If you are building a career in human rights and already working with survivors of torture or contemporary slavery, this opportunity deserves your attention. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights opens applications for its 2026–2027 Humanitarian Funds Fellowship in Geneva.
The Fellowship Programme of the OHCHR Humanitarian Funds offers hands-on experience inside the United Nations human rights system in Geneva. For early career professionals with at least two years of relevant field experience, it is one of the few fully funded UN fellowships focused specifically on survivor support and grant management.
Here is a clear breakdown of what the programme offers and how to apply.
WhatsApp ChannelUN Human Rights Fellowship 2026–2027 in Geneva
The fellowship is hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). It operates under two major UN funding mechanisms:
- United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture
- United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery
Both funds provide financial support to civil society organizations delivering direct assistance to survivors. As a fellow, you work within the Secretariat that manages these grants.
This is not an academic programme. It is a working fellowship inside the UN system.
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Fellowship Duration and Key Dates
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Positions available: Two
- Application opens: 20 February 2026
- Application deadline: 15 April 2026
Two fellowship cycles are available:
- 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027
- 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027
A two-month probation period applies. Extensions of up to one additional year may be possible, depending on funding availability.
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What Fellows Do at OHCHR
This fellowship is designed for professionals who already understand field realities. Selected fellows contribute directly to:
- Evaluating grant applications from NGOs supporting survivors
- Conducting research and analysis on torture and contemporary slavery trends
- Reviewing project reports and documenting best practices
- Supporting outreach, visibility, and communications efforts
- Assisting with annual Board of Trustees sessions and policy discussions
- Contributing to other areas of work within OHCHR
If your background includes survivor assistance, legal aid, psychosocial support, case documentation, or project coordination, this experience connects your field knowledge to global policy and funding decisions.
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Financial Benefits: Fully Funded UN Fellowship
The programme provides:
- A monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses in Geneva
- A return air ticket from and to your country of residence
- Basic health insurance
Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, so financial planning is important. However, the stipend is structured to support essential living costs.
It is important to note that this fellowship does not create employment rights within the UN system.
Also Check: UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Professional Experience
- At least two years of experience in human rights work related to torture and or contemporary forms of slavery
- Direct experience supporting survivors
- Project management experience is an added advantage
Language Skills
- Working-level English is required
- French or Spanish is desirable
- Knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is an asset
Additional Considerations
- Knowledge of the UN system is helpful
- Individuals with lived experience of torture or contemporary slavery who now support other survivors are strongly encouraged to apply
- Full availability for the fellowship period is mandatory
Why This Fellowship Matters for Human Rights Careers
Many international fellowships focus on advocacy or academic research. This one offers something different.
You gain direct exposure to:
- UN grant evaluation processes
- Civil society partnerships
- Survivor assistance programming
- Accountability and monitoring frameworks
For professionals aiming to work with international organizations, UN agencies, or global human rights mechanisms, this experience strengthens both policy understanding and operational skills.
It also provides insight into how voluntary trust funds operate within the UN structure and how funding decisions impact grassroots organizations worldwide.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application by email to: ohchr-unvfvt@un.org
Deadline: 15 April 2026
Required documents:
- Completed and signed the application form
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection process may include a written assessment and an interview.
Why You Should Consider This Fellowship
Opportunities that combine survivor support experience with direct engagement inside the United Nations system are limited. This fellowship stands out because it bridges field work and global decision-making.
If you already have experience supporting survivors of torture or contemporary slavery and are ready to understand how international funding mechanisms operate, this could be a strong next step in your human rights career.
