International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme 2026

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.

To this end, the programme aims to strengthen Geneva's connectivity to key global centres by bringing together an international cohort of Fellows and providing them with access to research and field operations on peace and humanitarian diplomacy, along with an enabling environment within International Geneva — through a host of partners, and networks including the Fabrique de la Paix — the Geneva Graduate Institute's research and student innovation and co-creation hub, Interpeace's global partner network as well as the broader ecosystem of platforms and hubs of International Geneva.

Six thematic areas shaping the cohort

The Programme is structured around thematic areas defined with partner institutions, reflecting emerging priorities in peace and humanitarian diplomacy. Each Fellow is selected against a specific thematic focus, ensuring alignment between individual expertise, institutional needs, and the bridging of policy and practice.

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:

1. The new frontier of peacemaking
2. Health and peace
3. Ecumenical peacebuilding and faith-based diplomacy
4. Youth leadership, participation, and peacebuilding
5. Protection of civilians and contemporary conflict dynamics
6. Women, peace and security and inclusive peacebuilding

• Table of Content
• About Geneva Graduate Institute
• International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme Fellowship
• Requirements for International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme Fellowship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme Fellowship

Application Deadline	07 Jun 2026
Country to study	Switzerland
Type	Fellowship
Sponsor	Geneva Graduate Institute
Gender	Men and Women

Requirements for International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme Fellowship Qualification

Eligible candidates must fulfil at least one of the following profiles:

Recent graduates - MA or advanced PhD

• MA programme graduates who completed their studies within 12 months of applying, or advanced PhD candidates transitioning into policy and practice-oriented careers.

Junior - 1–4 years of experience

• Junior professionals at early stages of their career development.

Mid-career - 5–10 years of experience

• Mid-career professionals preparing for leadership roles in peace and humanitarian fields.

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.

The Fellowship is not a postdoctoral programme. It is a hands-on, practice-oriented experience combining policy engagement, operational exposure, and applied research. The Fellowship aims to identify, attract, and retain high-potential global talent within International Geneva’s peace and humanitarian ecosystem. Candidates will be selected through a written application based on the quality of their potential for leadership and alignment with the Programme’s themes and objectives.

Application Deadline

June 7, 2026

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Geneva Graduate Institute on hr.moorepay.co.uk to apply

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:
  • the candidate's preferred thematic area;
  • the candidate's relevant leadership experience and why they would be a strong fit for the Fellowship; and
  • the strategic idea or initiative the candidate would ideally seek to develop over the course of the Fellowship.

Candidates can access the Terms of Reference here:

• Terms of Reference

In case of any questions, please do not hesitate to write to us at: [email protected]

For more information, kindly visit Interpeace webpage.