International Affairs Fellowship in International Economics
The Program
The International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in International Economics, sponsored by Kimberly Querrey, offers business economists as well as university-based economics scholars hands-on experience in the U.S. government to expand their range of thinking and work on international economic policy. Possible host placements for the fellowship appointment include but are not limited to the Federal Reserve Bank, International Monetary Fund, U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Department of Commerce, and relevant parts of the White House. The IAF in International Economics aims to enrich the teaching, scholarship, and research of academics; inform the practice of business economists; and expose policymakers to cutting-edge scholarly research and academic debates.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Applicants must be mid-career business economists or university-based economics scholars.
- Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to a career in international economics or a related field.
- Applicants must hold an advanced degree in economics or a closely related discipline.
- Preference is given to candidates with no significant previous work experience in the U.S. government or at an international organization.
CFR gave me a unique opportunity to participate in intellectual arguments about applying a range of research tools to policy issues. I feel privileged to be able to contribute to the most important debates on the global economy and to work alongside such talented people.
Fellowship Award
The duration of the fellowship is between six and nine months, beginning on a mutually agreeable date. The program awards a stipend of $190,000, as well as a modest allowance for relocation expenses. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR and are not eligible for employment benefits, including health insurance.
For those seeking to spend the fellowship in the U.S. government, CFR will work with the fellow to identify a U.S. government agency willing to serve as a host. The placement is made at the discretion of the host agency and is contingent on the fellow’s successfully obtaining a security clearance, which is granted solely by the U.S. government.
Please note that the 2021-2022 fellowship selections may be subject to limitations caused by COVID-19.
Selection Process
Selection as an IAF in International Economics is based on a combination of the following criteria:
- scholarly qualifications
- professional experience
- firm grounding in international economic issues
- contribution that the fellowship will make to the applicant’s career development
The selection process is highly competitive. Based on the overall application, the selection committee chooses one candidate to be the fellow. CFR will work with the selected fellows to place them in suitable host organizations. CFR cannot guarantee placement at any specific agency or organization.
The IAF in International Economics Fellowship gave me the unique opportunity to sharpen the connections between research and current policy debates
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the program’s eligibility requirements can apply online between July 1 and October 31 on an annual basis.
2020–21 Fellow

George and Cynthia Mitchell Professor in Sustainable Development and James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy Center for Energy Studies Scholar, Rice University
Alumni
A list of former fellows can be found online by visiting Historical Roster of CFR’s International Affairs Fellows in International Economics.
Contact Us
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