The next Kiva Fellows application deadline is approaching on June 30th, and training will begin in October 2010. The Kiva Fellows Program gives people a unique chance to travel to another country and experience firsthand the effects and realities of microfinance by cooperating directly with a host MFI. The Kiva Fellow position is unpaid and volunteer-based, with the goal of enhancing Kivas impact and providing participants with a special insider experience. The fellowship has been hailed by previous participants as a fantastic entry point for a career in microfinance or international development. To learn more about the program and the application process, kindly click here. Additionally, watch the video below to learn more about Kiva Fellow Rob Cavese’s travels to the Philippines and Tajikistan.
Countries where Kiva Fellows have served
All fellows are essential to supporting operations and keeping an eye on Kivas Field Partners. They meet with borrowers, record Kiva procedures, lead trainings, and collaborate with field staff to increase productivity. Each fellowship is unique, and a fellow’s work plan may change once they are on the ground due to changing priorities or adjustments to their portfolio.
Some fellows may also work on partner credit program design and management, partner risk management and strategy development, or Kivas impact measurement initiatives. Other examples of deliverables include finding and cultivating new partners, blogging while on the ground, and sharing images and videos that illustrate Kivas impact.
Maryse Martin, CARE: The Kiva fellowship provided me with the indispensable practical experience I required to leave the private sector. Working closely with partners and interacting with beneficiaries made me feel incredibly alive. Really wonderful on both a personal and professional level!
Izyumenko, Oleg, of AlphaCE Coaching I now work as a teacher, assisting refugees in learning the fundamentals of Swedish culture, society, and language.
Ariadni Liakis, FINCA Haiti: The Kiva fellowship was a wonderful career break with the opportunity to explore new horizons after working in the audit and banking sectors for ten years. The connections between you and your work solidify who you truly are because the experience has heart.
The Kiva Fellowship application is now open. Please visit our careers page here to explore open positions.
Considering that the Kiva fellowship is a full-time, six to twelve month program, prospective candidates must be able and willing to commit to the entire time frame.
Kiva fellows come from a variety of backgrounds and have gone on to work at businesses and organizations like Apple, Grameen America, Save the Children, and IDEO in a variety of fields around the world. org, Box, Oliver Wyman and USAID.
Our application is now open. Please visit our careers page to explore open positions.
What are the minimum requirements for becoming a Kiva fellow?
By the start of training week, Kiva fellows must be 21 years old. You must be able to legally travel to the U. S. You will require a laptop to use both during the week-long training program and while you are out in the field. You must also be fluent in English.
What is the time commitment of a Kiva fellowship?
The Kiva fellowship is a full-time, 6-12 month commitment. Although candidates who can dedicate a full year are preferred, those available for six months will also be taken into consideration. There will be a chance for those who pledge to serve for six months to apply for an extension to continue for another six months.
Is the fellowship a paid position?
All Kiva fellowships are unpaid, volunteer positions. However, the Kiva Fellows Program has a small budget to help offset costs by paying fellows’ monthly living expenses (about $1,000/month, disbursed monthly and based on a standardized per diem rate – no receipts required) and fellowship-related travel (up to about $2,500 total – receipts required). Fellows are accountable for submitting monthly expense reports so that reimbursements can be processed.
What will my costs be as a fellow?
Although Kiva offers modest travel and living expense reimbursements, these are unlikely to cover all of the fellowship costs. The overall cost of the program varies according to the country/city you are assigned to as well as your personal travel and lifestyle. You must conduct research on the cost of living, round-trip transportation, visa requirements for the destination nation or city, as well as travel arrangements and lodging for the training week. Include any potential travel expenses and the cost of visiting clients. Consider setting up a personal fundraising page through our collaboration with Generosity if you anticipate needing to raise money to supplement the reimbursements provided by Kiva. com once accepted into the program.
Will I need to get my own travel insurance?
All fellows are covered under Kiva’s travel insurance policy. Preventative healthcare is not covered by this policy, but fellows are covered for health issues that may arise while they are working in the field, as well as for emergency evacuation in the event of a serious medical emergency, civil unrest, or a natural disaster. Upon acceptance into the program, Kiva will provide more information regarding its insurance policy.
How do I apply?
By reading the posted job descriptions and applying for the position (or positions) that you believe you are qualified for, you can apply for any open fellowship position. We need a resume, but we don’t look at cover letters. You will need to answer several application questions; keep in mind that there is no way to save a draft of your application, so we advise writing your responses to the short essay questions in a different document before copying and pasting them into the application. The primary application inquiries are as follows: 1) What specifically qualifies you for this position? 2) Please explain your motivation for applying and how being a Kiva Fellow will advance your professional and personal objectives. 3) Give an example of a memorable experience that demonstrates your capacity for adaptation in a foreign setting. 4) Describe your ideal day as a Kiva Fellow and how your work will advance the organization’s mission.
