About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
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.
Academic funding portal
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:
Academic funding portal
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:
Communications & Media Studies
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.
How to apply