Program Objectives:

1. to provide USAID with new specialists in the international health field (with fresh ideas and state-of-the-art information, etc.); who will enhance the effectiveness of developing-country health, nutrition and population programs;
2. to establish and foster a cadre of field-experienced technical experts in child survival and international health; and
3. to provide junior or mid-career level professionals with skills for work in developing countries and to contribute to their career development and commitment.

Program Description:

The purpose of the Health and Child Survival Fellows Program is the identification, placement, backstopping and oversight of junior and mid-level experts in the field of international health. During these assignments, Fellows will participate in the design, implementation and evaluation of programs that support agency SO's. The HCS Fellows Program will provide an opportunity for health experts to develop and practice their skills while promoting the effectiveness of USAID and developing country health programs. Furthermore, USAID staff will mentor the Fellows in the design, implementation and evaluation of health activities in the context of on-the-ground developing country programs.

Selection Procedure:

HCSFP recruits applicants nationally from a variety of sources, including U.S. colleges and universities, international donor agencies, and national and international professional organizations. Minimum qualifications include a master's degree in a health-related field, and a commitment to a career in international health and child survival. HCSFP fellows are employed as permanent staff of Johns Hopkins University. Priorities for selecting fellows for USAID/Washington and overseas fellowships are made by an inter-bureau personnel committee made up of representatives of G/PHN and all regional bureaus. This committee reviews the agency's requests and submits them to the HCSFP Director, who then provides USAID's program manager with a list and applications of potential candidates.

Length of Fellowship:

HCS Fellows are assigned to either USAID/Washington or USAID field missions for a two-year period. Assignments can be approved for a two-year extension with special justification.

The Johns Hopkins University Health and Child Survival Fellows Program (HCSFP) (1989)