Frank Jennings Fellowship 2025-2026 | Paid Human Rights Fellowship in Ireland & Geneva

Frank Jennings Fellowship 2025-2026: A Prestigious Opportunity for Recent Graduates in Ireland & Geneva

Are you a recent graduate passionate about human rights advocacy? The Frank Jennings Fellowship offers a unique, paid opportunity to work with Front Line Defenders and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). This fellowship is designed for dedicated individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in human rights protection at both an international NGO and the UN system.

About the Fellowship

Named in honour of Frank Jennings, the former Head of Research at Front Line Defenders, this fellowship continues his legacy of human rights activism in Ireland. It provides an immersive experience, allowing fellows to work directly on advocacy initiatives, urgent appeals, and policy development for the protection of human rights defenders worldwide.

Program Overview

The Frank Jennings Fellowship is divided into three phases:

Phase 1: Front Line Defenders (Dublin)

Duration: 3.5 months
Key Responsibilities:

Assist Protection Coordinators in handling inquiries and communications with human rights defenders.
Draft urgent appeals for individuals at risk.
Maintain databases and provide administrative support.
Conduct research on key human rights defender issues.

Phase 2: OHCHR Internship (Geneva)

Duration: 6 months
Key Responsibilities:

Gather and analyse data on global human rights defenders.
Draft urgent appeals and official communications to governments.
Assess government responses and contribute to Human Rights Council reports.
Support coordination between OHCHR and NGOs.

Phase 3: Return to Front Line Defenders (Dublin)

Duration: 3 months
Key Responsibilities:

Apply knowledge gained in Geneva to ongoing projects at Front Line Defenders.
Continue providing support to human rights defenders through advocacy and case management.

Eligibility Criteria

Education: Open to recent university graduates. Candidates must be currently enrolled in university or have graduated within a year of starting the OHCHR internship.
Languages: Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory. No exceptions can be made for language requirements.
Knowledge & Skills:

Familiarity with the UN system and international human rights law.
Prior experience in human rights organizations is advantageous.
Strong writing and analytical skills.
Competency in administrative tasks, including database management and email communication.
Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Fellowship Honorarium

Dublin: €1,651 per month
Geneva: €1,700 per month

Application Process and Timeline

To apply for the 2025-2026 Frank Jennings Fellowship, submit the following documents:

Cover Letter: Explain your motivation, relevant experience, and passion for human rights advocacy.
CV/Resume: Highlight educational background and any relevant work experience.
Language Proficiency Proof: Demonstrate fluency in English and Spanish.
Application Deadline: Friday, 28 February 2025
Fellowship Start Date: Expected in May 2025

Visit the official application portal for detailed guidelines. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Ireland.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Front Line Defenders is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community.

By joining the Frank Jennings Fellowship, you will contribute to a global movement dedicated to defending human rights and advancing justice worldwide. Don’t miss this opportunity—start your application today!

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply