The OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded one-year fellowship at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, open to young professionals with at least two years of experience in human rights issues related to slavery or torture. Two intake cohorts are available — 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027 and 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027 — with financial coverage including a monthly stipend, return airfare, and basic health insurance. The application deadline is 15 April 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded International Fellowship |
| Organising Body | Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) |
| Mode | Offline |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Location | United Nations Human Rights Office, Geneva, Switzerland |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 April 2026 |
About the Program
The OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 is administered by OHCHR — the lead United Nations agency mandated to promote and protect human rights globally — to develop a cohort of young professionals with direct institutional experience in combating slavery and torture. The fellowship embeds selected candidates within OHCHR’s operational framework, where they engage with survivor-centred programs, UN-funded project portfolios, and the Board of Trustees of the UN’s Voluntary Funds. Consequently, fellows gain a rare combination of policy exposure, data analysis experience, and practical grant management competencies within one of the world’s most authoritative human rights institutions.
Two intake cycles are offered — commencing August 2026 and January 2027 respectively — enabling candidates to apply for the cohort that best aligns with their professional timeline. Furthermore, the program’s scope extends across research, communications, event management, and inter-departmental UN collaboration, making it a substantive and multi-dimensional professional development experience for emerging human rights practitioners.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- No specific degree level is universally mandated; candidates must demonstrate relevant professional experience in human rights
- Professional-level English proficiency in both speaking and writing is required
- Open to young professionals from all nationalities
Experience & Other Conditions
- A minimum of two years of professional experience working on human rights issues specifically related to slavery or torture is required
- Experience in project management is required
- Candidates must be capable of undertaking grant management, research, data analysis, and communications responsibilities
Benefits & Funding
The OHCHR provides comprehensive financial support covering all core living and logistical expenses for the full one-year fellowship duration.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Return Airfare | Round-trip ticket to and from Geneva covered |
| Monthly Stipend | Provided to cover basic living expenses throughout the fellowship |
| Basic Health Insurance | Medical insurance coverage for the full fellowship period |
Selection Process
- Online application submitted via the official OHCHR fellowship portal before 15 April 2026
- Submission of a completed application form and CV
- Evaluation based on professional experience in slavery or torture-related human rights work, project management background, and English proficiency
- Final selection conducted by OHCHR based on merit and alignment with fellowship responsibilities
How to Apply
- Visit the official OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 application portal.
- Complete the official application form with your personal and professional details.
- Prepare and attach an updated CV clearly highlighting your experience in human rights issues related to slavery or torture and your project management background.
- Ensure your application demonstrates professional-level English proficiency in both written and spoken communication.
- Submit your completed application before the 15 April 2026 deadline.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | No application fee required |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 25 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 April 2026 |
| Cohort 1 Start Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Cohort 1 End Date | 31 July 2027 |
| Cohort 2 Start Date | 1 January 2027 |
| Cohort 2 End Date | 31 December 2027 |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026?
Young professionals from all nationalities with at least two years of experience working on human rights issues specifically related to slavery or torture are eligible. Notably, experience in project management and professional-level English in both speaking and writing are also required.
What does the OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 cover financially?
The fellowship provides a monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses, a return airfare ticket to and from Geneva, and basic health insurance coverage for the full one-year duration of the placement.
What responsibilities will fellows undertake during the program?
Fellows contribute across six areas: grant management, expert research on global slavery and torture trends, data analysis of best practices, communications including social media and brochures, event planning for high-level meetings, and inter-departmental support within UN Human Rights offices.
Are there two separate intake cohorts for the fellowship?
Yes. The OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 offers two intake cycles — one beginning 1 August 2026 and concluding 31 July 2027, and another beginning 1 January 2027 and concluding 31 December 2027. Consequently, applicants should specify their preferred cohort when applying.
Is there an application fee for the OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026?
No. The OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 requires no application fee, and all core financial benefits are provided in full by the United Nations Human Rights Office.