FAS

Food Supply Chain Impact Fellowship

10.17.23 | 3 min read

Become a Food Supply Chain Impact Fellow

Welcome to the Food Supply Chain Impact Fellowship! Sponsored by the USDA and administered by the FAS Talent Hub, this initiative is an opportunity to become an FAS Impact Fellow working to shape the future of America’s food supply chain. Become an Impact Fellow and you’ll have the opportunity to influence and be part of the movement towards more sustainable, resilient, and efficient food systems.

The Mission

Are you passionate about making a difference? Keen to shape the future of food systems? Join us in innovating America’s food supply chain. As an Impact Fellow, you’ll be at the heart of critical programs, influencing policy, forging innovative solutions and making real change happen.

As one of the nation’s oldest science public interest organizations, FAS believes in the power of scientific and technological expertise to create a better world. Our Impact Fellowship program is a manifestation of that belief. We’re inviting diverse experts to serve in a high-impact “tour of service” within the federal government, dealing head-on with the nation’s most significant challenges and exploiting its most promising opportunities.

What Does a Food Supply Chain Impact Fellow Do?

You’ll be part of a cohort of Impact Fellows serving across the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Your mission is to provide valuable insights, connect various programs, and coordinate efforts to build an efficient, sustainable food supply chain. Fellows will support the Regional Food Business Centers, the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, and other food systems programs and projects.

Unrivaled Opportunity

From the moment you join, you’ll embark on an immersive learning journey. This will include comprehensive cohort-based programming and training during both the residency and service periods. 

Fellows will participate in deep-dives into executive and legislative systems and unique USDA-specific sessions led by food systems’ experts. Fellows will also receive training on government basics that includes an overview of government culture and best practices. This isn’t just about improving your knowledge – it’s about arming you with the tools to make a real difference.

Fellows also have access to in-person retreats and monthly virtual networking events throughout their tour of service to build their professional network.

Ready for the Challenge?

If you’re ready to make your mark and shape the future of food supply chains, we’d love to hear from you. We will be recruiting for the second cohort with a start date in February 2024.

Applications for the Spring 2024 cohort are due by November 6th, 2023. Applicants for the spring cohort must be ready to start their journey full-time on February 12, 2024.

Beyond the Food Supply Chain Impact Fellowship

The FSCIF is just one part of the broader FAS Talent Hub. Discover more opportunities to make a difference and change the world with us. Visit the FAS Talent Hub main page.

This is more than a fellowship. It’s a chance to be a part of a transformative journey. A journey to a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable food supply chain for the future. Are you ready to step up to the plate?

Funding

This Fellowship opportunity is funded by USDA through the American Rescue Plan and FY21 Consolidated Appropriations and is administered by the Federation of American Scientists.

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help

If you’ve got any questions or want to know more about this exciting opportunity, our team is just a click away. Get in touch with us at talent@fas.org

FAQ
What is the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) Impact Fellowship?

An Impact Fellow is an individual that supports the development and implementation of emerging scientific, technical, and innovation policy priorities within high-impact roles across the federal government. The benefits of becoming an Impact Fellow include the unique opportunity to serve within the federal government, while confronting some of the greatest scientific and social challenges of our time.

What is the Food Supply Chain Impact Fellowship (FSCIF)?

The FSCIF is a new fellowship opportunity sponsored by USDA and administered by the FAS Talent Hub. This program will place two cohorts of fellows to work on critical food supply chain issues within the Agricultural Marketing Service.

How does the application, screening, and selection process work?

Potential candidates may begin by applying online. Early submission will ensure your application receives full consideration. Within 1-2 weeks of the positions closing date, FAS will screen candidates’ applications and move eligible select individuals to a round of virtual interviews with FAS. From there, FAS will select a slate of finalist candidates to send to USDA. Individuals on the finalist slate may receive an invitation to interview with agency staff. Upon completion of agency interviews, the agency will choose their preferred candidate and FAS will inform the selected candidate.

What professional development is offered?

Once selected, FAS will provide resources and an in-depth onboarding process to prepare you for your tour of service. As part of this, all FSCIF Impact Fellows will participate in a 90-day pre-service residency period, during which fellows will engage in professional development, training, and other content to prepare them for their tour of service. Additionally, FAS provides ongoing programming to our Fellows to ensure they are thoroughly equipped to be successful in government. Examples of these sessions include Executive & Legislative Deep Dive, Federal Budgeting, Grant Management, Stakeholder Mapping, Collaborative Problem Solving, Tools to Drive Government Innovation.

How long is the FSCIF Impact Fellowship?

USDA Food Supply Chain Impact Fellows will serve for a two-year term with the possibility to extend for an additional two years.

Am I able to do a shorter Fellowship?

No. Fellows are expected to fulfill the time commitment advertised in the posting.

Are Impact Fellowships in person, hybrid, or remote?

Many of the FSCIF fellowship roles are hybrid at the AMS regional center. See the specific position description for more details on working location.

Who funds the FSCIF Impact Fellowship?

The FSCIF is a USDA-sponsored program that is administered by the FAS Talent Hub.

What is the compensation like?

Stipends range from $122,000 to $145,000 per year based on the seniority of the role and include subsidized benefits, including a 403(b) with a generous match after the first year; 100% employer-paid vision; and 80% employer-paid Medical and Dental. Throughout the term, Fellows will also receive paid travel to DC for various trainings and professional development.

Is a security clearance required?

All Fellows will go through a government background screening with and ethics clearance process but do not receive a security clearance.

Are members of the FAS Talent Hub able to meet with me to discuss Impact Fellowship requirements?

Due to a high volume of applicants, we are unable to meet with prospective fellows to discuss the requirements of the Impact Fellowship. Please review this FAQ to see answers to common questions. If you are unable to find the answer to your question on our Impact Fellowship FAQ page, please email us with your specific question at talent@fas.org.