Refugee Leadership Program Fellow 2026–2027: Paid Fellowship for People with Forced Displacement Experience in the United States

The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) Refugee Leadership Program Fellowship 2026–2027 is offering a unique paid leadership and advocacy opportunity for individuals living in the United States who have personal experience of forced displacement. The program provides fellows with hands-on experience in refugee rights advocacy, professional development, networking opportunities, and the chance to lead a project connected to their interests and lived experiences.

For the 2026–2027 cohort, CGRS expects to select two Refugee Leadership Program Fellows. The fellowship is designed to bring the knowledge, perspectives, and expertise of people who have experienced forced displacement directly into the organization’s work defending the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and other people seeking safety in the United States.

Selected fellows will participate remotely for seven months, from October 2026 through mid-June 2027, committing approximately 20 hours per month, or around five hours per week. Each fellow will receive a $6,000 stipend, paid in three installments, as well as an additional $500 professional development allowance.

The application deadline is August 30, 2026.

About the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies

The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) is based at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. The organization works to protect and advance the rights of people seeking asylum and safety through legal expertise, litigation, training, policy advocacy, and other forms of engagement.

CGRS supports attorneys who represent asylum seekers by providing legal expertise, training, and resources. It also litigates cases before immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal courts to protect individual refugees and strengthen the broader asylum system.

Beyond individual cases, CGRS engages in domestic, regional, and international policy and advocacy efforts focused on advancing the rights and protections of people seeking asylum.

The Refugee Leadership Program builds on this work by recognizing that people who have personally experienced forced displacement possess valuable knowledge and perspectives that can strengthen refugee rights advocacy.

What Is the CGRS Refugee Leadership Program?

The Refugee Leadership Program is a leadership and professional development initiative designed to give people with lived experience of forced displacement an opportunity to participate meaningfully in refugee rights advocacy.

Rather than simply offering participants training, the program gives fellows an opportunity to become actively involved in CGRS’s work. Fellows will collaborate with staff, participate in organizational activities, develop and lead projects, and engage in professional development activities.

The program is based on the principle that advocacy for refugees and displaced people is strengthened when individuals with direct experience of displacement are included in the development of that advocacy.

Through the fellowship, CGRS seeks to foster mutual learning between fellows and staff while incorporating fellows’ experiences and perspectives into the organization’s refugee rights work.

Refugee Leadership Program Fellowship 2026–2027 at a Glance

The key details of the fellowship include:

• Organization: Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS)
• Location: Remote
• Geographic scope: Nationwide within the United States
• Number of fellows: Two
• Fellowship period: October 2026 to mid-June 2027
• Duration: Seven months
• Time commitment: Approximately 20 hours per month, or 5 hours per week
• Stipend: $6,000 per fellow
• Stipend payment: Distributed in three installments
• Professional development funding: $500 per fellow
• Application deadline: August 30, 2026
• Primary focus: Refugee rights, advocacy, leadership, professional development, and community engagement

What Will Refugee Leadership Program Fellows Do?

Selected fellows will participate in several areas of CGRS’s work. The fellowship is structured around three major components: organizational engagement, project leadership, and professional development.

1. Organizational Engagement

Fellows will become part of CGRS’s collaborative working environment.

This may involve:

• Participating in team meetings
• Contributing to organizational projects
• Engaging in initiatives connected to their interests
• Working collaboratively with CGRS staff
• Sharing perspectives informed by their lived experiences
• Learning more about refugee rights advocacy and organizational operations

This component allows fellows to understand how a leading national refugee rights organization develops and implements its advocacy work.

It also provides fellows with an opportunity to contribute their own knowledge rather than participating only as observers.

2. Leading an Individual Project

One of the central elements of the fellowship is the opportunity for each fellow to lead a project.

The project will be shaped by the fellow’s own interests, experiences, skills, and perspectives while contributing to CGRS’s overall mission.

Projects can take different forms depending on the fellow’s background and interests.

Possible project areas include:

• Research
• Refugee rights advocacy
• Educational resources
• Visual storytelling
• Other storytelling initiatives
• Community engagement
• Public education
• Advocacy projects
• Other activities aligned with CGRS’s mission

This flexibility makes the fellowship particularly relevant to applicants with different professional and creative backgrounds.

A fellow interested in research, for example, may develop a research-based project, while someone with experience in community organizing could focus on community engagement or advocacy.

The project should ultimately contribute to the broader goal of protecting the rights and dignity of people seeking safety in the United States.

Professional Development Opportunities

The fellowship also includes professional development opportunities designed to help fellows expand their knowledge, skills, and professional networks.

CGRS will work with fellows to coordinate activities based on their interests.

These may include:

• Networking events
• Guest speakers
• Workshops
• Training sessions
• Professional learning opportunities
• Engagement with colleagues and experts in refugee rights advocacy

This professional development component can help fellows strengthen their careers while building connections with people working in refugee rights, immigration, advocacy, law, policy, community engagement, and related fields.

Fellowship Mentorship and Support

The 2026–2027 cohort will be supported by CGRS throughout the fellowship.

The program is coordinated by a CGRS staff member who will provide overall support to the fellows.

In addition, each fellow will be assigned one or more CGRS staff members as peer mentors.

The mentorship structure is intended to provide fellows with guidance as they participate in organizational activities and develop their individual projects.

This can also create opportunities for fellows to learn from professionals working directly in refugee rights advocacy while contributing their own lived experience and expertise.

How Much Does the Fellowship Pay?

The CGRS Refugee Leadership Program is a paid fellowship.

Each selected fellow will receive a total $6,000 stipend.

The stipend will be distributed in three installments during the fellowship period.

In addition to the stipend, each fellow will receive an additional $500 allocation for professional development opportunities.

This professional development allocation can support activities that help fellows develop their skills, expand their networks, and advance their professional interests.

Where Is the Fellowship Based?

The fellowship is structured as a remote program.

It is open on a nationwide basis to eligible individuals who are currently living in the United States.

Although fellows will work remotely, they must have some flexibility to participate in meetings scheduled during West Coast business hours.

Approximately six hours of the fellow’s total monthly commitment of 20 hours will involve meetings or activities that require availability during those business hours.

Outside of scheduled meetings, fellows have flexibility regarding when they work on their individual projects.

This structure can make the fellowship suitable for people who need some flexibility in managing their professional, educational, community, or personal responsibilities.

Who Is the Fellowship Looking For?

CGRS is particularly interested in individuals who have personally experienced forced displacement across borders.

The organization recognizes that forced displacement can occur for many different reasons. Relevant experiences may include displacement resulting from:

• Persecution
• Torture
• Armed conflict
• Climate change
• Environmental disasters
• Other circumstances that have forced individuals to leave their home countries or communities

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their lived experiences, knowledge, interests, or professional backgrounds could contribute to refugee rights advocacy.

Preferred Areas of Experience and Interest

While CGRS considers a range of experiences and interests, the organization has indicated a strong preference for candidates who have demonstrated experience with or commitment to at least one of its core focus areas.

These include:

Refugee and Immigrant Rights

Applicants with experience advocating for refugee and immigrant rights may be particularly well suited to the program.

This could include community advocacy, organizing, research, education, legal support, public awareness, or other work focused on improving protections for refugees and immigrants.

Legal Protections for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

Applicants with experience or interest in protecting survivors of gender-based violence are also encouraged to apply.

This area may be particularly relevant to candidates whose advocacy, research, community work, or lived experiences connect with the rights and protection of survivors.

Climate-Induced Displacement

The fellowship also recognizes the growing importance of displacement associated with climate change and environmental disasters.

Applicants with experience or interest in climate-related displacement advocacy may therefore find the fellowship particularly relevant.

Pro Se Support

CGRS also identifies pro se support as an important area.

Pro se support involves efforts to empower and defend asylum seekers who are required to represent themselves in legal proceedings without an attorney.

Applicants who have experience supporting individuals navigating asylum or immigration systems without legal representation may therefore have relevant experience for this fellowship.

Other Related Interests

Applicants do not necessarily need to have experience in one of the specific areas above.

CGRS will also consider candidates whose experiences and interests align with its broader mission of defending the human rights of people seeking safety in the United States.

English-Language Requirement

Fellows must be comfortable working in English.

This includes the ability to:

• Read in English
• Write in English
• Speak in English
• Communicate effectively with CGRS staff and other fellows
• Participate in meetings and collaborative activities
• Work on fellowship projects in an English-language professional environment

Strong English communication skills are therefore important because fellows will participate in organizational meetings, collaborative projects, professional development activities, and other fellowship responsibilities.

Time Commitment and Schedule

The fellowship requires approximately 20 hours per month, equivalent to about 5 hours per week.

While the fellowship provides flexibility for project work, fellows must be available to participate in meetings and other activities during West Coast business hours.

Approximately six of the 20 monthly hours are expected to involve meetings or activities scheduled during those hours.

The remaining time can generally be used flexibly by fellows to work on their projects and other responsibilities associated with the fellowship.

Fellowship Duration

The fellowship will run for seven months, beginning in October 2026 and continuing through mid-June 2027.

During this period, fellows will participate in organizational activities, work with mentors and staff, develop their individual projects, and take part in professional development opportunities.

The yearlong or extended engagement model used by CGRS allows fellows to develop their projects over time rather than participating in a short-term training program.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the 2026–2027 CGRS Refugee Leadership Program Fellowship is August 30, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application form by the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.

Only applicants who are selected to proceed to the interview stage will be contacted and invited for an interview.

How to Apply for the CGRS Refugee Leadership Program Fellowship

Applicants interested in the opportunity should complete the application form provided by CGRS.

