OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 and UN Human Rights, Geneva

The OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, offering a unique professional development opportunity within the United Nations human rights system. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, this year-long fellowship is specifically designed for young professionals who are dedicated to supporting survivors of torture and contemporary forms of slavery. Consequently, selected fellows will gain hands-on experience in grant management and policy research while contributing to the mandate of the United Nations Human Rights Office. Because this program is fully funded, it allows delegates from diverse backgrounds to influence global human rights standards directly from the UN headquarters.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026
Host Institution	Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Location	Geneva, Switzerland
Duration	12 Months (Possibility of extension)
Financial Status	Fully Funded

Program Overview

The OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 aims to bridge the gap between grassroots human rights work and international policy-making. Fellows are integrated into the Secretariat of two key funds: the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture and the UN Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery. Specifically, the fellowship focuses on empowering individuals who have previously worked with civil society organizations that provide direct assistance to survivors.

During the assignment, fellows engage in high-level grant evaluation, technical assistance, and substantive research. Furthermore, the program emphasizes “what works” by documenting best practices from UN-funded projects globally. This ensures that the expertise gained during the residency can be translated back into local communities upon the fellow’s return.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet strict professional and linguistic standards:

• Professional Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in human rights issues, specifically related to slavery or torture.
• Survivor Support: Candidates must have experience providing direct assistance to survivors (legal, medical, or psychological).
• Language Skills: Professional-level proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory. Fluency in French or Spanish is highly desirable.
• Advantageous Background: Preference is given to survivors supporting other survivors and candidates from organizations currently funded by the Humanitarian Funds.
• Availability: Applicants must commit to the full 12-month duration in Geneva.

Fellows’ Responsibilities

Fellows are tasked with several critical functions within the Secretariat:

• Grant Management: Reviewing and analyzing project applications from global NGOs.
• Technical Support: Liaising with applicant organizations to provide guidance on UN funding requirements.
• Research & Analysis: Studying global trends and country-specific developments in contemporary slavery and torture.
• Strategic Communications: Developing brochures, social media content, and impact stories to increase Fund visibility.
• Board Support: Assisting in the organization of the annual Board of Trustees sessions and public thematic events.

Financial Benefits

The OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 ensures that all essential costs are covered to facilitate a productive stay in Switzerland.

Benefit Category	Coverage Details
Monthly Stipend	Provided to cover accommodation and basic living expenses in Geneva.
Airfare	Round-trip international economy class ticket from the home country.
Health Insurance	Basic health insurance coverage for the duration of the fellowship.
Professional Fees	All program-related toolkit and training materials provided.

Registration & Application Details

Detail	Information
Application Method	Email submission to ohchr-unvfvt@un.org
Application Deadline	April 15, 2026
Required Documents	Signed Application Form & CV (Max 2 pages)
Term Options	Aug 2026 – July 2027 OR Jan 2027 – Dec 2027
Apply Link	Click Here

Key Highlights

A standout feature of the OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 is its focus on survivor-led advocacy. The UN strongly encourages applications from survivors, as their lived experience adds invaluable perspective to the grant evaluation process. Moreover, the opportunity for a one-year extension (subject to funding) makes this one of the most stable and impactful long-term fellowships within the UN system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for the OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026?

Candidates must download the official application form from the OHCHR website, complete it, and email it along with a 2-page CV to ohchr-unvfvt@un.org before April 15, 2026.

Is there an age limit for this fellowship?

While the program is designed for “young professionals,” there is no strict numerical age limit; however, candidates typically have 2–5 years of relevant experience.

Can I apply if I don’t speak French or Spanish?

Yes, only English is required. However, because the UN manages projects in many regions, French or Spanish is considered a significant asset during the selection process.

Is the monthly stipend enough for Geneva?

Yes, the stipend is calculated based on the cost of living in Geneva to ensure fellows can afford modest accommodation and daily expenses.

Does this fellowship lead to a permanent job at the UN?

No, this is a training fellowship. While it provides excellent networking, it does not guarantee or lead directly to a regular employment contract at OHCHR.