: # of months 11


Posting Detail Information


Job Posting Date (Campus) 04/09/2024
Job Posting Date (Public) 04/09/2024
Job Closing Date 04/22/2024
Posting Type Open To All Applicants
Posting Number S24866
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.nd.edu/postings/34187