Can someone who is not a U apply for a fellowship? S. citizen?.
At Kiva, we place a high value on having a global culture, so we encourage international applicants to apply. However, fellows are in charge of securing the required visas on their own, whether for participation in training week in San Francisco or for their host country or countries.
If I only speak English, am I still eligible to be a Kiva fellow?
Language requirements and preferences are noted on all job descriptions. There are still options for candidates who only speak English because we do work in a number of nations where English is spoken (and/or where the Field Partner staff speak English).
Is this a viable option for my first international immersion experience?
When they start their fellowships, the most successful Kiva Fellows have already spent a significant amount of time abroad. Because the fellowship involves a deep immersion experience, a fellow’s ability to adapt to different cultures is essential to their success. A person with more prior international experience will typically find it easier to adjust to cultural differences and get started right away.
Is it secure to volunteer in a particular area, nation, or city?
Given recent events, Kiva follows a security policy to decide whether we feel comfortable sending fellows to particular locations. However, we advise you to conduct in-depth research to decide whether you feel comfortable visiting a specific nation, area, or city. Kiva will never send you somewhere you are not comfortable. We want you, your field partner, and Kiva to have a wonderful experience.
Will I have enough time to explore and take in the sights while I’m abroad?
Your primary responsibility as a Kiva fellow is to carry out the tasks listed in your workplan. In general, Kiva and its field partners have been accommodating of quick trips for sightseeing as long as there was adequate notice and a reasonable amount of time.
Who are my contacts at Kiva while in the field?
The Kiva Fellows Program Team as well as one or more direct managers who are typically based in the area where you are working will support you.
What are my housing options?
For the duration of their fellowship, Kiva fellows are responsible for securing their own housing. Previous Kiva fellows have resided in homestays, privately rented apartments, apartments or houses that they shared with others, or hotels close to their places of employment. While some Kiva fellows arrange their lodging before departing, others find it more convenient to do so once they have arrived at the destination.
What kind of visa should I apply for?
The Kiva Fellows Program lacks the resources to assist fellows with their efforts to obtain visas. You must conduct research to determine which type of visa is best for your intended length of stay in the destination nation. If required, Kiva can provide a letter of support.
What vaccinations will I need?
Vaccination requirements vary from country to country. In addition to doing some preliminary research on this subject, you should get in touch with your neighborhood travel clinic to learn more about their recommended vaccination schedule. Our medical/security assistance partner International SOS may have more information available.
What training is provided for Kiva Fellows?
Each class of fellows must complete a 5-day training course at Kiva HQ in San Francisco before heading out into the field. It discusses the Kivas model, the resources and tools you’ll need, as well as the particulars of the deliverables you’ll be making in the field. It will also give you the opportunity to get to know your fellow Kiva students, program alumni, and the Kiva staff. Prior to reporting to Kiva HQ, we anticipate fellows to complete a few training modules on their own time. Additional remote training sessions are held throughout the fellowship.
Can I get a job at Kiva after my fellowship?
While we would love to hire all of our incredible colleagues, it is simply not possible. Although Kiva does not convert fellowship positions into staff positions, if a position were to open up, we would take current or former fellows into consideration just like we would any other applicant submitting an external application.
How does Kiva help with the job search process?
The Fellowship Program offers access to a number of workshops for professional development as well as contacts throughout the Kiva network and beyond. Managers may also offer recommendation letters following the successful conclusion of a fellowship.
Is there a Kiva Fellow Alumni network?
Yes, all program graduates who are successful will be accepted into our community of Kiva Fellow Alumni. With 800 members, this vibrant community of international change-makers offers a wealth of opportunities for friendships and business relationships. Our exclusive LinkedIn and Facebook groups, as well as in-person at sporadic events, are great places for alumni to connect.
What chances are there for former Kiva Fellows to continue working with Kiva?
The Kiva family values its Kiva Fellow Alumni, and they have many opportunities to continue to be involved with Kiva and the Fellows Program. By speaking with applicants and/or fellows accepted into the program, many alumni engage in active participation in the program. Alumni are also encouraged to attend events, speak on behalf of Kiva, and share their experiences with their home communities. A quarterly newsletter will also be sent to all alumni, and they will all be invited to Kiva and Alumni Recognition events.
Send an email to a member of our team if you have a question that wasn’t answered here.