Geneva Peace Fellowship in Switzerland (2026) – Fully Funded 9-Month Programme

Fellowship Description

The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme is a prestigious partnership between Interpeace and the Geneva Graduate Institute, with the generous support of the Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva. The programme 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 fellowship aims to expand Geneva's peace support capacities while building foundations for a brain trust of peacebuilding leaders and reinforcing Geneva as a global hub for peace.

Fellows are housed at the historic Domaine Barton on the shores of Lake Geneva, working on critical, future-oriented, and practical projects addressing pressing global challenges in peace and humanitarian diplomacy.

Fellowship Location

The fellowship is residential in Geneva, Switzerland – the heart of International Geneva and a global hub for peace, humanitarian diplomacy, and multilateralism. Fellows are housed at the historic Domaine Barton on the shores of Lake Geneva and work within partner institutions across International Geneva.

Application Deadline

Applications for the International Geneva Peace Fellowship close on 7 June 2026 at 11:59 pm CET.

Host Institutions

Interpeace – an international organisation with 30 years of experience preventing violence and building lasting peace across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Interpeace supports locally led solutions and strengthens capacities for non-violent conflict management.

Geneva Graduate Institute – founded in 1927, located in the heart of International Geneva, a higher education institution and pioneer in the exploration of global issues. Through its core missions of academic research, teaching, expertise, and forum activities, the Institute produces and shares knowledge on international affairs and global challenges.

Partner institutions for placements include: Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF), Centre for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), World Council of Churches (WCC), and others within the International Geneva ecosystem.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Professional fellowship (not a degree programme). Open to recent graduates (MA or advanced PhD), junior professionals (1–4 years), and mid-career professionals (5–10 years).

Thematic areas for the 2026 cohort:

• The New Frontier of Peacemaking – mediation approaches for under-addressed conflicts, climate change, digital dynamics, and inclusive peace processes.
• Health and Peace – holistic understanding of health linked to environmental, social, and security dynamics in conflict contexts.
• Ecumenical Peacebuilding and Faith-Based Diplomacy – engagement with global church networks and interfaith partners for dialogue and reconciliation.
• Youth Leadership, Participation, and Peacebuilding – strengthening pathways for meaningful youth participation in peacebuilding and policy processes.
• Protection of Civilians and Contemporary Conflict Dynamics – analysis of evolving conflict risks, humanitarian access, displacement, and civilian harm mitigation.
• Women, Peace and Security and Inclusive Peacebuilding – advancing gender-responsive approaches and meaningful participation of women in peace processes.

Target Group

International candidates from around the world who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential in policy and/or practice in peace and humanitarian diplomacy. The programme aims to bring together an international cohort of Fellows, strengthening Geneva's connectivity to key global centres.

Fellowship Duration & Benefits

Duration: 9 months (September 2026 – June 2027).

Residential programme: Fellows are housed at the historic Domaine Barton on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Programme components:

• Residential Programme: 10 Fellows work on practical projects addressing global challenges in peace and humanitarian diplomacy, with visits, convenings, collaborative platforms, and learning exchanges across International Geneva.
• Institutional collaboration and placements: Fellows are embedded within partner institutions (Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Kofi Annan Foundation, IFRC, etc.) for a 9-month placement aligned with their expertise. Mentoring support, regular learning sessions, and access to professional networks and forums.
• Co-creation, research, and leadership: Week-long intensive training course at the beginning, plus sustained mentoring support from host institutions. Emphasis on horizontal learning and peer exchange.

Benefits (fully funded):

• Housing at Domaine Barton (Lake Geneva)
• Placement within leading peace and humanitarian organisations in Geneva
• Mentoring from experts from partner organisations
• Access to professional networks and forums across International Geneva
• Cutting-edge practical project development
• Leadership and innovation capacity building

Fellowship Eligibility

Candidate profiles (must fulfil at least one):

• Recent graduates: MA programme graduates who completed their studies within 12 months of applying, or advanced PhD candidates transitioning into policy and practice-oriented careers.
• Junior professionals: 1–4 years of experience at early stages of career development.
• Mid-career professionals: 5–10 years of experience 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 (considered an advantage).
• Excellent writing and communication 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 programme in Geneva from September 2026 to June 2027.

Important note: The Fellowship is not a postdoctoral programme. It is a hands-on, practice-oriented experience combining policy engagement, operational exposure, and applied research.

Application Procedure

1. Prepare application materials – Candidates are required to submit the following through the application portal:
   • A curriculum vitae (CV) – maximum 2 pages.
   • A cover letter – maximum 1 page (approx. 500 words) clearly outlining:
     • The candidate's preferred thematic area (from the six themes: New Frontier of Peacemaking, Health and Peace, Ecumenical Peacebuilding, Youth Leadership, Protection of Civilians, or Women Peace and Security).
     • The candidate's relevant leadership experience and why they would be a strong fit for the Fellowship.
     • The strategic idea or initiative the candidate would ideally seek to develop over the course of the Fellowship.
2. Submit application online – Complete the application through the official application portal (accessible via the Geneva Graduate Institute or Interpeace websites).
3. Application review – Candidates are selected based on the quality of their potential for leadership and alignment with the Programme's themes and objectives.
4. Notification of selection – Selected candidates will be notified by the fellowship committee.
5. Acceptance and onboarding – Successful fellows accept the offer and prepare for the 9-month residency in Geneva starting September 2026.

Important notes: 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 leadership potential and thematic alignment.

Official Website & Application Link

Geneva Graduate Institute – International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme (Official Page)

Contact Email for Questions: [email protected]

Application Portal: Available via the official programme webpage. Candidates can access the online application system through the Geneva Graduate Institute or Interpeace websites.