Apply for the Refugee Fellows Program 2026 by Refugees International. A year-long virtual fellowship offering $15,000, advocacy training, networking, and collaboration opportunities for displaced leaders worldwide. Deadline 30 April 2026.
Refugees International has officially opened applications for its Refugee Fellows Program 2026, a transformative year-long virtual fellowship aimed at supporting and amplifying the advocacy efforts of forcibly displaced leaders worldwide. Set to commence on August 1, 2026, the program offers fellows comprehensive training, mentorship, and professional opportunities to maximize the impact of their work in humanitarian advocacy.
This unique fellowship is designed to equip displaced leaders with the tools, resources, and connections needed to advance advocacy efforts, foster global awareness of refugee challenges, and influence policy and decision-making at national and international levels. Fellows will be formally affiliated with Refugees International and collaborate closely with staff, contributing to publications, policy advocacy, media engagements, and participation in donor and policy forums.
Fellowship Benefits and Structure
The program combines technical training, peer-to-peer learning, and professional networking. Fellows will gain skills in advocacy strategy, fundraising, communication, public speaking, and other areas tailored to their professional growth. Opportunities include informal mentorship, collaborative advocacy events, and research trips that allow participants to engage directly with refugee communities and policy actors.
Financially, fellows receive a $15,000 grant, distributed in four quarterly installments, for a commitment of up to seven hours per week. The fellowship also provides optional access to mental health support services, recognizing the emotional and logistical challenges faced by those working in humanitarian contexts.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries, with priority given to those working in regions or on themes aligned with Refugees International’s advocacy priorities. Applicants from government institutions, UN agencies, or philanthropic foundations are ineligible, ensuring the program remains independent and focused on displaced leaders.
Priority countries include Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Burma/Myanmar, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Iran, Kenya, Mauritania, Mexico, Mozambique, Palestine (Gaza and West Bank), Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Uganda, Zambia, and other regions hosting Rohingya refugees.
Priority themes include:
- Women and girls
- Labor market access, economic inclusion, and development finance
- Resettlement and complementary pathways
- Meaningful refugee participation and power shifting
- Climate displacement and adaptation
While these priorities guide the fellowship, the program remains flexible to respond to evolving advocacy needs globally.
Key Fellowship Components
- Technical Training: Fellows receive coaching on public speaking, advocacy planning, fundraising, and other skills relevant to their goals.
- Professional Networking: Participants connect with humanitarian leaders, building professional relationships and collaboration opportunities.
- Collaborative Advocacy Events: Fellows partner with Refugees International on events, research trips, and advocacy initiatives worldwide.
- Publications: Each fellow is expected to produce at least one publication, such as a policy brief, op-ed, or report, during the fellowship year.
- Field Research: Where feasible, fellows may conduct research trips in collaboration with Refugees International to support advocacy efforts.
- Participation in Global Forums: Fellows are encouraged to attend regional or international events addressing refugee issues, enhancing visibility and impact.
Fellows must commit up to seven hours per week, attend regular virtual meetings, and, if feasible, participate in an in-person retreat. Progress is tracked through mid-year performance reviews to ensure accountability and alignment with fellowship objectives.
Language and Digital Requirements
English proficiency is preferred, with competency in other key advocacy and local languages considered an asset. As a fully virtual program, fellows must have reliable computer and internet access to engage in all activities. A bank account is required for grant disbursement in compliance with U.S. law.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must submit:
- Responses to two short essay questions (400 words each)
- A CV or resume
- Three professional references
- A brief work plan for the fellowship year
Panel interviews will take place between late May and early July 2026. Applicants must submit authentic work; AI-generated essays or work plans are not accepted.
For first-time applicants, creating an account via the Refugees International application portal is necessary, while returning applicants may log in to continue their application.
Information Session
Refugees International will host a live information session on April 9, 2026, to answer frequently asked questions and provide guidance for applicants. Registration for this session is encouraged to clarify program expectations and details.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship runs from August 1, 2026, to July 30, 2027, providing a structured, yet flexible, platform for displaced leaders to amplify their voices, gain professional skills, and contribute to meaningful change in the humanitarian and refugee advocacy landscape.
By joining the Refugee Fellows Program, participants will not only advance their advocacy work but also become part of a global community of peers dedicated to elevating the perspectives of displaced populations and addressing critical gaps in refugee-related advocacy worldwide.
Applications are open from March 30, 2026, to April 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM (EDT).
VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
