Refugees International is pleased to announce the upcoming 2025 cohort of its Refugee Fellows Program, a unique initiative designed to empower and enhance the advocacy work of emerging leaders within forcibly displaced communities worldwide. Set to commence in August 2025, this year-long, remote program is specifically structured to maximize the growth and impact of each fellow’s contributions to the advocacy landscape.
Program Overview and Goals:
The 2025 program is meticulously tailored to provide robust support for the individual advocacy goals pursued by the selected fellows. Refugees International is deeply committed to equipping fellows with the necessary tools, resources, and access to effectively amplify the voices of refugees and displaced persons and drive meaningful change in policy and public discourse.
Fellowship Structure and Collaboration:
Fellows will be formally affiliated with Refugees International and will engage in close collaboration with the organization’s staff. This partnership will directly support the fellows’ advocacy efforts, which may encompass a variety of activities, including:
- Contributing to a Refugees International report or other analytical pieces.
- Producing externally published opinion pieces.
- Organizing and participating in events.
- Engaging in direct advocacy with policymakers.
- Participating in international donor and policy forums.
- Conducting media interviews.
Throughout the program, fellows will benefit from this close partnership with Refugees International staff, as well as invaluable peer-to-peer learning opportunities with other members of their cohort.
Training and Development:
A core component of the fellowship is providing comprehensive training and development opportunities. Fellows will receive formal training on essential advocacy and communication skills and strategies led by experienced Refugees International staff members and external experts. Additionally, opportunities for informal training will be available to further enhance their capabilities.
Key Components of the Fellowship:
The program is structured around three key components designed to foster the fellows’ growth and impact:
- Technical Training: This component focuses on enhancing practical skills crucial for effective advocacy, such as public speaking, strategic advocacy planning, and fundraising. Training themes will be tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of the individual fellows.
- Professional Networking: The fellowship actively supports fellows in building valuable connections with key figures and organizations within the humanitarian field. This networking aims to foster professional relationships and open doors to collaborative opportunities.
- Collaborative Advocacy Events and Trips: Fellows will have opportunities to partner with Refugees International on critical advocacy issues. This may involve participating in collaborative events or undertaking research trips aimed at supporting mutual advocacy efforts.
Mental Health Support:
Refugees International recognizes the inherent complexities and challenges faced by professionals working in humanitarian settings, particularly those with lived experience of displacement. To address this, the fellowship offers optional access to customized mental health support services upon request, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of its fellows.
Eligibility and Application Process:
The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries. However, priority will be given to emerging forcibly displaced individuals who are actively working in regions, countries, and on themes that align with Refugees International’s current advocacy priorities. This includes contexts where Refugees International has an active presence or where there are significant gaps in refugee and displacement-related advocacy that the organization seeks to address.
Duration: The fellowship runs for one year, from August 1, 2025, to July 30, 2026.
Financial Support: Fellows will receive a $15,000 grant, disbursed in four equal quarterly installments throughout the year. This grant is provided in exchange for working up to seven hours per week on fellowship-related tasks.
Fellow Expectations and Deliverables:
With the financial support provided, fellows are expected to meet certain commitments and deliver specific outputs:
- Time Commitment and Accountability: Fellows are expected to dedicate up to seven trackable hours per week to working with the Refugees International team. They are responsible for managing their time effectively to prioritize fellowship tasks and remain accountable for meeting program objectives and deliverables.
- Participate in Regular Meetings: Consistent attendance at regular meetings is mandatory to ensure alignment with program goals and facilitate collaborative efforts.
- Attend an In-Person Retreat: If deemed feasible, fellows will participate in an in-person retreat. The details of this retreat will be agreed upon in collaboration with the fellows.
- Publish at Least One Publication: A key requirement is for each fellow to produce and publish at least one piece of written work during the fellowship year. This publication can take various forms, such as a statement, policy brief, op-ed, report, or a similar publication.
- Plan and Conduct a Field Research Trip: If feasible and in collaboration with Refugees International, fellows are expected to organize and undertake a field research trip. The purpose of this trip is to support mutual advocacy efforts.
- Participate in Regional or/and Global Refugee-Related Events: If feasible, fellows will participate in one or more events at the regional or global level that address issues related to forcible displacement.
Other Important Requirements:
- Language Proficiencies: English language competency is preferred for optimal engagement with all aspects of Refugees International’s work and staff, contributing to the overall success of the fellowship program. Competency in other key advocacy and local languages is also preferred and encouraged.
- Digital Access: As this is a remote program, candidates must possess their own computer and reliable internet access to fully participate in the fellowship activities.
- Eligibility for Grant: Fellows must have a valid bank account capable of receiving the grant payments in adherence with U.S. law.
- Performance Review: Fellows will undergo quarterly performance reviews. Refugees International reserves the right to suspend the fellowship if fellows are found not to be meeting the established objectives and deliverables.
How to Apply:
To be considered for the Refugee Fellows Program, applicants must complete an application form and submit the following required documents:
- Answers to two short-form questions (with a limit of 400 words for each answer).
- A comprehensive Resume.
- The names and contact details of three professional references.
- A brief work plan outlining their proposed activities and goals for the fellowship year.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview, which is expected to take place in June or July.
To submit your application:
- For first-time applicants: Click the “Apply” button. Then, select “Register” in the top right corner of the screen to create your applicant account. Once your account is successfully set up, you can proceed with filling out and submitting your application.
- If you have applied before: Simply click “Log In” in the top right corner to access your existing account and begin your application.
Important Note Regarding AI-Generated Content:
Refugees International places a high value on authenticity and genuine expression. Applications that include content generated using AI tools (including AI-generated personal statements, essays, or work plans) will be automatically denied. The selection process is committed to identifying and supporting fellows based on their unique voice, lived experiences, and authentic perspectives.
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