Frank Jennings Fellowship 2026: Apply by April 14 for Human Rights Work in Dublin and Geneva

The Frank Jennings Fellowship for April 2026 offers a unique chance for recent graduates to work on human rights issues. This paid program takes fellows to Dublin and Geneva for a full year of training and hands-on work with human rights defenders. Applications close soon, on April 14, 2026, so interested candidates should act fast.

Program Overview

The Frank Jennings Fellowship starts with three and a half months at Front Line Defenders’ office in Dublin, Ireland. There, fellows learn about human rights defenders, the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, and the role of the UN Special Rapporteur. After that, they move to Geneva, Switzerland, for a six-month internship at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The program ends with three more months back in Dublin.

This structure gives participants real-world experience in protecting people who defend human rights around the globe. Front Line Defenders and OHCHR team up to provide training and support throughout.

Responsibilities in Dublin

During the Dublin phases, fellows assist protection coordinators with emails and letters to human rights defenders in need. They help draft urgent appeals for those at risk worldwide. Other tasks include entering data into the Front Line Defenders database, following up on cases, and preparing minutes, briefings, reports, and appeals.

These duties build skills in quick communication and case management under pressure.

Responsibilities in Geneva

At the OHCHR in Geneva, fellows collect information on human rights defenders, focusing on key themes set by the Special Rapporteur. They draft urgent appeals and communications to governments about violations against defenders and track responses. Fellows also summarize government replies for the annual Human Rights Council report, help write reports for the Human Rights Council and General Assembly, prepare materials for official missions, and connect with non-governmental organizations.

This part of the fellowship dives deep into UN processes and global advocacy.

Benefits Provided

Fellows receive a salary of €30,629 per year. In Dublin, they get 13 days of annual leave, flights between Dublin and Geneva at the start and end, health and travel insurance, an Employee Assistance Programme, and monthly well-being support. In Geneva, standard OHCHR internship rules apply for those benefits.

These perks make the year-long commitment feasible for early-career professionals.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, candidates must have finished a degree in human rights, social sciences, development, humanitarian studies, or a related field within the last year or so. They need native or native-level English plus fluency in Spanish or French—no exceptions on languages. Strong oral and written communication, computer skills, administrative abilities, drafting skills, and the knack for summarizing complex info are essential. Some knowledge of the UN system and international human rights law helps.

Applicants must also have work permission for Ireland and Switzerland for the full program duration.

Application Process

Submit a CV and cover letter by midnight Irish local time on April 14, 2026. Applications go through the official link on the Human Rights Careers jobs page. For full details, check the Frank Jennings Fellowship listing there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Frank Jennings Fellowship?

It is a paid one-year program for recent graduates that includes training and hands-on work with human rights defenders in Dublin, Ireland, and Geneva, Switzerland.

What are the main responsibilities during the Dublin phases?

Fellows assist with emails and letters to defenders in need, draft urgent appeals, enter data into databases, and prepare reports and briefings.

What benefits does the fellowship provide?

Fellows get a salary of €30,629 per year, annual leave, flights between locations, health and travel insurance, and well-being support.

When is the application deadline and how do I apply?

Applications close on April 14, 2026, at midnight Irish time; submit a CV and cover letter via the Human Rights Careers jobs page.