Frank Jennings Fellowship 2026: Apply Now
Are you passionate about protecting human rights defenders around the world? The Frank Jennings Fellowship offers a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in this vital field. This program starts in April 2026 and runs for about a year, taking fellows from Dublin to Geneva and back.
What Is the Frank Jennings Fellowship?
The Frank Jennings Fellowship is a training and internship program run by Front Line Defenders in partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Fellows begin with three and a half months at the Front Line Defenders office in Dublin, Ireland. There, they learn key topics like the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, the role of the UN Special Rapporteur, and how organizations support those at risk.
After Dublin, fellows move to Geneva, Switzerland, for a six-month internship at OHCHR. They work on global human rights issues before returning to Dublin for three more months with Front Line Defenders. The deadline to apply is April 14, 2026, so interested candidates should act fast.
Responsibilities in Dublin
During the first stay in Dublin, fellows support Front Line Defenders’ protection coordinators. This includes handling correspondence with human rights defenders who face risks. Fellows also help draft urgent appeals to aid these defenders worldwide.
Other tasks involve entering human rights defender information into the organization’s database. They follow up on cases or specific projects as needed. Fellows take minutes at meetings, prepare briefings, reports, and appeals to keep operations running smoothly.
Responsibilities in Geneva
In Geneva at OHCHR, the focus shifts to research and reporting on human rights defenders globally. Fellows gather data on key themes set by the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders. They assist with drafting urgent appeals and communications to governments about violations against defenders.
Fellows analyze government replies and summarize them for the annual Human Rights Council report. They help draft reports for the Human Rights Council and General Assembly. Additional duties include preparing materials for the Special Rapporteur’s official missions and liaising with non-governmental organizations.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The fellowship provides a salary of €30,629 per year. While in Dublin, fellows get 13 annual leave days, flights between Dublin and Geneva at the start and end, health and travel insurance, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Monthly well-being provisions are also available during the Dublin phases.
In Geneva, standard OHCHR internship rules apply for those benefits. This support helps fellows focus on their work without added stress.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet strict criteria to qualify. They need to be current students or have finished their degree within the past year in fields like human rights, social sciences, development, humanitarian studies, or related areas. Native or native-level English is required, plus fluency in Spanish or French—no exceptions on languages.
Strong oral and written communication skills are essential, along with computer literacy, excellent administrative abilities, and top drafting skills. Candidates must synthesize large amounts of information into clear, short briefings. Some knowledge of the UN system and international human rights law helps.
Importantly, applicants need permission to work in both Ireland and Switzerland for the full program duration.
How to Submit Your Application
To apply, prepare a CV and cover letter. Send them by midnight Irish local time on April 14, 2026. Applications go through the official channel listed on the Front Line Defenders or OHCHR sites.
Review the full details on the program page to ensure your materials stand out. Highlight your relevant skills and passion for human rights work. This fellowship builds real expertise in a high-impact area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Frank Jennings Fellowship?
It is a one-year training and internship program run by Front Line Defenders and OHCHR. Fellows start in Dublin for training, intern in Geneva, and return to Dublin.
What are the main responsibilities in Dublin?
Fellows support protection coordinators by handling correspondence, drafting appeals, entering data, and preparing reports and briefings.
What benefits does the fellowship offer?
It provides a salary of €30,629 per year, annual leave, flights, health insurance, and well-being support during Dublin phases.
Who can apply and what is the deadline?
Recent graduates in human rights or related fields with native-level English and fluency in Spanish or French can apply. The deadline is April 14, 2026.