Call for Applications: MAP Catalyst for Change Fellowship 2024 - 2025

It's that time of the year again when recent law graduates passionate in the areas of migration, women’s rights, and refugee protection, can apply for the Migration and Asylum Project Catalyst for Change Fellowship. The fellows will have an unparalleled opportunity to spend twenty-four months gaining both academic, legal and field experience working in the aforementioned areas, and being part of a movement to build an inclusive and responsive legal protection landscape through a rule of law-focused approach.

The position will be a unique opportunity for a highly motivated candidate to raise awareness around issues related to forced migration and displacement, gain an in-depth understanding of programmes, engage with domestic and international experts, and, most importantly, interact with the migrant and refugee communities in South Asia. The Fellows may be placed in either of MAP’s three primary programmes – support for survivor of sexual & gender-based violence, legal empowerment of migrant workers, and direct assistance to UNHCR-registered refugees.

Terms:

MAP is currently looking for 2-3 fellows to join our office.

Location: New Delhi

Duration: 24 months

Monthly Stipend: ₹50,000 (subject to applicable TDS) along with other benefits.

Date of joining: 1^st January 2024

Requirements:

MAP is looking for applicants who are graduates of law or other related fields, with 0-2 years of experience. Candidates must have a deep commitment towards human rights and access to justice issues

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal aid and representation to migrant and displaced populations in India and refugees registered with UNHCR;

• Engage with the target communities through trainings, meetings and other events to spread awareness on their legal rights and their access to justice;

• Assist in operationalising community legal desks in identified settlements to conduct in-takes and provide individualized assistance to vulnerable clients;

• Conduct trauma-informed interviews with potential clients to identify protection needs, prepare legal/supporting documentation, and perform such other tasks related to casework;

• Engage in programme-based research, policy and advocacy;

• Assist in strengthening MAP’s community-based networks comprising of Paralegal Volunteers, ASHAs, NGOs, community leaders etc., and coordinate their grassroots interventions.

• Assist in maintaining office databases and drafting office correspondence; and

• Such other activities, which are required to meet MAP’s goals.

The Fellow will be carrying out the aforementioned activities under the supervision of the Project Coordinator.

How to Apply:

Please apply by filling the Google form here.

You will be required to upload your resume, a motivation letter and a writing sample, directly through the Google form.

The deadline for receiving applications is 15^th October 2023 (midnight).

Longlisted candidates will be contacted for a written test to be held between 23^rd – 28^th October 2023.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews to be held between 6^th – 10^th November 2023.

Final offers will be issued to prospective Fellows on or before 15^th December 2023.

Selected candidates are expected to join on 1^st January 2024.

Any extensions or modifications to these dates will be notified through our website, social media handles, and emails to prospective candidates.

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the written test and interviews. Due to limited capacity, we are unable to provide individualised feedback to unsuccessful candidates.

Eligibility

Am I eligible to apply?

MAP is looking for applicants who are qualified lawyers, with 0-2 years of experience, with good academic qualifications, and a demonstrated commitment towards human rights and development issues.

Does MAP have a non-discrimination policy?

Yes. MAP also encourages applications from women and non-binary individuals, and people from minority backgrounds.

Does MAP accept non-Indian applicants?

No, currently the MAP-CFC Fellowship is only open to Indian citizens. Preference will be given to applicants who can speak Hindi and local languages.

Can I apply if I am currently a student?

No, the MAP-CFC Fellowship is intended to be a full-time position for recent graduates. You are required to have completed your coursework before the start of the Fellowship. If you are currently a student of law or related subjects, you are welcome to apply for an internship at MAP.

Can I do the Fellowship part-time, with other employment, coursework or a thesis?

No, the MAP-CFC Fellowship is intended to be a full-time position. Fellows will be required to enter into an exclusive contract with MAP and will not be able to take on other paid positions during the period of the Fellowship.

Is previous experience working with refugees and migrants required?

