Frank Jennings Fellowship 2026: Apply Now for Human Rights Training in Dublin and Geneva
Applications are now open for the Frank Jennings Fellowship starting in April 2026. This program offers a unique chance for recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in human rights work. You will train with Front Line Defenders in Dublin and intern at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.
The fellowship lasts about 13 months in total. It begins with three and a half months in Dublin, Ireland, at the Front Line Defenders office. After that, you spend six months in Geneva, Switzerland, at OHCHR. The program ends with three more months back in Dublin.
Fellowship Responsibilities in Dublin
During your time in Dublin, you will help protection coordinators handle emails and messages from human rights defenders around the world. You will draft urgent appeals to support defenders facing risks. Other tasks include entering data about human rights defenders into the organization’s database.
You may also follow up on specific cases or projects related to human rights defenders. Tasks like taking minutes at meetings, preparing briefings, reports, and appeals will build your skills in this area.
Responsibilities in Geneva at OHCHR
In Geneva, your focus shifts to gathering information on human rights defenders globally. Pay special attention to themes set by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. You will help draft urgent appeals and communications to governments about violations against these defenders.
You will analyze government replies and summarize them for the annual Human Rights Council report. Assist in writing reports for the Human Rights Council and General Assembly. Prepare background materials for the Special Rapporteur’s official missions and connect with non-governmental organizations as needed.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The fellowship provides a salary of €30,629 per year. You get 13 days of annual leave during your time in Dublin. Flights between Dublin and Geneva cover the start and end of the Geneva phase.
Health and travel insurance are included. While in Dublin, you have access to an Employee Assistance Programme and monthly well-being provisions. In Geneva, standard OHCHR internship rules apply.
Eligibility Requirements
You must have finished a degree in human rights, social sciences, development, humanitarian studies, or a related field. You can apply if you completed it recently or within the last year. Native or near-native English is required, plus fluency in Spanish or French—no exceptions on languages.
Strong oral and written communication skills are essential. You need to be computer literate with excellent administrative and drafting abilities. Show you can summarize large amounts of information into short briefings.
Some knowledge of the UN system, international law, and human rights law helps. You must have permission to work in Ireland and Switzerland for the full program.
How to Apply
Submit your CV and cover letter by midnight Irish local time on April 14, 2026. Apply through the official link on the Human Rights Careers jobs page. For full details, check the Frank Jennings Fellowship page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration and structure of the Frank Jennings Fellowship?
The fellowship lasts about 13 months, starting with 3.5 months in Dublin at Front Line Defenders, followed by 6 months in Geneva at OHCHR, and ending with 3 months back in Dublin.
What are the eligibility requirements for the fellowship?
You need a recent degree in human rights, social sciences, or a related field, native or near-native English plus fluency in Spanish or French, strong communication skills, and permission to work in Ireland and Switzerland.
What benefits does the Frank Jennings Fellowship offer?
It provides a salary of €30,629 per year, 13 days of annual leave in Dublin, flights between Dublin and Geneva, health and travel insurance, and well-being support.
How do I apply for the Frank Jennings Fellowship?
Submit your CV and cover letter by midnight Irish time on April 14, 2026, through the official link on the Human Rights Careers jobs page.