Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme. The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme is a partnership between Interpeace and the Geneva Graduate Institute, with the generous support of the Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva, that fosters the next generation of leadership in peace and humanitarian diplomacy.
Responding to the growing challenges facing multilateralism, the Programme empowers emerging and mid-career professionals with the skills, networks, and practical experience needed to drive innovative solutions for peace.
Over an initial pilot phase, the Programme will support 10 fellows selected from recent graduates and junior to mid-career professionals, for a 9-month residential programme in Geneva. The programme aims to expand Geneva’s peace support capacities while building foundations for a brain trust of peacebuilding leaders and a mechanism to reinforce Geneva as a global hub for peace.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates must fulfil at least one of the following profiles:
- Recent Graduates: MA programme graduates (in peace-related studies, social or political science, international relations or other relevant fields) who completed their studies within 12 months of applying, or advanced PhD candidates transitioning into policy and practice-oriented careers.
- Junior (1-4 years’ experience) professionals at early stages of their career development.
- Mid-career (5-10 years’ experience) professionals preparing for the next step in their professional development in peace and humanitarian diplomacy.
Candidates must demonstrate: - Exceptional leadership potential in policy and/or practice — particularly in areas such as peace and humanitarian diplomacy, international affairs, and social movements;
- A balance between analytical and practical experience and/or strong research skills are considered an advantage;
- Excellent writing and communications skills in English and/or French; additional languages are an asset;
- Proven ability to work in a multicultural team;
- Ability to be flexible and adapt to different contexts and working environments;
- Availability to commit to a 9-month residency program in Geneva from September 2026 to June 2027
Programme Components
Residential Programme
A group of 10 International Geneva Peace Fellows will be housed at the historic Domaine Barton, on the shores of Lake Geneva, working on critical, future-oriented, and practical projects addressing pressing global challenges in peace and humanitarian diplomacy. Throughout the programme, Fellows will participate in visits, convenings, collaborative platforms, and learning exchanges across International Geneva.
Institutional collaboration and placements
Fellows are embedded within partner institutions from leading organisations working in peace and humanitarian diplomacy, while developing projects and immersing themselves in professional networks, knowledge and expertise emerging from International Geneva for a nine-month placement aligned with their expertise and institutional needs. Fellows are mentored by experts from designated partner organisations and benefit from mentoring support, regular learning sessions, and access to professional networks and forums across Geneva. The Fellowship is designed to provide meaningful institutional exposure, operational experience, and long-term career development opportunities within the peace and humanitarian ecosystem.
Co-creation, research, and leadership
Fellows build on their existing expertise and learn from the themes of the partners they work with. The Fellowship begins with a week-long intensive training course designed to strengthen the knowledge, analytical capacities, and practical skills required for leadership in peace and humanitarian diplomacy.
Thematic Areas
Fellows will be expected to work with partner organizations on practical projects as well as
develop their own strategic ideas in one of the following themes:
- The new frontier of peacemaking
- Health and peace
- Ecumenical peacebuilding and faith-based diplomacy
- Youth leadership, participation, and peacebuilding
- Protection of civilians and contemporary conflict dynamic
- Women, peace and security and inclusive peacebuilding
Programme Engagement
Fellows will:
- Develop and work on a strategic idea or initiative aligned with the thematic priorities
defined for each fellowship cohort. - Engage with Geneva-based institutions, experts, and practitioners working on innovation in peace and humanitarian diplomacy.
- Build a community of International Geneva Peace Fellows.
- Contribute to collaborative partnerships and research initiatives.
- Strengthen Geneva’s visibility and connectivity as a global peace hub.
Institutional Placement
During the fellowship period, Fellows will be placed within partner institutions including - Interpeace
- The Geneva Graduate Institute
- The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue
- The Kofi Annan Foundation
- Centre for Civilians in Conflict
- World Council of Churches
Participation in Fellowship Activities
Mandatory participation in Fellow programme activities, including:
- Monthly fellows’ meetings for joint reflection and learning.
- Quarterly learning and exchange sessions.
- Mentorship sessions with senior practitioners.
- A mid-term Fellowship Assessment conducted by the Geneva Graduate Institute and
Interpeace. - Programme-wide discussions and strategic exchanges with Geneva stakeholders
Benefits
Fellows will benefit from:
- A monthly stipend (subject to applicable Swiss social security contributions);
- Administrative support in obtaining the necessary work authorisation and permit documentation;
- The possibility of accommodation at Villa Barton, subject to availability.
Duration and Duty Station
- The fellowship is awarded for a duration of nine (9) months.
- Fellows will be based in Geneva, Switzerland, with primary working locations in partner institutions (see above).
- Fellows may also participate in field visits, conferences, and other programme activities related to their fellowship projects
Method of Application
- Candidates will be selected through a written application process based on the demonstrated quality of their leadership experience and potential, as well as their alignment with the Programme’s themes and objectives.
To apply for the Fellowship, candidates are required to submit the following through the
application portal:
- A curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages);
- A cover letter (maximum 1 page/approx. 500 words) clearly outlining:
o the candidate’s preferred thematic area;
o the candidate’s relevant leadership experience and why they would be a strong fit for the Fellowship; and
o the strategic idea or initiative the candidate would ideally seek to develop over the course of the Fellowship.
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: 7 June 2026.
