The Geneva Peace Fellowship 2026 offers a nine-month residential experience in Geneva for an international cohort of 10 fellows. Created through a partnership between Interpeace and the Geneva Graduate Institute, the programme supports recent graduates and junior to mid-career professionals working toward leadership roles in peace and humanitarian diplomacy.
Quick Overview
Official Name: International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme
Category: Residential fellowship programme
Host City: Geneva
Cohort Size: 10 fellows
Fellowship Dates: September 2026–June 2027
Programme Length: 9 months
Deadline: 7 June 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET
Geneva Peace Fellowship 2026
The programme responds to challenges facing multilateralism by supporting professionals with skills, networks, and practical experience. Its initial pilot phase will bring 10 fellows to Geneva.
The fellowship is organised by Interpeace and the Geneva Graduate Institute, with support from the Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva. Fellows will engage with research, field operations, institutional partners, and professional networks in International Geneva.
Residential Experience and Placements
The selected fellows will live at the historic Domaine Barton on the shores of Lake Geneva. During the programme, they will participate in visits, learning exchanges, convenings, and collaborative platforms.
Each fellow will also complete a placement with a partner institution working in peace and humanitarian diplomacy. Placements will match the fellow’s expertise with the needs of the institution.
Fellows will receive:
✓ Mentoring support from experts at partner organisations
✓ Access to professional networks and forums
✓ Regular learning sessions
✓ Opportunities to contribute to applied projects
✓ Exposure to institutional knowledge and operational work
Leadership and Research Component
The fellowship starts with a one-week intensive training course. This course focuses on the knowledge, analytical abilities, and practical skills required for leadership in peace and humanitarian diplomacy.
Throughout the nine-month period, fellows will build on their expertise, learn from partner organisations, and develop strategic ideas. Peer exchange and horizontal learning are also central elements of the programme.
Focus Areas
Applicants should identify a preferred thematic area. The 2026 cohort will focus on:
• 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
Who Can Apply?
Eligible candidates must fit at least one of the following categories:
• MA graduates who completed their studies within 12 months of applying
• Advanced PhD candidates moving toward policy and practice-oriented careers
• Junior professionals with 1–4 years of experience
• Mid-career professionals with 5–10 years of experience
Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential in policy and/or practice. Relevant areas include peace and humanitarian diplomacy, international affairs, and social movements.
Candidates must also have excellent writing and communication skills in English and/or French. Additional languages are considered an asset.
Applicants should be able to work in multicultural teams, adapt to different environments, and commit to the full residential period in Geneva from September 2026 to June 2027.
Analytical and practical experience and/or strong research skills are considered an advantage. The programme is not a postdoctoral fellowship.
How to Apply
Candidates must use the official application portal and upload:
• A curriculum vitae with a maximum length of two pages
• A cover letter with a maximum length of one page or approximately 500 words
The cover letter should explain:
• The preferred thematic area
• Relevant leadership experience
• Why the applicant is a strong fit for the programme
• The strategic idea or initiative the applicant would like to develop during the fellowship
Important Date
The application deadline is 7 June 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET.
