There are two opportunities available through First Alaskans Institute’s Indigenous Leadership Continuum initiative, 2020 Public Policy Fellowship (Juneau) and 2020 Al Adams Young Political Leader Fellowship (Washington D.C.). Application deadline is Friday, November 22, 2019.

Application Due: Friday, November 22, 2019

First Alaskans Institute (FAI) is pleased to announce its 2020 Public Policy Fellowship (PPF) to place Alaska Native and rural Alaskans in Juneau for the 2020 Legislative session. This will mark the 12th year of partnerships with Legislators. To apply online visit here.

Purpose
The goal of the PPF is that emerging leaders will be familiar with the legislative process; understand their own histories; learn and use the skills of past, present and future leadership; and know the evolving issues that confront Alaska Natives and the State of Alaska. Participants will have hands-on experience working with the legislative and political process, creating a real-time two-way flow of information between the Alaska State Capitol and our Alaska Native communities.

Highlights of the Fellowship

• 14 weeks in length, from January 21 to April 21, 2020
• Travel provided to and from Juneau, AK
• $120 daily wage paid bi-weekly
• $750 monthly housing stipend (first & last months are prorated)
• FAI Orientation and Legislative Ethics Training before start of fellowship
• Full-time work schedule with occasional evening and weekend hours

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Duties & Core Competencies Required

• Written/Verbal Communication: Capture and disseminate relevant information; Draft speeches; Draft legislation; Draft legislative citations (memorial, honorary); Draft and distribute District Newsletter; Provide oral testimony before committees; Attend committee hearings and provide written or verbal summaries to legislative staff.
• Social: “Constituent Work” – communicate and work with constituents in the office or by phone/mail/email to respond to their concerns and interests; Problem solve; Attend committee meetings, constituent meetings and staff meetings.
• Research/Analytical: Analyze legislation; Research; Track budget development; Follow bills and help draft or carry legislation; Track and research Alaska Native issues.
• Office Management: Process emails; Process printed mail; Schedule meetings on Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, etc.

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Timeline

• Application due date: Friday, November 22, 2019
• Candidate interviews & reference calls: Monday, November 18 – Thursday, November 28, 2019
• Final selection of fellows: Friday, November 29, 2019
• Placement with host legislative office finalized: Tuesday, December 17, 2019
• First Alaskans Institute Training: Wednesday & Thursday, December 18 & 19, 2019 (Anchorage)
• Legislative Ethics Training: Week of January 16, 2020 (Juneau)
• Public Policy Fellowship: January 21, 2020 – April 21, 2020 (Juneau)

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How to Apply
Successful applicants will be selected based on an application and interview. Applicants must submit ALL of the following:

• Completed PPF application form online and attached documents listed below;
• Typed biography describing personal, professional and family background no more than 250 words. Be sure to include English name, Indigenous name, hometown, culture, parents, grandparents, school, hobbies and passions at the very least;
• Photo of applicant engaging in cultural activities, wearing regalia, or with their family;
• Current resume no more than 2 pages;
• Two current letters of recommendation from community members, colleagues, peers, teachers, professors, employers, supervisors, Elders, etc.;
• Written or video essays (250 to 650 word limit, 1 minute 30 seconds to 3 minutes limit);
• Copies of relevant training certificates or unofficial transcripts if still attending a post-secondary institution although there is no academic requirement to be eligible for the PPF. Official transcripts may be requested if you are selected as a Fellow; and
• If Alaska Native/American Indian, please include a copy of your Certificate of Indian Blood or Tribal ID Card.

For more information

Please contact Ella Sassuuk Tonuchuk, Indigenous Leadership Continuum Coordinator, at 907-677-1707 or sassuuk with any questions.