Refugees International is excited to announce a call for applications for the next cohort of its Fellowship Program, set to start in August 2026. This unique virtual fellowship focuses on enriching and supporting the existing advocacy efforts of forcibly displaced leaders around the world. Our program is tailored to maximize the growth of our fellows and the impact of their work. The year-long program will ensure that fellows receive support for the advocacy goals they are pursuing. Refugees International is committed to providing the necessary tools, resources, and access to amplify  displaced people’s perspectives  and drive change in the advocacy landscape.

Fellows will be formally affiliated with Refugees International. They will collaborate closely with Refugees International staff to support their advocacy work, through publications (internally and externally), direct advocacy with policy makers, participation in international donor and policy forums, and/or media interviews. 

Throughout the fellowship, fellows will partner with Refugees International and benefit from peer-to-peer learning opportunities with other cohort members. Fellows will also receive comprehensive training on advocacy strategies, communication skills, fundraising, and public speaking from Refugees International staff members and external experts, in addition to opportunities for informal training. 

Eligibility and Application: 

The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries. However, priority will be given to individuals working in regions, countries, and on themes that align with Refugees International’s current advocacy priorities. These may include contexts where Refugees International is actively engaged or where there are critical gaps in refugee and displacement-related advocacy that the organization seeks to address.

Refugees International is an independent organization that does not receive funding from governments or United Nations agencies. As a result, applicants currently working for government institutions, United Nations agencies, and philanthropic foundations, are not eligible for the fellowship.

Priority countries:

Anticipated priority countries for Refugees International's advocacy during the fellowship period include the following hosting countries and countries of origin:

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso 
• Burundi
• Burma/Myanmar 
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
• Ethiopia
• Iran
• Kenya
• Lebanon
• Mauritania (Climate Displacement)
• Mexico
• Mozambique
• Palestine (Gaza and West Bank)
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Syria
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Other countries hosting Rohingya refugees
  
  
• Priority themes: 
• Women and Girls
• Labor Market Access, Economic Inclusion, and Development Finance 
• Resettlement and Complementary Pathways
• Meaningful Refugee Participation (Power Shifting)
• Climate Displacement and Adaptation

These countries and themes are not exhaustive; they reflect priority areas for the upcoming year and may evolve depending on the context.

Duration: Aug 1, 2026 to July 30, 2027.

Fellows will receive a $15,000 grant in four quarterly installments throughout the year, for working up to seven hours a week. 

Key Components of the Fellowship: 

• Technical Training: Enhancing skills such as public speaking, advocacy planning, and fundraising, or other themes tailored to meet the needs of the fellows.
•  Professional Networking: supporting fellows to network with figures in the humanitarian field, fostering professional relationships and collaborative opportunities.
• Collaborative Advocacy Events and Trips: Offering opportunities for partnership with Refugees International on key advocacy issues through collaborative events and research trips. 

Refugees International acknowledges the complexities and challenges that may emerge for professionals working in humanitarian settings, particularly for those with lived experience. The fellowship offers optional access to customized mental health support services upon request.

With financial support from Refugees International, fellows will be expected to:

• Time Commitment and Accountability: Fellows are expected to work up to seven trackable hours per week with the Refugees International team. They should ensure they have sufficient time to prioritize fellowship tasks and remain accountable for meeting deliverables and program objectives.
• Participate in Regular Meetings: Attendance at regular meetings is a must for staying aligned with the program’s objectives and collaborative efforts.
• Attend an In-Person Retreat: If feasible, fellows will participate in an in-person retreat, with details to be agreed on with the fellows. 
• Publish at Least One Publication: Each fellow is required to publish at least one piece of written work during their fellowship, which could include a statement, policy brief, op-ed, report, or similar publication.
• Plan and Conduct a Field Research Trip: If feasible, fellows should organize a field research trip in collaboration with Refugees International aimed at supporting mutual advocacy efforts.
• Participate in Regional or/and Global Refugee-Related Events: If feasible, fellows will take part in one or more regional or/and global events addressing refugee issues.

Fellowship Accountability: 

Refugees International will conduct mid-year performance reviews with all fellows. If fellows are found not to be meeting the fellowship objectives and deliverables, Refugees International reserves the right to suspend the fellowship.

Language Proficiencies:

English proficiency is preferred to ensure fellows can fully engage with Refugees International’s work and collaborate effectively with staff. Competency in other key advocacy and local languages is also valued. Applicants with limited English proficiency will still be considered.

Digital Access:

This is a remote program, so candidates must have their own computer and internet access to participate. 

Eligibility for Grant:

Fellows must have a bank account to which the grant can be transferred in adherence with U.S. law.

How to Apply:

To apply, applicants must complete an application form and submit the following:

• Answers to two short-essay questions (400 words each) 

• A CV/Resume

• Three professional references

• A brief work plan for the fellowship year

Candidates will be invited to panel interviews between late May and early July. 

To apply:

For first-time applicants:
Click the "Apply" button, then select "Register" at the top right corner of your screen to create an account. Once your account is set up, you can begin your application. 

If you’ve applied before:
Just click "Log In" at the top right corner to access your account.

Important Note:

Applications created using AI tools (including AI-generated personal statements, essays, or work plans) will be denied. Refugees International values authenticity and is committed to selecting fellows based on their genuine voice, experiences, and perspectives.

Information Session:

Refugees International will hold an information session about the fellowship and answer frequently asked questions live on April 9, 2026. Register here to attend