Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 UN OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship Programme. The United Nations Human Rights Office manages two Humanitarian Funds: the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery and United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. Each Fund is mandated to channel voluntary contributions towards direct assistance for survivors of these human rights violations, through grants to civil society organizations.
The Humanitarian Funds run a fellowship programme, which aims to give young professionals with experience in organizations that provide services to survivors of contemporary forms of slavery and/or torture, the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills on addressing these issues within the United Nations system.
Program Details
- This call for applications (open from 20 February to 15 April 2026) is for two fellowship positions, assigned to the Humanitarian Funds Secretariat, within the United Nations Human Rights Office, based in Geneva, Switzerland.
- The two fellowship positions will be offered respectively, from 01 August 2026 to 31 July 2027 and from 01 January 2027 to 31 December 2027 (with a probationary period of two months). An extension of up to one additional year may be possible, pending on availability of funds.
Requirements
To qualify for the fellowships, applicants must possess the following criteria:
Experience
- At least two years of experience in human rights issues related to contemporary forms of slavery and/or torture is required.
- Experience in providing support to survivors of contemporary forms of slavery and/or torture is required.
- Experience in project management is desirable.
Languages
- Working level of spoken and written English is required.
- Fluency in French or Spanish is desirable.
- Knowledge of another United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese or Russian) is also desirable.
Other
- Knowledge of the United Nations system is desirable.
Benefits
- The selected candidates will be entitled to a monthly stipend that will cover basic living expenses in Geneva, as well as return ticket from/to the country of residence and basic health insurance.
Please note that this is not a regular employment position within the United Nations Human Rights Office, and it does not lead to employment rights and entitlements beyond the terms of the fellowship.
Application Process
Interested candidates should send their complete application by e-mail to [email protected] not later than 15 April 2026 (only successful applicants will receive a reply). Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for a written exam and an interview following application. The Terms of Reference cover two fellowship positions, subject to the availability of funds. Applicants should confirm their availability to one or both of the start-end dates in the application form.
Required documentation:
- Application form fully completed and signed
- Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the UN OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship Programme
