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.

Funding can be used to cover expenses incurred while in position, including – but not limited to – salary, travel, lodging and meals. The selected candidate will be entirely responsible for appropriately administering their budget over the assigned period. Funding will be provided in installments based on the Fellow’s progress toward meeting their research and reporting obligations. Failure to meet deliverables may impact the release of subsequent payments. No additional funding will be provided.

During the five months at the NDC, the selected Fellow will be asked to complete a number of research-related tasks, including mentoring and 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 to deliver a report summarizing the work accomplished during their time at the NDC. The candidate must also present their findings to the Defence Team, either in person at the National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, or virtually.

The selected Fellow is expected to abide by and comply with NATO Defense College policies and procedures, rules, regulations, and ethical standards as described in the NATO Defense College Fellows’ Manual, which will be provided during the onboarding process.

The fellowship is a funded policy research opportunity, not a study leave or personal development break. Fellows are expected to approach their work with the professionalism and dedication expected of those contributing to national and alliance-level defence and security policy.

Fellows will be fully engaged in producing policy-relevant analysis, participating in NDC research activities, and delivering actional insights to Canadian and NATO decision-makers. The fellowship requires consistent effort, presence, and active contribution throughout its duration.

The NDC fellowship is designed to foster an environment that increases information exchange between researchers/experts and the Defence Team on key NATO issues, as well as between NATO researchers and DND/CAF. It also aims to promote the development of scholars on NATO-related issues, particularly as they relate to Canada and North America; to offer tangible support to a multilateral institution of which Canada is a member, through direct support to NATO’s research capabilities; and, to support the NDC’s efforts to conduct strategic security studies and research in support of the NATO Alliance, particularly as it relates to North America.

• 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.

Candidates should:

1. complete the online application form.
2. submit a CV and proof of citizenship (e.g. passport copy) to minds@forces.gc.ca.
   1. When submitting the two documents, please include the following subject line in your email: "NDC Fellowship Documents Submission - [Your Full Name]"
   2. Note: Your application will only be considered complete once these documents are received by the deadline

In addition to the research proposal (included as part of the online application form), the following may also be used to assess potential candidates:

• 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, and references contacted

• A grant agreement detailing the assignment and terms and conditions of the Fellowship will be signed by the selected Fellow and the Department of National Defence to allow for the release of funds.
• The selected Fellow will be responsible for obtaining a visa for Italy.
• The Fellow must acknowledge the support of the MINDS Program and the NDC by providing written acknowledgement 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