The IRC Fully Funded Early Career Fellowship 2026–2028 is now open for global applications. This fully funded program offers training, field experience, mentorship, and career development for emerging humanitarian leaders. Learn eligibility requirements, benefits, and how to apply.
Overview
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has officially opened applications for its Early Career Fellowship 2026–2028, one of the world’s most competitive and fully funded programs for young professionals entering the humanitarian and international development field.
This fellowship provides emerging leaders with a paid, multi-year professional placement, structured learning, mentorship from senior experts, and on-the-ground experience in crisis-affected countries. It is designed to build the next generation of humanitarian professionals capable of responding to global challenges, conflict, displacement, and climate emergencies.
Selected fellows will join the IRC’s global workforce across the organization’s country programs, technical units, and emergency response teams.
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn, and Follow our Twitter Page.
What the Fellowship Offers
The IRC Early Career Fellowship is a highly comprehensive professional development program. Fellows receive:
Fully Funded Compensation
- Competitive salary for the full duration of the fellowship
- Travel support
- Accommodation support (depending on location)
- Medical coverage
- Visa assistance where required
Two-Year Professional Experience
Fellows complete placements across IRC departments such as:
- Emergency Response
- Protection & Rule of Law
- Education
- Health
- Economic Recovery
- Child Protection
- Women’s Protection & Empowerment
- Data & Technology for Development
- Monitoring & Evaluation
Mentorship & Training
- Ongoing supervision from senior IRC leaders
- Professional development workshops
- Leadership training
- Technical training in humanitarian response
Global Network & Career Acceleration
- Direct field experience
- International assignments
- Exposure to real-world humanitarian programming
- The opportunity to transition into long-term IRC roles after the fellowship
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the IRC Early Career Fellowship 2026–2028, candidates must:
- Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any relevant field
- Have 0–3 years of professional experience
- Demonstrate interest in humanitarian response, international development, or social impact
- Have strong analytical, communication, and leadership abilities
- Be committed to working in diverse and challenging environments
- Be fluent in English
- Knowledge of Arabic, French, Spanish, or Swahili is an added advantage
The IRC encourages applications from underrepresented and marginalized groups, including refugees, women, young professionals from the Global South, and first-generation graduates.
Fellowship Duration
- Start Date: August/September 2026
- End Date: August/September 2028
- Duration: 24 months
Locations
Fellows will be placed in IRC country programs including (but not limited to):
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Ethiopia
- Nigeria
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Germany
Placement depends on experience, language skills, and program needs.
Who Should Apply
The fellowship is ideal for:
- Recent graduates seeking humanitarian field experience
- Young professionals transitioning into international development
- Aspiring leaders in crisis response, gender equality, or displacement advocacy
- Individuals from crisis-affected communities who want to drive change
- Professionals seeking mentorship and long-term careers in humanitarian work
Summary Table IRC Fully Funded Early Career Fellowship 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | IRC Early Career Fellowship 2026–2028 |
| Funding | Fully funded (salary, travel, benefits) |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Eligibility | Early-career professionals (0–3 years experience) |
| Degree Required | Bachelor’s or Master’s |
| Work Locations | Multiple countries (field & HQ) |
| Skills Needed | Leadership, communication, interest in humanitarian work |
| Languages | English required; French/Arabic/Spanish an advantage |
| Deadline | Varies by region (typically late 2025–early 2026) |
| Application Mode | Online via IRC recruitment portal |
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
Step 1 — Open the IRC Career Portal
Visit the IRC’s official careers website and search for “Early Career Fellowship 2026–2028.”
Step 2 — Prepare Your Documents
You will need:
- Updated CV (2 pages maximum)
- Motivational statement (1 page)
- Academic transcripts (if required)
- Two references (academic or professional)
Step 3 — Complete the Online Application
Fill in all required fields including:
- Personal details
- Educational background
- Relevant experience
- Preferred placement region
- Short essay responses
Step 4 — Assessment Stage
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to:
- Online tests
- A virtual interview
- A group exercise or case study
- A final selection interview with IRC leadership
Step 5 — Receive Offer & Begin Pre-Placement Training
Selected fellows will undergo:
- Pre-deployment training
- Security and protection briefings
- Onboarding sessions
APPLY NOW
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn, and Follow our Twitter Page.
Related Opportunities on Flex Jobs Space
- UNDP 100% Remote Volunteer Assignments 2026 – Paid & Fully Funded
- Mercy Corps Global Fellowship 2026 – Fully Funded Training + Monthly Stipend
- UNICEF Remote Internship 2026 – Paid International Opportunities
- Global Fellowships & Skills Training Programs 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IRC Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Fellows receive a salary, travel support, health coverage, and relocation assistance.
Do I need previous humanitarian experience?
No. The fellowship is designed for early-career professionals.
Can I choose my placement country?
You may express your preferences, but final placement depends on program needs.
Do I need to speak multiple languages?
Only English is required, but additional languages increase chances of selection.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. The program is open to applicants from all countries.
What happens after the fellowship?
Many fellows transition into full-time roles at IRC or other global organizations.
Keywords
IRC fellowships 2026, humanitarian fellowships 2026, early career programs IRC, fully funded international fellowships, IRC jobs for graduates, IRC early career program, global development internships, humanitarian career opportunities, apply IRC fellowship.
