Fellowship•Remote

Refugee Fellows Program

Funding

Grant

Program dates

Aug 1, 2026 – Jul 30, 2027

Refugees International — an independent advocacy organization that takes no funding from governments or United Nations agencies — runs the Refugee Fellows Program, a year-long virtual fellowship that supports the existing advocacy work of forcibly displaced leaders. Fellows commit up to seven hours a week and receive training, networking, and the chance to collaborate with Refugees International on policy advocacy. The aim is to amplify refugee perspectives and shift power toward people with lived experience of displacement.

Benefits & funding

  • US$15,000 grant, paid in four quarterly installments across the fellowship year, in exchange for up to seven hours of work per week.
  • Technical training in skills such as public speaking, advocacy planning, and fundraising, with themes tailored to fellows’ needs.
  • Professional networking with figures across the humanitarian sector.
  • Collaborative advocacy events and research trips with Refugees International.
  • Optional mental-health support services.

Eligibility

  • Open to forcibly displaced individuals of any nationality; the program is for displaced people only.
  • Priority is given to applicants working in or from regions, countries, and themes that match Refugees International’s current advocacy priorities — priority origin countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, DRC, Syria, Palestine, Somalia, Iran, Sudan, South Sudan, and Venezuela, and priority themes include women and girls, economic inclusion and development finance, resettlement and complementary pathways, meaningful refugee participation, and climate displacement and adaptation. Applicants from outside these priorities are still considered.
  • Must have a personal computer and internet access.
  • Must hold a bank account able to receive the grant in compliance with U.S. law.
  • English proficiency is preferred but not required; applicants with limited English are still considered.
  • Not eligible: people currently employed by government institutions, United Nations agencies, or philanthropic foundations.
  • Applications created using AI tools (including AI-generated personal statements, essays, or work plans) will be denied.

Application process

  1. 1
    Create an account on the Refugee Fellows Program application portal (SurveyMonkey Apply) and complete the application form.
  2. 2
    Submit answers to two short-essay questions (400 words each), a CV/résumé, three professional references, and a brief work plan for the fellowship year.
  3. 3
    Shortlisted applicants are interviewed (late May to early July); selected fellows begin the fellowship on August 1.

Program timeline

  1. Applications open (12:00 AM EDT)

    Mar 30, 2026

  2. Application deadline (11:59 PM EDT)

    Apr 30, 2026

  3. Interviews

    Late May to early July 2026

  4. Fellowship year begins

    Aug 1, 2026

  5. Fellowship year ends

    Jul 30, 2027