Full-Time
In Person in Washington, D.C
Duration: 12 months
Timeline: Flexible start date between April and August 2025
U.S. permanent residency or citizenship required
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Congressional Ukraine Policy Fellowship is a prestigious, year-long program for mid-career professionals and academics with expertise on Ukraine to work on Capitol Hill.
Organized by Razom for Ukraine and generously supported by the Ukrainian Community Foundation of Philadelphia (UCFP), this Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to directly contribute to U.S. policymaking on Ukraine while advancing your career in the Ukraine policy space.
Fellows will work directly with Members of Congress and their staff or the staff of a congressional committee, on a non-partisan basis to serve their policy and legislative needs. Fellows will work on Capitol Hill and report to the Congressional Committee office they are placed with. Two fellows will be selected each year: one to be placed with a Republican office or committee staff, the other with a Democratic office or committee staff. Each fellow will spend twelve months working with members of Congress and their staff, briefing them on policy issues, participating in Committee hearings, helping draft legislation, and working directly with constituent and community organizations. Exact duties will be determined by the office that the Fellow is engaged by.
Through this program, you will:
● Gain an insider’s view of the legislative process
● Build a strong professional network in Washington and beyond
● Build relationships with Members of Congress, senior federal officials, and their staffs
Program Goals
● Support high-quality research on Ukraine and the development of future leaders in the Ukraine policy space.
● Provide Congressional offices with non-partisan, expert analysis on Ukraine.
● Strengthen U.S. policy on Ukraine through well-informed legislative and policy work.
● Offer fellows the opportunity to shape U.S.-Ukraine relations directly through hands-on policymaking.
Key Responsibilities
As a Congressional Ukraine Policy Fellow, your responsibilities depend on your placement office but will typically include:
● Legislative Support: Track Ukraine-related legislation, coordinate co-sponsors, and provide policy updates.
● Research and Analysis: Analyze U.S. aid and global Ukraine policies to measure impact and recommend solutions.
● Event Coordination: Plan bipartisan Congressional events and support delegations to Ukraine.
● Public Engagement: Foster connections with Ukrainian-American communities and educate Congress on Ukraine’s strategic value.
● Professional Development: Mentor staff and organize training on Ukraine policy and legislative processes.
● Compliance: Document initiatives and assess policy effectiveness, ensuring adherence to Congressional standards.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following qualifications:
● A graduate degree (doctorate, master’s, or professional degree) in a relevant field.
● Academic or professional experience related to Ukraine, such as in national security, public policy, or governance.
● U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency.
● Background check required.
This program is open to mid-career professionals and academics with demonstrated expertise in areas relevant to U.S.-Ukraine relations and policy.
Program Details
● Start Date: Flexible start April – August 2025
● Duration: 12 months
● Location: Washington, D.C.
● Training: Begins with a one-week orientation seminar in Washington D.C. to prepare fellows for their roles.
● Selection: Finalists will be interviewed in March, and selected fellows will be notified of their congressional office assignments no later than May 15th.
Compensation and Benefits. Fellows will receive:
● Annual Stipend: $92,000, distributed in equal installments over the twelve-month Fellowship period.
● Benefits: The stipend is designed to cover the cost of personal health insurance and other professional benefits.
● Travel Allowance: Funding for the one-week orientation seminar.
Program Support
This Fellowship is generously supported by the Ukrainian Community Foundation of Philadelphia (UCFP), established by the Philadelphia-based Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union (UKRFCU).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should click the link to fill out the application Google Form.
FILL OUT THE FORM
The application deadline is March 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The application requires, among other information, a resume, a policy memo, two recommendation letters, and records of relevant academic or professional accomplishments.
For more information, please contact oksana.barchuk@razomforukraine.org.
This program complies with Congressional ethics rules and all applicable federal laws and policies.
POLICIES AND FAQ
1. Do I need to be an expert on Congress to apply?
No! You need to demonstrate your academic or professional expertise on Ukraine and a professional interest in supporting U.S. policy regarding Ukraine.
2. Do I need to specify which Congressional office I’d like to be placed with?
No, you don’t — we’ll work with offices on a bipartisan basis and place each of the two selected applicants with a Democratic and a Republican office.
3. What does the vacation and sick leave policy look like?
This depends on the congressional office you’re placed with.
4. Do I need to relocate to Washington, D.C.?
Yes, fellows are required to relocate to Washington, D.C., for the duration of the Fellowship.
5. Will I be an employee of Razom for Ukraine?
Fellows will not be employed by Razom for Ukraine but will receive the advertised stipend through Razom for Ukraine.
6. Am I required to represent the views of Razom or any other entity outside the U.S. government during the Fellowship?
Actually, Razom will not attempt to control or regulate fellows’ independence of thought or service. Fellows will not be bound to represent the views or positions of Razom, or any other external entity, as a condition of the Fellowship, but they are certainly permitted to call on Razom for information and any other general support required. Fellows may also continue to communicate with past employers and are in fact encouraged to seek needed information from all relevant sources. However, fellows may not compromise the integrity of the advice and assistance rendered to the Federal Government by permitting undue influence by any organization, foreign country, or individual, nor by actions that would suggest such influence.
7. Can I engage in political activities while I’m doing this Fellowship?
Fellows may not engage in partisan political activities, as defined by Congressional rules and regulations, during the term of their Fellowship.
8. Can I take another job outside of this Fellowship?
If it’s agreed to in writing by both Razom and your host office, then it could be possible. In general, fellows can’t accept any other employment or additional reimbursements for services rendered during their term of office except as specifically disclosed in the original application and agreed to in writing by Razom and the host Congressional office. As a condition of the Fellowship, fellows may be required to sign a statement declaring adherence to policies and laws governing codes of ethical conduct.
9. Can I request an assignment to work in the office of a member or a committee staff affiliated with a specific party?
Yes, you may request an assignment in the office of a member or committee staff affiliated with a specific party. While we aim to accommodate such preferences, placements are ultimately determined based on a combination of the fellow’s background, skills, and the needs of the host office.
