ISHR Public Interest Fellowship 2027–28 in Geneva and New York
The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is offering a 12-month full-time Public Interest Fellowship in Geneva and/or New York for 2027–28. It's for graduates and students who have their own scholarship or sponsor funding. Apply by 15 December 2026.
What Is This Opportunity?
The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is an independent non-profit that supports human rights defenders and works to strengthen human rights systems at the United Nations and in regional bodies. It has offices in Geneva, New York and Abidjan.
ISHR is inviting applications for a full-time Public Interest Fellowship in its Programme and Advocacy team for 2027–28. It's a hands-on chance to work at the centre of global human rights advocacy, including at UN meetings.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 15 December 2026
- Fellowship period: 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2028 (dates can be discussed)
- Duration: 12 months, full-time
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland (main) and/or New York, USA
What Fellows Will Do
- Help draft legal submissions to UN human rights bodies and courts
- Represent ISHR at UN meetings and in NGO coalitions
- Research and write submissions for UN Special Procedures, the Universal Periodic Review and treaty bodies
- Monitor and report on UN and regional human rights meetings
- Support training and advocacy for human rights defenders
Who Can Apply?
- Graduates or students with a strong interest in human rights and social change
- Applicants who have, or can get, full funding from a third party, such as their university, a scholarship or a sponsoring organisation
- Strong research and writing skills
- Excellent English
Extra advantages:
- Knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, French or Spanish
- Interest or experience in corporate accountability, women's rights or LGBTQIA+ rights
What You Get
- Real experience in UN human rights advocacy in Geneva and/or New York
- Mentoring and supervision from experienced human rights lawyers and advocates
- 25 days of paid annual leave, plus 11 public holidays
- Paid sick leave and flexible working
- A strong network in the international human rights community
Important: ISHR doesn't pay a salary for this fellowship. You must be fully funded by an outside scholarship or sponsor for the whole 12 months, for example a public interest fellowship from your law school or university.
How to Apply
Send the following:
- A cover letter showing your commitment to human rights and social change
- Your CV, without a photo
- A writing sample
Incomplete applications won't be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Simple Tips
- Secure or apply for outside funding early, such as a university public interest grant.
- In your cover letter, give real examples of your human rights work or study.
- Choose a writing sample that shows clear legal or policy analysis.
- Mention any UN languages you speak.
- Highlight experience in corporate accountability, women's rights or LGBTQIA+ rights.
Apply Here
- Fellowship posting: https://ishr.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ISHR_PUBLIC_INTEREST_Fellowship_Posting_2027-28.pdf
- ISHR website: https://ishr.ch
Disclaimer: World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Service for Human Rights. Please check all details on the official website before applying.
| Organization | International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) | | Region | Geneva, Switzerland / New York, USA | | Deadline | 15 December 2026 | | Level | Graduates & students | | Funding | Self-sourced (third-party funding required) |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by International Service for Human Rights (ISHR). Always verify details on the official website before applying.
