2026 ISHR Fellowship in Geneva: A Prestigious Opportunity for Emerging Human Rights Professionals

The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) offers a highly competitive full-time fellowship in Geneva, Switzerland, designed for postgraduate students and recent graduates seeking hands-on experience within the international human rights system.

This one-year fellowship provides direct exposure to the United Nations human rights framework while allowing participants to contribute to global advocacy initiatives that protect and empower human rights defenders worldwide.

About the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)

International Service for Human Rights is an independent non-profit organization with offices in Geneva and New York. The organization works closely with human rights defenders, civil society organizations, diplomats, and international institutions to strengthen human rights systems globally.

The fellowship program offers participants a rare opportunity to observe and engage with the United Nations human rights mechanisms in practice while contributing to meaningful advocacy and policy work.

Fellowship Overview

Location and Duration

• Full-time Fellowship based in Geneva, Switzerland
• Duration: One year
• Preferred work arrangement: On-site
• Remote work may be considered in exceptional circumstances
• Start dates available:
  • 1 February
  • 1 September

Funding and Compensation

Applicants are required to secure full external funding through:

• University scholarships
• Grants
• Fellowship sponsorship programs

The fellowship itself does not provide independent remuneration.

Reporting Structure

The selected Fellow will report directly to:

• Programme Managers
• Directors within ISHR

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, allowing candidates flexibility in submission timing.

What the ISHR Fellowship Offers

The ISHR Fellowship provides practical experience in international human rights advocacy and multilateral diplomacy. Fellows become integrated members of the organization and collaborate closely with staff across multiple offices and regional teams.

Participants gain:

• Direct exposure to United Nations human rights negotiations
• Experience monitoring international human rights mechanisms
• Opportunities to contribute to legal and policy advocacy
• Networking access to diplomats, NGOs, and human rights defenders
• Training in advocacy, reporting, and coalition-building

The fellowship is especially valuable for individuals pursuing careers in:

• International law
• Human rights advocacy
• Diplomacy
• Public policy
• International relations
• Global governance

Key Responsibilities of the Fellow

The Fellow plays an active role in ISHR’s advocacy and research activities. Responsibilities include a combination of legal analysis, policy support, research, and coalition engagement.

Legal and Advocacy Support

The Fellow may:

• Assist legal counsel with submissions to national, regional, and international human rights bodies
• Support advocacy efforts before UN mechanisms and courts
• Contribute to policy initiatives related to human rights defenders

Research and Monitoring

Core research responsibilities include:

• Investigating human rights situations across different regions
• Monitoring developments affecting human rights defenders
• Conducting analysis for submissions to:
  • Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
  • UN Treaty Bodies
  • Regional human rights systems

UN Engagement and Representation

The Fellow may:

• Attend United Nations human rights meetings
• Take detailed meeting notes and prepare reports
• Represent ISHR in coalition meetings and NGO discussions
• Engage with UN officials, diplomats, and civil society actors

Publications and Communications

Participants also contribute to ISHR’s public communications by:

• Drafting web articles
• Editing briefing papers
• Assisting with reports and advocacy documents
• Supporting communications and outreach initiatives

Training and Capacity Building

Where opportunities arise, Fellows may help:

• Organize training sessions
• Facilitate workshops
• Support regional networks of human rights defenders

Opportunities to Work with Regional Teams

Depending on language skills and organizational needs, Fellows may collaborate with regional teams including:

• Latin America Team
• Middle East and North Africa Team
• Asia Team

Knowledge of multiple UN languages significantly enhances opportunities for regional engagement.

Professional Development and Training

ISHR has a long-standing tradition of mentoring Fellows and integrating them into the organization’s operations.

Training opportunities include:

• Monitoring UN human rights mechanisms
• Drafting advocacy and policy documents
• Understanding international human rights procedures
• Using communications and digital collaboration tools

Fellows also benefit from:

• Structured onboarding
• Regular supervision and mentorship
• Learning objective evaluations
• Regular check-ins with supervisors and coordinators

This environment allows participants to build practical expertise while developing professional networks in the global human rights sector.

Eligibility Requirements

Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic and professional potential in human rights and international affairs.

Educational Background

Applicants should:

• Be recent graduates of ABA-accredited law schools
• Have completed relevant J.D. or LL.M coursework

Candidates from related graduate-level disciplines are also encouraged to apply, including:

• Political Science
• International Relations
• Project Management

Required Skills and Qualifications

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Working knowledge of international human rights law
• Familiarity with UN and regional human rights systems
• Strong legal drafting and research abilities
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Accurate reporting and note-taking skills
• Ability to work within multicultural teams
• Flexibility and self-motivation
• Proficiency in digital tools such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Office

Preferred Languages

Knowledge of official UN languages is highly desirable, especially:

• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• Spanish

Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity

ISHR strongly promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunities. The organization welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and actively encourages individuals from historically underrepresented communities to apply.

This includes:

• Women
• Persons of color
• LGBTIQ+ individuals
• Persons with disabilities
• Candidates from marginalized communities

Recruitment and selection processes are conducted fairly and without discrimination.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages and no profile picture)
• One writing sample (maximum five pages)
• Description of funding source

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

The ISHR Fellowship represents a valuable entry point into the international human rights sector. It combines practical advocacy experience, exposure to UN mechanisms, legal research opportunities, and professional networking within one of the world’s leading human rights organizations.

For aspiring human rights lawyers, advocates, and policy professionals, this fellowship offers both substantive experience and a pathway toward long-term international careers in human rights and global justice.

LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding