About the opportunity
The Refugee Leadership Program at the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS), based at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, brings the expertise and leadership of individuals with lived experience of forced displacement into refugee rights advocacy. During this seven-month remote fellowship running from October 2026 to mid-June 2027, fellows participate in team projects, lead an individual capstone project tailored to their interests, and receive structured professional development and peer mentorship from CGRS staff.
Funding and benefits
- $6,000 stipend disbursed in three installments
- $500 allocation for professional development opportunities
- Hands-on experience advocating for refugee rights at a leading national organization
- Assigned peer mentorship from CGRS staff members
- Networking opportunities, guest speakers, and tailored training workshops
Who can apply?
- Must have personally experienced forced displacement across borders (due to persecution, torture, armed conflict, climate change, or environmental disasters)
- Must currently live in the United States
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
- Must be comfortable working in English (reading, writing, and speaking)
- Must be available for 20 hours per month (approx. 5 hours per week), including ~6 hours per month for meetings during West Coast business hours
- Preference for candidates with demonstrated commitment to refugee rights, legal protections for survivors of gender-based violence, climate displacement advocacy, or pro se asylum support
Required documents
- Completed online application form via Breezy HR
When to apply
- Application deadline: August 30, 2026
- Fellowship term: October 2026 – mid-June 2027
How to apply
- Access the official CGRS application portal on Breezy HR
- Fill out and submit the online application form before August 30, 2026
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for an interview
Additional information
- Participation is fully remote and open nationwide within the United States
- CGRS anticipates selecting two fellows for the 2026–2027 cohort
- Inquiries can be sent to cgrshires@uclawsf.edu with the subject line 'Refugee Leadership Program'
- Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities can be requested through CGRS
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Individuals with lived experience of forced displacement currently residing in the U.S.
- Advocates committed to refugee rights, climate displacement, or gender-based violence protections
- Professionals seeking remote, part-time engagement with a national advocacy organization
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States
- The role requires availability for meetings during West Coast business hours
- Participants must commit to 20 hours per month for the duration of the seven-month term
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is designed to integrate the expertise of those with lived experience into high-level advocacy. It is an ideal path for someone looking to develop their leadership skills, build a professional network in the legal and advocacy space, and complete a capstone project that aligns with their personal mission.
Our take
This is a highly meaningful opportunity for U.S.-based individuals with lived experience of displacement. Those unable to meet the specific West Coast scheduling requirements may find the role difficult to manage.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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