OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 – Fully Funded UN Opportunity in Geneva
Apply for the OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 — a fully funded United Nations program in Geneva offering hands-on experience managing humanitarian grants, supporting survivors of torture & modern slavery, and advancing your human rights career.
Introduction
Are you a young professional passionate about human rights, humanitarian action, or serving survivors of torture and modern slavery? The OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship is a life-changing opportunity to gain professional experience within the United Nations human rights system — fully funded and designed to elevate your impact. (OHCHR)
What Is the OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship?
The Fellowship Programme of the Humanitarian Funds is a United Nations initiative run by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). It offers early-career professionals practical exposure to UN processes related to human rights grant management — specifically for survivors of torture and contemporary forms of slavery. (OHCHR)
Fellowship Objectives
Participants in the fellowship will:
Gain hands-on experience with UN human rights mechanisms.
Learn how grants are evaluated and managed for humanitarian impact.
Build expertise in documentation, research, and outreach.
Support efforts to expand awareness of torture and slavery issues. (OHCHR)
How the Fellowship Works
The programme includes:
🔹 A monthly stipend to cover basic living costs in Geneva, Switzerland.
🔹 Return airfare from your home country to Geneva.
🔹 Health insurance during the fellowship.
🔹 Real work experience with the Humanitarian Funds Secretariat at OHCHR. (OHCHR)
Unlike typical internships, this is a mid-to-long-term fellowship that blends professional duties with learning opportunities, giving fellows direct responsibilities in grant evaluation, outreach, research, and reporting. (OHCHR)
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants should:
✔️ Have at least 2 years of professional experience working on contemporary slavery and/or torture issues.
✔️ Be involved with organizations supporting survivors or related humanitarian work.
✔️ Be proficient in English; additional UN languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese) are a bonus.
✔️ Show familiarity with the UN human rights system and international humanitarian concepts. (OHCHR)
People with lived experience of slavery or torture who support others are strongly encouraged to apply. (OHCHR)
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 fellowship cycle are open from 20 February to 15 April 2026. Candidates must submit a complete application package — including a CV and other required documents — by email before the deadline. (OHCHR)
The selection process may include a written assessment and interview for shortlisted candidates. (OHCHR)
Why This Fellowship Matters
This fellowship isn’t just a resume booster — it’s a career accelerator. Fellows receive expert training, deepen their understanding of UN systems, and return to their communities with the skills to:
✨ Influence human rights policy
✨ Lead humanitarian initiatives
✨ Strengthen civil society organizations
✨ Expand professional networks globally (OHCHR)
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to boost your career in human rights, join a global network of changemakers, and contribute meaningfully to supporting survivors of extreme human rights violations, the OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship is an opportunity you cannot miss. Apply before 15 April 2026! (OHCHR)