Metropolis Mentoring Program 2026: Migration Mentorship Opportunity for Emerging Leaders

The Metropolis Mentoring Program 2026 is a professional development opportunity for emerging leaders and experienced practitioners seeking mentorship and growth in migration, settlement, and multicultural affairs. Designed as a structured pilot initiative by the Metropolis International Migration Network in partnership with SSI, the program aims to strengthen leadership capacity across the global migration sector through guided knowledge-sharing and meaningful professional connections.

About the Program

The Metropolis Mentoring Program Pilot is a newly launched initiative that connects early-career professionals (mentees) with experienced experts (mentors) working across migration, settlement services, public policy, research, civil society, and related fields. Running from February to December 2026, the program is designed to foster structured, goal-oriented mentoring relationships that support leadership development and sector advancement.

Each mentoring pair will be carefully matched based on professional experience, thematic interests, and development goals. The program focuses on building practical skills, enhancing leadership capacity, and strengthening networks across migration and multicultural sectors globally.

The pilot cohort will include six mentoring pairs, with structured engagement supported by session templates, conversation frameworks, and curated resources to ensure consistency and impact throughout the program.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Migration systems worldwide are increasingly complex, requiring leaders who can respond to displacement, diversity, and integration challenges with evidence-based and inclusive approaches. However, many emerging professionals lack access to experienced mentors who can guide them through sector-specific challenges and career pathways.

This program addresses that gap by creating structured mentorship relationships that support reflective practice, knowledge transfer, and leadership development. By connecting professionals across government, academia, community organisations, and international institutions, the initiative strengthens collaboration and improves the overall capacity of the migration and settlement sector.

It also contributes to building more equitable leadership pathways by supporting diverse voices, including those with lived experience of migration and displacement, Indigenous perspectives, and diaspora leadership.

What Participants Will Gain

Participants in the Metropolis Mentoring Program 2026 will benefit from structured, meaningful professional development designed to support long-term career growth and sector impact.

Mentees will gain personalised guidance tailored to their career goals, helping them navigate professional challenges, strengthen leadership skills, and build confidence in their chosen field. They will also develop clearer career direction through regular reflective conversations and practical advice from experienced mentors.

Mentors will have the opportunity to contribute to leadership development in the migration sector while sharing expertise, expanding their professional networks, and engaging in reflective practice that strengthens their own leadership approach.

Both mentors and mentees will benefit from structured sessions supported by conversation frameworks and tools designed to ensure productive engagement. The program also encourages networking within the wider Metropolis community, offering additional opportunities for professional exchange and collaboration.

Who Can Apply

The program is open to professionals working in migration, settlement, multicultural affairs, and related sectors. This includes individuals working in academic and research institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, civil society, private sector organisations, and international bodies.

Mentees are typically early-career professionals seeking guidance to advance their work and leadership development. Mentors are experienced practitioners committed to supporting the growth of emerging leaders through structured knowledge-sharing and professional mentorship.

Eligible Areas

Participants may work across a range of thematic areas, including women in leadership and migration policy, lived experience of displacement or migration, Indigenous and decolonial perspectives, and diaspora and community leadership. These themes ensure the program reflects diverse perspectives and addresses key challenges in global migration systems.

Application Process and Deadline

Applications for the Metropolis Mentoring Program Pilot are open through an Expression of Interest process. Applicants are required to submit their interest indicating whether they wish to participate as a mentor or mentee.

The program timeline begins with applications closing on 30 April 2026, followed by a program launch in February 2026 and completion in December 2026. Selected participants will be matched based on professional alignment, development needs, availability, and thematic focus areas.

Mentoring pairs are expected to engage in approximately 3–6 structured sessions throughout the year, conducted either online or in person where possible. These sessions will include an introductory meeting, core developmental discussions, and a final reflection session to consolidate learning and outcomes.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the limited number of available mentoring pairs in this pilot phase.

Learn more and apply on the official SSI website.

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