2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program Selection Grant
Supports an eligible organization to manage screening, interviews, and selection of 10 fellows and alternates for the 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program.
Funder: Bureau of Human Resources
Due Dates: November 23, 2026 (Grants.gov closing) | November 20, 2026 (NOFO application deadline) | November 15, 2026 / November 20, 2026 (conflicting question deadlines)
Funding Amounts: One cooperative agreement up to $85,855 for 3–6 months; cost sharing required
Summary: Supports an organization to administer screening, panel reviews, and final selection for the 2027 Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship cohort.
Key Information: This is an organizational selection-administration award, not an individual graduate fellowship application.
Description
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Human Resources, Outreach, Fellowships, and Internships Division (HR/OFI) seeks an organizational partner to manage the operational, logistical, and administrative functions of the 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship selection process. The project aims to identify 10 fellows and qualified alternates through a rigorous, standardized, merit-based evaluation cycle supporting the Foreign Service talent pipeline.
The recipient will screen applications, provide secure electronic review and scoring infrastructure, coordinate selection panels and Washington, D.C. evaluations, and manage candidate communications, travel logistics, and panelist honoraria. Work is planned for December 2026 through March 2027, in close collaboration with HR/OFI and the Department’s Board of Examiners (BEX). HR/OFI retains final approval over selection criteria, panelists, schedules, questions, notification lists, and policy decisions.
