International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme 2026
The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme 2026 is a nine-month residential programme for recent graduates and junior to mid-career professionals. The programme brings together 10 fellows in Geneva from September 2026 to June 2027. It combines institutional placements, mentoring, practical projects, research, and leadership development in peace and humanitarian diplomacy.
Quick Overview
Programme: International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme
Programme Type: Residential fellowship
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Number of Fellows: 10
Duration: 9 months
Programme Period: September 2026–June 2027
Application Deadline: 7 June 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET
About the International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme
The fellowship is a partnership between Interpeace and the Geneva Graduate Institute. It receives support from the Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva.
The programme is designed to foster leadership in peace and humanitarian diplomacy. Fellows gain access to research, field operations, partner networks, and platforms across International Geneva.
Programme Components
Residential Programme
The 10 selected fellows will be housed at the historic Domaine Barton on the shores of Lake Geneva. They will work on practical and future-oriented projects related to peace and humanitarian diplomacy.
Throughout the programme, fellows will take part in visits, convenings, collaborative platforms, and learning exchanges across International Geneva.
Institutional Placements and Mentoring
Fellows will complete a nine-month placement with partner institutions working in peace and humanitarian diplomacy. The placements will align with each fellow’s expertise and the needs of the host institution.
The fellowship also includes:
✓ Mentoring from experts at designated partner organisations
✓ Regular learning sessions
✓ Access to professional networks and forums across Geneva
✓ Institutional exposure and operational experience
Training, Research, and Leadership Development
The programme begins with a one-week intensive training course. The course aims to strengthen the knowledge, analytical capacities, and practical skills required for leadership in peace and humanitarian diplomacy.
Fellows will also contribute to practical projects with partner institutions and develop their own strategic ideas within the relevant thematic areas.
Thematic Areas for the 2026 Cohort
Each fellow will be selected for a specific thematic focus. The six areas are:
• 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 dynamics
• Women, peace and security and inclusive peacebuilding
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet at least one of the following profiles:
• Recent graduates: MA graduates who completed their studies within 12 months of applying, or advanced PhD candidates transitioning into policy and practice-oriented careers.
• Junior professionals: Candidates with 1–4 years of experience who are at an early stage of their career development.
• Mid-career professionals: Candidates with 5–10 years of experience who are preparing for leadership roles in peace and humanitarian fields.
Candidates must also demonstrate:
• Exceptional leadership potential in policy and/or practice, particularly in areas such as peace and humanitarian diplomacy, international affairs, and social movements
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English and/or French
• Proven ability to work in a multicultural team
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to different contexts and working environments
• Availability for the nine-month residential programme in Geneva from September 2026 to June 2027
A balance of analytical and practical experience and/or strong research skills is considered an advantage.
The fellowship is not a postdoctoral programme. It is a practice-oriented experience combining policy engagement, operational exposure, and applied research.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents through the application portal:
• A curriculum vitae of no more than two pages
• A cover letter of no more than one page or approximately 500 words
The cover letter should clearly outline:
• The candidate’s preferred thematic area
• Relevant leadership experience and reasons for being a strong fit for the fellowship
• A strategic idea or initiative that the candidate would ideally develop during the programme
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 7 June 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET.
Apply Here
➤ International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme
