International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme 2026: Apply for a Fully Funded 9-Month Fellowship in Switzerland

Applications are now open for the International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme 2026, a prestigious initiative designed to develop the next generation of leaders in peacebuilding, humanitarian diplomacy, and international affairs. The programme offers selected fellows the opportunity to live and work in Geneva, Switzerland, for nine months while collaborating with some of the world’s leading organizations in peace and humanitarian action.

The fellowship is a partnership between Interpeace and the Geneva Graduate Institute, supported by the Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva. It aims to equip emerging and mid-career professionals with practical experience, professional networks, and leadership skills needed to address today’s most pressing global peace and humanitarian challenges.

About the International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme

The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme was created in response to growing challenges facing international cooperation and multilateralism. Through this initiative, participants will gain direct exposure to peacebuilding research, policy development, humanitarian diplomacy, and field operations.

The pilot cohort will consist of 10 fellows selected from different countries and professional backgrounds. Fellows will spend nine months in Geneva from September 2026 to June 2027, working alongside international organizations while developing innovative ideas and practical solutions related to peace and humanitarian issues.

The programme seeks to strengthen Geneva’s role as a global hub for peace and humanitarian diplomacy while building a network of future leaders committed to conflict prevention, dialogue, mediation, and sustainable peacebuilding.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive access to a unique learning and professional development experience that combines academic engagement, institutional placement, and leadership development.

Benefits include:

• Nine-month residential fellowship in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Accommodation at the historic Domaine Barton on the shores of Lake Geneva.
• Placement within leading international organizations working in peace and humanitarian diplomacy.
• Mentorship from experienced professionals and experts.
• Access to networking events, policy forums, workshops, and learning exchanges.
• Opportunities to collaborate with global peacebuilding and humanitarian organizations.
• Professional exposure within the International Geneva ecosystem.
• Leadership training and career development opportunities.

Programme Components

1. Residential Programme

The selected fellows will live and work together at Domaine Barton in Geneva. During the fellowship, participants will engage in practical projects focused on global peace and humanitarian challenges.

The programme also includes visits, conferences, collaborative events, and exchanges across International Geneva, providing fellows with direct exposure to international policy and diplomatic processes.

2. Institutional Collaboration and Placements

Each fellow will be embedded within a partner institution for the duration of the programme. These placements are designed to align with the fellow’s expertise and the needs of the host organization.

Participants will gain practical experience, develop professional networks, and receive mentorship from experts in peacebuilding and humanitarian diplomacy.

3. Co-Creation, Research and Leadership Development

The fellowship begins with an intensive one-week leadership and training course. Throughout the programme, fellows will participate in research activities, practical projects, peer learning, and mentoring sessions.

The programme places a strong emphasis on innovation, collaborative problem-solving, and leadership development.

Partner Organizations

The fellowship is anchored in Geneva through a partnership between:

Interpeace

Interpeace is an international peacebuilding organization with more than 30 years of experience supporting peace initiatives across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on locally led solutions and sustainable approaches to conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Geneva Graduate Institute

Founded in 1927, the Geneva Graduate Institute is a leading institution dedicated to research, education, and policy engagement on international affairs and global challenges.

In addition, fellows may be placed in leading organizations across International Geneva, including:

• Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD)
• Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF)
• Centre for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
• International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC)
• World Council of Churches (WCC)

Fellowship Themes for the 2026 Cohort

Applicants must align their application with one of six thematic areas:

The New Frontier of Peacemaking

Focuses on mediation, neglected conflicts, ceasefires, inclusive peace processes, climate-related conflict issues, and digital dynamics in conflict settings.

Health and Peace

Examines the relationship between health systems, conflict, climate pressures, technological change, and peacebuilding.

Ecumenical Peacebuilding and Faith-Based Diplomacy

Explores the role of religious institutions and faith leaders in mediation, reconciliation, social cohesion, and peace processes.

Youth Leadership, Participation and Peacebuilding

Promotes meaningful youth engagement in peacebuilding, policy development, civic participation, and humanitarian action.

Protection of Civilians and Contemporary Conflict Dynamics

Addresses civilian protection challenges including displacement, humanitarian access, emerging technologies, and conflict-related risks.

Women, Peace and Security and Inclusive Peacebuilding

Supports women’s leadership and participation in peace processes while advancing gender-responsive peacebuilding approaches.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship is open to applicants who meet at least one of the following profiles:

Recent Graduates

• MA graduates who completed their studies within the last 12 months.
• Advanced PhD candidates transitioning into policy or practice-oriented careers.

Junior Professionals

• Candidates with 1 to 4 years of professional experience.

Mid-Career Professionals

• Candidates with 5 to 10 years of professional experience.

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• Strong leadership potential.
• Experience or interest in peacebuilding, humanitarian diplomacy, international affairs, or social movements.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English and/or French.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Availability to relocate to Geneva for the full nine-month programme.

The fellowship is not a postdoctoral programme. It is designed as a practical, hands-on experience that combines operational exposure, policy engagement, and applied research.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Maximum of 2 pages.

Cover Letter

• Maximum of 1 page (approximately 500 words).

The cover letter must clearly explain:

• Preferred thematic area.
• Relevant leadership experience.
• Why the applicant is a strong fit for the fellowship.
• A strategic idea, project, or initiative they would like to develop during the programme.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted no later than:

7 June 2026 at 11:59 PM CET

Late applications may not be considered.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official application portal below:

Apply Here: https://hr.moorepay.co.uk/hr/recruitment/job-apply/56f8b52cb00e0a9dee7df12e050f2ba2/52754

For additional enquiries, applicants may contact the programme team via:

peacefellowship@interpeace.org

Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials early and clearly demonstrate how their experience, leadership potential, and proposed ideas align with the fellowship’s objectives and thematic priorities.