No, prior experience working with migrants and refugees is not required before you apply to be a Fellow. However, any prior experience with displaced communities or other marginalized groups will make your application stronger so please include it in your application!

Is there a grade cut-off for applicants?

No, there is no grade cut-off for applicants for the MAP-CFC Fellowship. However, a strong academic record will make your application stronger.

I applied last year and didn’t receive an offer. Can I apply again?

Yes! An unsuccessful application does not disqualify your candidature. Please utilize the Letter of Motivation to highlight your professional growth and tell us how your application is stronger this year.

Projects and Training

What sort of work are Fellows assigned during their time at MAP?

The main responsibilities of the Fellows will include assisting in providing legal representation in individual cases, providing legal counselling through MAP’s legal response desk, formulating and implementing outreach campaigns in addition to contributing overall to the research and policy work undertaken by the organization. MAP is a small organization; all Fellows should also be willing to take on ancillary and administrative tasks related to their project.

How are Fellows assigned to ongoing projects?

Fellows will be assigned to specific project teams after their training period. This allows us to assess the skills, and strengths of each Fellow and match them with the project requirements. Fellows may be given an opportunity to work on more than one project during the Fellowship period, however, the same is subject to the staffing requirements, performance, and availability of funding.

While we encourage Fellows to inform us of their preferences, we cannot guarantee that Fellows will be assigned their first-choice of projects as the requirement of the project and the strengths of the other team members are also relevant factors in this determination.

Do Fellows receive any training?

Yes, Fellows will be provided training in the first month of the Fellowship. The training will include an overview of existing projects and internal processes, along with the legal and policy framework that they will be required to engage with. Fellows will be expected to finish assigned readings and take initiative to make the most of this training period.

Fellowship Terms

How many fellows will be recruited every cohort?

We are seeking to recruit 2-3 Fellows for the 2024-25 cohort. This number will vary from one year to the next depending on programme requirements and available funding.

Is the Fellowship period flexible?

The starting date for the current cohort will be January 1st 2024, for a period of 24 months, and this period is not flexible. Fellows will also have to undergo a three-month probation period in line with MAP’s standard HR Policy.

Does MAP offer deferrals for successful applicants?

No, at present there is no option of deferral.

Is the stipend negotiable?

No, the stipend is non-negotiable and will be uniform across the 2024-25 cohort. The stipend may be revised annually subject to availability of funds.

Are there any other benefits?

Fellows are provided a modest allowance towards health insurance (subject to availability of funds).

Where are the Fellows based?

Fellows will be based in New Delhi.

What will the working hours be like?

MAP’s working hours are 09:00 am to 05:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays.

Are Fellows entitled to time off?

Yes, all Fellows are entitled to casual and sick leaves, along with weekends and public holidays. The detailed Leave Policy and other internal policies and procedures will be provided to the Fellows on joining.

May I work remotely?

Fellows will be based out of New Delhi and will be required to come in to office. However, in exceptional situation, staff may work remotely in accordance with the organization’s ‘Work From Home’ policy.

Application Process

What can I expect from the application process?

Only complete applications sent via the Google Form within the deadline will be assessed. Applications sent to us directly via email or other portals will not be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be required to appear for a written test, based on which they may be shortlisted for an interview.

What can I expect from the written test?

The written test will be case-study based and will be used to measure your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. Other relevant information will be provided to shortlisted candidates prior to the test.

What can I expect from the interview process?

Interviews will be conducted by MAP’s Project Coordinators and HR staff. The focus of the interviews will be to assess the candidate’s commitment to human rights and their existing knowledge of displaced communities in India.

Where will the interviews be held?

The interviews will be conducted in-person at our New Delhi office, or remotely (subject to the Applicant’s location).

What is the timeline for the application process?

Please refer to the ‘How to Apply’ section above.

I have missed the deadline; can I still apply?

Unless an extension is specifically mentioned, we will not be accepting applications past the deadline. Please keep an eye out for other opportunities on our website’s careers page or try again for the next cohort.