Refugee Leadership Program Fellow 2026–2027: Paid Fellowship for People with Forced Displacement Experience in the United States
The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) Refugee Leadership Program Fellowship is a paid advocacy opportunity for individuals in the U.S. with personal experience of forced displacement. Selected fellows participate remotely over seven months, receiving a stipend and professional development support.
Overview
The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) Refugee Leadership Program Fellowship 2026–2027 offers a unique paid leadership and advocacy opportunity for individuals living in the United States who have personal experience of forced displacement. The initiative brings the knowledge and expertise of displaced persons directly into organizational efforts defending the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
Selected fellows participate remotely for seven months, running from October 2026 through mid-June 2027. The role requires a time commitment of approximately 20 hours per month (about five hours per week), with availability needed for certain meetings scheduled during West Coast business hours. Two fellows will be selected for this cohort.
Benefits
- A $6,000 stipend paid in three installments.
- An additional $500 professional development allocation.
- Hands-on experience in refugee rights advocacy, networking, and organizational engagement.
- The opportunity to develop and lead an individual project aligned with personal interests and CGRS's mission.
- Mentorship and support from CGRS staff members.
Eligibility
- Must have personal experience of forced displacement across borders (e.g., persecution, armed conflict, climate change, or other circumstances).
- Must currently live in the United States and be authorized to work in the country.
- Must be comfortable reading, writing, and speaking in English.
- Preferred areas of experience or interest include refugee and immigrant rights, legal protections for survivors of gender-based violence, climate-induced displacement, or pro se asylum support.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review all fellowship guidelines and submit their information through the online application form. Applicants should ensure their materials reflect how their lived experiences and professional backgrounds connect with the mission of CGRS.
For questions or disability accommodations during the application process, applicants can reach out via the official CGRS contact channels with "Refugee Leadership Program" specified in the subject line. Please note that telephone inquiries are not accepted.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by August 30, 2026. Only applicants selected for the interview stage will be contacted by the organization.