UN 2021 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent (Switzerland)

The Fellowship programme for people of African descent is a three-week intensive learning opportunity for people of African descent, from the diaspora, who are engaged in promoting the rights of people of African descent.

• Table of Content
• About United Nations
• Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent
• Aim and Benefits of Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent
• Requirements for Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About United Nations

The English language component of the Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP) was established in 1997. It takes place at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland and lasts for 4 weeks, usually coinciding with the annual meeting of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP). The objective of this training programme is to enhance the knowledge of indigenous peoples on existing international human rights instruments and mechanisms, so they can use them to more effectively advocate for the rights of their communities ...... continue reading

Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent

Aim and Benefits of Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent

The aim is to strengthen participants' skills to contribute to the protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of people of African descent in their respective countries. The participants are equipped with the tools necessary to enhance the development of legislation, policies and programmes; to strengthen collaboration of civil society with governments; and to undertake local awareness-raising activities.

Requirements for Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent Qualification

The candidate must be an individual of African descent living in the Diaspora.

• The candidate must have a minimum of 4 years of work experience related to the rights of People of African Descent.
• The programme is bilingual in English and French. The candidate needs to have sufficient command of one of the two languages to be able to participate fully in the programme.
• The candidate has to submit a letter from an organization working on issues related to People of African Descent or minority rights certifying their status.
• The candidates must be available to attend the full duration of the programme. The selected fellows will be expected to participate in different activities and to strictly follow the programme.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent

The selection of the fellows will reflect gender and regional balance. The human rights situation of People of African Descent in the respective countries will also be taken into consideration.

Please note, that because of the volume of messages, applications will not be acknowledged. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Documents Required for Application

Applicants are requested to submit the following documents in one single e-mail to [email protected]:

• A Curriculum Vitae
• A completed, signed and scanned Application Form in one single document.
• A Personal Statement (maximum 500 words) in which the candidate will explain his/her motivation for applying, and how he/she will use the knowledge gained from the fellowship to promote the interests and rights of people of African descent.
• An Official Letter from the nominating organization or community certifying the status
• A copy of the applicant's passport.
• Please note that submissions with more than five attachments will not be accepted

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit UN website.

Important: Please mention in the subject header of your e-mail: "Application for the 2021 Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent."
Name the attached document as follows:

LAST NAME First name – Type of document
Example: SMITH Jacqueline – Application form.doc
SMITH Jacqueline – A Personal Statement.doc
SMITH Jacqueline – Letter certifying Status.pdf
SMITH Jacqueline – Passport.pdf