Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellow

Location: Karabas (Fiji), Federated States of Micronesia, and Solomon Islands; assignment locations subject to change based on project needs

Fellowship Term: January 2026 – September 2027

Eligibility: U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) only

Deadline to Apply: December 5, 2025

Link to application: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/48c66ddcb40b483cb8865c9556fb66a3

Strengthen Pacific Food Systems and the Blue Economy

Join a cohort of emerging global leaders as a Leland Fellow, an opportunity to work at the intersection of agriculture, fisheries, blue economy systems, and sustainable food systems. Over two years, you’ll support applied research, national planning processes, and community engagement across deeply remote Pacific Island contexts. You will help generate evidence, shape decision-making, and strengthen initiatives that support food security, healthy ecosystems, and sustainable livelihoods.

This fellowship is ideal for someone who is self-directed, culturally intelligent, and inspired by the opportunity to work in one of the world’s most unique and remote regions.

Must-Have Requirements

• • U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency (Green Card holder)
  • Advanced degree or equivalent experience in blue economy, environmental sustainability, natural resources, agriculture, international development, economics, or related fields
  • Ability to thrive in remote island contexts with limited connectivity
  • High emotional intelligence and strong cross-cultural skills
  • Demonstrated independence, initiative, and comfort navigating ambiguity
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills
  • Strong writing and communication skills suited to technical and general audiences.
  • Previous Peace Corp experience is preferred.

About the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship

The Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship, administered by the Congressional Hunger Center, is a two-year leadership development program for emerging professionals dedicated to ending global hunger. Fellows engage in a blend of fieldwork and policy engagement, supported by mentorship, cohort-based learning, and professional development. The program builds technical capacity and leadership skills to prepare the next generation of global food security leaders.

About the Placement

Fellowship placements support Pacific Island partners advancing agriculture, fisheries, and blue economy initiatives through research, evidence generation, and policy engagement across remote island contexts.

Fellowship Responsibilities

• • Design and implement research activities to assess conditions affecting agricultural production, fisheries systems, blue economy opportunities, and rural livelihoods, strengthening the evidence base for national decision-making.
  • Collect, analyze, and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data to inform strategies, plans, and policy processes, ensuring decision-makers have accurate insights into on-the-ground realities.
  • Develop technical briefs, analytical reports, case studies, and communication materials that translate complex findings into actionable recommendations for government, community partners, and regional institutions.
  • Support national planning processes and official submissions by preparing evidence-informed inputs related to agriculture, marine resources, food systems, and risk considerations, improving coherence and effectiveness of national priorities.
  • Engage with farming groups, fishers, coastal communities, and local institutions to understand lived experiences and gather local knowledge, ensuring policy recommendations reflect community realities.
  • Produce a multi-country case study grounded in interviews, field visits, and data analysis, providing a holistic understanding of pressures on agricultural and ocean-based livelihoods.
  • Identify opportunities for program development, investment concepts, and resource mobilization, supporting partners in refining or expanding initiatives that strengthen food security and economic resilience.
  • Present findings to national, regional, and international audiences, effectively communicating key insights to diverse stakeholders to enhance visibility and uptake of recommendations.
  • Coordinate with in-country teams and remotely based supervisors, maintaining effective workflows despite geographic and communication challenges.
  • Navigate logistical and operational complexity in remote island environments, demonstrating adaptability, cultural intelligence, and strong problem-solving skills.

Fellowship Benefits

• • Stipend covering all local living expenses
  • Travel costs, including relocation and regional program travel, covered
  • Access to mentorship, field and policy experience, and a global network
  • Professional development support from the Congressional Hunger Center

All applications must be submitted online via this link. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; the deadline to apply is December 5, 2025.

Please Note

Leland Fellows are classified as 1099 contractors and are not employees of the Congressional Hunger Center or host organizations. Fellows are responsible for self-employment taxes and must secure their own health insurance, which can be obtained using the fellowship stipend.

• Stipend covering all local living expenses
• Travel costs, including relocation and regional program travel, covered
• Access to mentorship, field and policy experience, and a global network
• Professional development support from the Congressional Hunger Center