Continue reading OHCHR Humanitarian Funds Fellowship Programme

The Fellowship Programme of the OHCHR Humanitarian Funds offers young professionals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the United Nations human rights system. Managed by the United Nations Human Rights Office, the programme supports the work of two key funds:

• The United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery
• The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture

Both funds provide grants to civil society organizations delivering direct assistance to survivors of slavery and torture. The fellowship allows professionals working in these areas to strengthen their expertise while contributing to grant management, research, and policy work.

• Host Entity: United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR)
• Positions Available: 2
• Application Period: 20 February – 15 April 2026

Applicants may apply for one or both of the following terms:

• 01 August 2026 – 31 July 2027
• 01 January 2027 – 31 December 2027

Each fellowship includes a two-month probation period, with the possibility of a one-year extension depending on funding availability.

Selected fellows will:

• Evaluate and analyse project applications for funding
• Provide technical support to applicant organizations
• Conduct research on contemporary forms of slavery and torture
• Document best practices and lessons learned from funded projects
• Support outreach and communications (website updates, brochures, social media content)
• Assist in organizing annual Board of Trustees sessions and public events
• Contribute to broader work within the United Nations Human Rights Office

Fellows receive:

• A monthly stipend covering basic living expenses in Geneva
• A return flight ticket from/to their country of residence
• Basic health insurance coverage

• Minimum two years of experience in human rights work related to slavery and/or torture (required)

• French or Spanish (desirable)
• Knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is an asset

• Knowledge of the United Nations system is desirable
• Survivors supporting other survivors are strongly encouraged to apply
• Priority may be given to candidates with experience in organizations funded by the Humanitarian Funds
• Applicants must commit to the full duration of the fellowship

The United Nations promotes diversity and inclusion and encourages applications regardless of gender identity, background, or disability status.

This fellowship offers a valuable opportunity for professionals working on slavery and torture-related issues to deepen their engagement with the United Nations human rights system while contributing directly to survivor-focused funding mechanisms.