Future Research Fellow: Global Peacebuilding & Strategy

Preparing the Future Research Fellowship with Caritas Internationalis (CI) (Rome, Italy) Location: Rome, Italy | Salary: €30,000 - €45,000 | City: Roma

University of Notre Dame Roma | Sponsors: Caritas Internationalis, Notre Dame Rome, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, Catholic Peacebuilding Network (CPN), Nanovic Institute for European Studies.

This fellowship is part of a strategic effort to produce comprehensive guidelines that support Caritas organizations worldwide. The fellow will help these organizations adapt their programming, advocacy, and fundraising strategies to a shifting global landscape marked by foreign aid cuts, conflict proliferation, and geopolitical competition.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Analysis: Review existing literature from regional/national Caritas offices and analyze survey responses regarding the IHD framework.

Landscape Assessment: Present an overview of the fundamental changes in the NGO operating environment (programming, advocacy, and fundraising).

Strategic Development: Identify key IHD components requiring deeper understanding and highlight the comparative advantages the IHD framework provides in a competitive environment.

Document Production:

Produce an analytical index for the IHD guidelines.

Co‑write the first draft of the guidelines (to be presented November 2026).

Manage the feedback and revision process (January–February 2027).

Finalize the English version of the document (by April 2027) for the Caritas Confederation General Assembly.

Engagement with the University of Notre Dame

Public Programming: Help organize a lecture or panel co‑sponsored by CI and Notre Dame Rome before June 30, 2027.

Publications: Submit a blog post (750–1,000 words) or comparable piece for publication by the fellowship sponsors.

Knowledge Sharing: Participate in relevant webinars, podcasts, or classes as invited by Notre Dame sponsors.

Professional & Vocational Development

Mentorship: Monthly meetings with representatives from the Catholic Peacebuilding Network and Notre Dame Rome.

Specialist Access: Consultations with experts from the Kroc Institute and the Nanovic Institute.

Spiritual & Ecclesial Growth: Regular opportunities to engage with the rich resources available in Rome.

Career Guidance: Opportunities to consult with sponsors to identify post‑fellowship roles within Catholic organizations or other global entities.

Supervision Supervision is a joint effort between Caritas Internationalis, Notre Dame Rome, the Catholic Peacebuilding Network, and the Nanovic Institute. CI will serve as the primary supervisor for daily operations.

Qualifications

Education: A Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., International Relations, Theology, Peace Studies, Development).

Language: Fluency in English required. Proficiency in French, Spanish, or Italian is an asset but not required.

Mission Alignment: Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the Catholic faith and Catholic Social Teaching (CST).

Institutional Literacy: An interest in and ability to work effectively within the Vatican and other Church institutions.

Communication: Exceptional research and writing skills in English.

Location: Willingness to relocate to Rome for the duration of the fellowship.

Preferred Qualifications

Diplomatic Skills: Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills necessary for engaging with the global Catholic community, governments, international institutions, and NGOs.

Career Goals: A clear interest in working for the Church as a vocational and career path.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.

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