NATO Defense College (NDC) Fellowship

The NDC Research Division provides analysis and opinion on current and future defence and security issues aimed at informing decision-makers in NATO Headquarters and the political leadership of member states. It conducts in-house research, commissions outside expertise, hosts and co-sponsors major international conferences and shorter seminars, and publishes all of its work.

To know more about the NDC and its research division, please consult the NATO Defense College website.

The $100,000 can be used to cover expenses incurred while in position, including – but not limited to – salary, travel, lodging and meals. The chosen candidate will be entirely responsible for appropriately administering their budget over the assigned period. No additional funding will be provided over the five-month period.

During the five months at the NDC, the selected fellow will be asked to complete a number of research-related tasks, including publications, under the direction of the Research Division Head. Research will relate to specific topics of relevance to Canada and NATO, which could range from NATO operations to geopolitical issues, in accordance with the MINDS policy challenges. Following the fellowship, the fellow will be asked deliver a report summarizing the work accomplished during their time at the NDC. The candidate must also visit National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa to present their findings.

• You must be a Canadian citizen.
• You must have received a doctoral degree from a recognized university in political science, history, international relations, public policy, economics or any other relevant field related to defence and security.
• You must have completed previous research on issues related to security and defence, preferably associated to Canada and/or NATO.
• You must not be currently employed by the Government of Canada or government-funded institutions. Exemptions apply to Class A Reservists of the Canadian Armed Forces.

• Academic/professional excellence (scholarships, awards, publications)
• Research (relevant work, initiative, research)
• Personal Competencies (judgement, analytical skills, autonomy, ethics)
• Communication skills (conferences, presentations, teaching); and
• Interpersonal skills (collaboration)

An interview may be conducted.

Individuals interested in applying for this opportunity are asked to email the MINDS program at MINDS@forces.gc.ca. MINDS will provide you with an application form and guidance.

• A grant agreement detailing the assignment will be signed by the selected fellow and the Department of National Defence to allow for the release of funds.
• Applicants must acknowledge the support of the MINDS program and the NDC by providing written recognition in all materials produced during the fellowship.
• In accordance with the Government of Canada’s commitment to use Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) in the development of policies, program and legislation, we strongly suggest that you consult the following GBA + website in order to understand this approach and how to incorporate it into your application and work/research during the fellowship.
• Unspent funds must be returned to the Department of National Defence by cheque payable to the Receiver General of Canada.
• Recipients will grant a free licence to reproduce or use any information or publications produced for Government of Canada or NATO purposes.

If you wish to discuss the eligibility of your candidacy prior to submitting it for evaluation, please contact the MINDS Program Manager by email at MINDS@forces.gc.ca.

While we strongly encourage applicants to submit their applications by email, mailed applications may also be forwarded to the attention of:

MINDS Program Manager
Assistant Deputy Minister Policy
National Defence Headquarters
101 Colonel By Drive, 18 NT
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K2