VISA JOBS: Join the 2024 Community Solutions Program – Your Path to Change Begins Here!

Join the 2024 Community Solutions Program – Your Path to Change Begins Here!

Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 1st, 2023, by 11:59 P.M. EST

Welcome to the 2024 Community Solutions Program! We are excited to invite you to be a part of this transformative journey. Before you apply, please review the following essential information.

Application Instructions

Applications for the 2024 Community Solutions Program open on Thursday, October 5, 2023, and close on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. All applications must be submitted online at CSP Application Portal. We do not accept applications via mail, fax, or email.

If you have any inquiries, please contact us at apply.csp@irex.org after thoroughly reviewing this document.

Application Tips

Ensure your application stands out with these tips:

1. Consistency is Key: Use one email address throughout your application process to avoid confusion.
2. Online Submissions Only: All applications must be completed and submitted online. No exceptions.
3. Mandatory Questions: Questions marked with a red asterisk are required. If a question doesn’t apply to you, simply write “N/A.”
4. English Language: Except for names and locations, provide all answers in English. Incomplete applications in English will not be considered.
5. Self-Submission: Applicants should complete their applications themselves.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Community Solutions Program, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Age Range: You should be between 26 and 39 years old as of January 1, 2024.
2. Citizenship: You must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries listed below.
3. Residency: You should be living and working in your home country. Refugees supporting their home communities are eligible with special consideration.
4. Community Development Experience: You must have a minimum of two years of experience in community development, either full-time or part-time.
5. Academic/Training/Research Programs: You should not be currently participating in academic, training, or research programs in the U.S.
6. English Proficiency: Demonstrate a high level of spoken and written English proficiency at the time of application. Finalists may be required to take an English language exam or submit recent scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exams.
7. U.S. Travel: Be available to travel to the U.S. for four months on a J-1 visa from August to December 2024.
8. U.S. Citizenship/Residency: You should not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have not applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years.
9. J-1 Visa Eligibility: Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa. Participants of U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs must have fulfilled their two-year home residency requirement.
10. Return Commitment: Commit to returning to your home country for a minimum of two years after completing the program.
11. IREX Affiliation: You should not be a current IREX employee or consultant, or an immediate family member of an IREX employee or consultant.

Eligible Countries

Select your country from the following regions:

• Africa
• East Asia and the Pacific
• Europe
• Middle East and North Africa
• South and Central Asia
• Western Hemisphere

Selection Process

Our selection process is merit-based:

1. After the application deadline, all eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection panel.
2. Semifinalists will be chosen to complete an interview.
3. Finalists and alternates will be selected after the interviews.
4. English language exam or recent passing scores for TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo will be required for finalists.

Community Solutions Program Timeline

Mark these important dates:

• October 5, 2023: Application opens
• November 1, 2023: Application deadline
• November 10, 2023: 2nd round applicants notified for interview recording
• November 10 – November 26, 2023: 2nd round applications reviewed by the selection committee
• November 10 – December 3, 2023: 2nd round applicants complete interview recording
• December 18, 2023: CSP semifinalists notified
• December 18, 2023 – January 15, 2024: CSP semifinalists submit CV
• February 9, 2024: CSP applicants anticipated to be notified if selected as a finalist or alternate
• February 23, 2024: Deadline to accept finalist or alternate status (pending English exam)
• March – April 2024: CSP finalists and alternates take English language tests (if required)
• May 24, 2024: Remaining alternates notified they have not been selected as a finalist
• June 2024: Online pre-departure orientation for CSP fellows
• August 2024: CSP fellows travel to the U.S. and participate in the Welcome Orientation
• August – December 2024: CSP fellows complete a four-month practicum at a U.S.-based host organization
• December 2024: CSP fellows participate in the End of Program Workshop and return to their home countries
• January – June 2025: CSP fellows complete their community-based initiatives

Please write in English language.

EXPERT Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

Here are ten invaluable tips to ensure your application shines:

1. Highlight Your Experience: Showcase your community development experience, emphasizing both your role and impact.
2. Clear Communication: Ensure your answers are concise and articulate, demonstrating your English proficiency.
3. Refugee Status: If applicable, provide compelling evidence of how you’ve contributed to your home community as a refugee.
4. Commitment to Return: Emphasize your dedication to returning to your home country and making a lasting impact.
5. Eligibility Proof: Be thorough in your eligibility documentation, leaving no room for ambiguity.
6. Professionalism: Craft a professional application, as it reflects your commitment to excellence.
7. English Proficiency: Show your language skills through polished responses and, if needed, English exam results.
8. IREX Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with IREX and our mission to align your application with our values.
9. Community Initiatives: Describe potential initiatives you’d like to undertake, aligning them with the program’s goals.
10. References: Include references that can attest to your dedication and ability to thrive in the program.

We look forward to receiving your application, and best of luck in your journey to be part of the 2024 Community Solutions Program!