Before submitting an application, candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements and consider how their lived experience, interests, skills, and advocacy background connect with CGRS’s mission.

A strong application should demonstrate a clear understanding of refugee rights and the issues affecting people seeking safety, while also showing how the applicant’s own experiences and perspectives could contribute to the fellowship.

Applicants should also consider the type of project they could potentially develop during the fellowship and how that project could contribute to CGRS’s work.

For questions regarding the fellowship, applicants can contact http://cgrs.uclawsf.edu/

When contacting CGRS by email, applicants should include “Refugee Leadership Program” in the subject line.

The organization specifically requests that applicants do not make phone calls regarding the application.

What Makes This Fellowship Different?

The Refugee Leadership Program stands out because it is designed around the participation of people with direct experience of forced displacement.

Rather than treating lived experience simply as a background characteristic, the program seeks to incorporate fellows’ knowledge and perspectives into refugee rights advocacy.

The fellowship combines several valuable components:

1. Paid participation through a $6,000 stipend.
2. Professional development through workshops, networking, guest speakers, and training.
3. Project leadership through an opportunity to develop and lead an individual initiative.
4. Mentorship from CGRS staff members.
5. Organizational experience through participation in meetings, projects, and initiatives.
6. Networking with professionals working in refugee rights advocacy.
7. Flexible remote participation for eligible people living across the United States.
8. Additional professional development funding of $500.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusive Hiring

CGRS states that it is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining an inclusive hiring process and workplace culture.

The organization strongly encourages applications from people who are often underrepresented or marginalized, including:

• People of color
• Women
• LGBTQ+ individuals
• Formerly incarcerated individuals
• Individuals with disabilities
• Members of marginalized communities

This commitment reflects the organization’s broader focus on human rights and inclusion.

Reasonable Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the application process are encouraged to contact CGRS.

Examples of possible reasonable accommodations include:

• Changes to the application process
• Documents provided in an alternate format
• Use of a sign language interpreter
• Specialized equipment
• Other appropriate adjustments that enable a qualified applicant to participate in the application process

Applicants who need an accommodation should therefore reach out to the organization rather than allowing an accessibility barrier to prevent them from applying.

To learn more click HERE

Why Consider Applying?

The CGRS Refugee Leadership Program offers more than financial support. It provides a structured opportunity for people with lived experience of forced displacement to participate in meaningful refugee rights advocacy while developing their professional skills and networks.

For individuals interested in refugee and immigrant rights, gender-based violence protections, climate-induced displacement, pro se asylum support, community engagement, research, storytelling, or related human rights issues, the program can provide a valuable platform for turning personal experience and professional interests into practical advocacy.

The opportunity to lead an individual project is particularly significant because fellows can contribute directly to CGRS’s mission while developing a body of work that reflects their own interests and perspectives.

The combination of mentorship, networking, professional development, organizational engagement, and financial compensation makes this a notable opportunity for eligible candidates seeking to strengthen their leadership and advocacy experience.

Click HERE to apply

Key Details to Remember

Before applying, prospective candidates should make sure they understand the main requirements and commitments:

• The program is for individuals with personal experience of forced displacement across borders.
• Applicants must currently live in the United States.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Applicants should be comfortable reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Fellows must commit approximately 20 hours per month.
• Fellows need flexibility to attend some meetings during West Coast business hours.
• The fellowship lasts seven months, from October 2026 to mid-June 2027.
• Two fellows are expected to be selected.
• Each fellow receives a $6,000 stipend.
• Each fellow receives an additional $500 for professional development.
• Fellows will participate in organizational activities and lead an individual project.
• Professional development includes networking, guest speakers, workshops, and training.
• The application deadline is August 30, 2026.
• Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
• Questions should be directed to http://cgrshires at uclawsf.edu.  with “Refugee Leadership Program” in the subject line.
• Applicants should not make phone calls regarding the application.

Conclusion

The CGRS Refugee Leadership Program Fellowship 2026–2027 provides a distinctive opportunity for individuals with lived experience of forced displacement to take an active role in refugee rights advocacy in the United States.

With a $6,000 stipend, an additional $500 professional development allocation, mentorship, networking, training, organizational engagement, and the opportunity to lead an individual project, the fellowship combines financial support with meaningful leadership and career development.

The program is particularly relevant to people who want to use their lived experiences and professional interests to contribute to issues such as refugee and immigrant rights, gender-based violence protections, climate-induced displacement, pro se asylum support, and other efforts to protect the human rights of people seeking safety.

Because the fellowship is limited to individuals currently living in the United States who are authorized to work there, prospective applicants should confirm that they satisfy these requirements before applying. Eligible candidates should also consider how their personal experiences, skills, interests, and potential project ideas align with CGRS’s mission.

The application deadline is August 30, 2026, making it important for interested candidates to begin preparing and submit their applications before the closing date.

For more FELLOWSHIPS click HERE