ISHR Human Rights Research Fellowship 2026 — Work With the United Nations Human Rights System. Apply for the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) Fellowship 2026 in New York and gain hands-on experience in UN human rights advocacy, legal research, and international policy work.
Overview
International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is offering a prestigious Full-Time Fellowship Opportunity in its New York office for early-career legal and human rights professionals.
The fellowship provides:
- Direct exposure to the United Nations human rights system
- International advocacy experience
- Human rights research and policy work
- Coalition-building opportunities
- Practical legal and advocacy training
This opportunity is ideal for graduates interested in:
- International law
- Human rights advocacy
- UN policy work
- NGO careers
- Global justice
ISHR Human Rights Research Fellowship 2026
Fellowship Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | ISHR Full-Time Fellowship |
| Organization | International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) |
| Location | New York |
| Fellowship Type | Full-Time |
| Duration | Preferably 1 Year |
| Working Hours | 37.5 Hours Per Week |
| Start Date | To Be Determined |
| Application Deadline | Rolling Basis |
About ISHR
ISHR is an independent international NGO with offices in:
- Geneva
- New York
The organization works to:
- Protect human rights defenders
- Strengthen human rights systems
- Advance international accountability
- Build global advocacy coalitions
About the Fellowship
The fellowship allows participants to:
- Work closely with ISHR advocacy teams
- Monitor UN negotiations and deliberations
- Contribute to legal and policy research
- Engage in international human rights advocacy
Fellows gain first-hand experience with:
- International human rights law
- Multilateral diplomacy
- UN human rights mechanisms
- Protection of human rights defenders
Key Responsibilities
1. Human Rights Research
Fellows will:
- Conduct legal and policy research
- Support submissions to:
- UN mechanisms
- Regional bodies
- International courts
2. UN Advocacy & Monitoring
Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring UN meetings
- Taking minutes and preparing reports
- Supporting advocacy strategies
- Tracking negotiations and resolutions
3. Coalition & NGO Engagement
Fellows may:
- Represent ISHR at meetings
- Coordinate with NGOs and activists
- Participate in coalition advocacy work
4. Publications & Communications
Tasks include:
- Drafting briefing papers
- Editing reports
- Writing web articles and advocacy updates
5. Regional Human Rights Work
There may also be opportunities to:
- Engage with African human rights systems
- Support work related to:
- The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Who Can Apply?
Educational Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be recent graduates from:
- ABA-accredited law schools
with:
- J.D. or LL.M. coursework in relevant areas
Exceptional graduates from:
- Other relevant graduate programmes
may also be considered.
Required Skills & Experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Knowledge of international human rights law
- Familiarity with:
- UN human rights mechanisms
- Regional human rights systems
- Human rights defenders’ issues
- Strong research and drafting skills
- Commitment to human rights advocacy
Language Requirements
Candidates must have:
- Excellent written and spoken English
Knowledge of:
- French
- Spanish
- Chinese
is considered an advantage.
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must:
- Be authorized to work in the United States
Funding Requirement
Important:
Applicants must already have:
- University-funded support
OR - External fellowship funding
for the duration of the fellowship.
Benefits Provided
ISHR offers several benefits including:
1. Paid Leave
- 20 days annual leave
- Paid public holidays
- Paid sick leave
2. Office Closure
- Office closure between Christmas and New Year
3. Health Support
- Health insurance stipend
Equal Opportunity Commitment
ISHR strongly encourages applications from:
- Underrepresented groups
- Persons with disabilities
- LGBTQI+ candidates
- Diverse cultural and racial backgrounds
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Cover letter
- CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Two writing samples with bibliographies
- Description of funding source
In the cover letter, candidates should explain:
- Their commitment to human rights and social change
Application Process
Applications are reviewed:
- On a rolling basis
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Why This Fellowship Is Prestigious
This fellowship is highly valuable because it provides:
- Direct UN system exposure
- High-level international advocacy experience
- Legal and policy research opportunities
- Global human rights networking
- Practical NGO experience
It is especially suitable for those pursuing careers in:
- International law
- Human rights litigation
- UN advocacy
- Global policy
Final Thoughts
The ISHR Fellowship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career human rights professionals to gain direct experience within the international human rights system.
With:
- Hands-on UN advocacy exposure
- International legal research experience
- Coalition-building opportunities
- Human rights policy engagement
this fellowship provides strong preparation for careers in international law, advocacy, and global human rights leadership.
Keywords
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