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OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026: Work with the UN in Geneva
The OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious one-year program designed for young professionals to gain first-hand experience within the United Nations human rights system. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, this fellowship focuses on the management and evaluation of grants for two critical funds: the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture and the UN Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery.
This is a rare opportunity to bridge the gap between grassroots human rights work and international policy, providing fellows with the tools to support survivors of torture and slavery globally.
Program Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Host Organization | Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Duration | 1 Year (Probationary period: 2 months) |
| Fellowship Cycles | Aug 2026 – July 2027 OR Jan 2027 – Dec 2027 |
| Application Deadline | 15 April 2026 |
Financial Benefits: Fully Funded
The OHCHR ensures that selected fellows can focus entirely on their work by providing comprehensive financial support:
- Monthly Stipend: A fixed amount to cover modest accommodation and living expenses in Geneva.
- Travel: Round-trip international airfare (economy class) from the fellow’s country of residence.
- Health Insurance: Basic medical insurance coverage for the duration of the fellowship.
- Professional Development: Direct mentorship and participation in high-level UN meetings.
Fellows’ Responsibilities
As a fellow, you will be embedded within the Humanitarian Funds Secretariat. Your day-to-day tasks will include:
- Grant Evaluation: Analyzing project applications from NGOs providing direct assistance to survivors.
- Strategic Research: Conducting substantive research on global trends regarding torture and contemporary slavery.
- Impact Analysis: Compiling “best practices” and lessons learned from UN-funded projects.
- Outreach: Developing content for social media, brochures, and impact stories to raise awareness.
- Board Liaison: Supporting the annual sessions of the Board of Trustees and international public events.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026 intake, applicants must demonstrate a strong background in human rights:
- Experience: At least 2 years of professional experience in human rights, specifically focusing on torture and/or contemporary forms of slavery.
- Survivor Support: Previous experience in providing direct assistance (legal, medical, or psychological) to survivors is a core requirement.
- Education: While formal degrees are valued, practical field experience in project management is highly desirable.
- Languages: * Required: Professional level of spoken and written English.
- Desirable: Fluency in French or Spanish (and other UN languages like Arabic, Chinese, or Russian).
- Survivor Status: Survivors of slavery or torture who are now working to support others are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority.
Required Documents
Ensure your application is complete by including:
- Application Form: Fully completed and signed (Part I by the candidate; Part II by the supporting organization, though the latter is not always mandatory).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A maximum of 2 pages detailing relevant human rights experience.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically. Follow these steps:
- Download the Form: Visit the official OHCHR Humanitarian Funds page.
- Submit via Email: Send your signed application and CV to ohchr-unvfvt@un.org.
- Deadline: Ensure your email is sent no later than 15 April 2026.
Note: Due to the high volume of interest, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a written exam and an interview.