The UNHCR Innovation Fellowship is a professional development programme offered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This is provided through its Innovation Service. The fellowship supports intellectual innovations and research within humanitarian operations. It also supports professionals who are working to improve responses to displacement. The aim is to enhance practical problem-solving and experimentation. Interested applicants should apply before 2 March 2026.
About the UNHCR Innovation Fellowship
The Innovation Fellowship is part of the United Nations strategy for promoting innovative solutions. The programme will be done in different phases. There will be virtual workshops, collaborative exercises, and mentorship sessions. This helps fellows to know how to address problems and provide viable solutions.
Participants are taught the benefits of using human-centred design, systems thinking, and rapid prototyping. This makes fellows stand out in the intellectual space and get better job opportunities. Fellows apply these tools to improve their operational skills.
The programme is firmly tailored towards skills and not academic research. The programme equips fellows with learning, peer collaboration, and mentorship. Fellows will have good innovation skills across humanitarian teams. With this, there will be improved services delivered to displaced and stateless communities.
The fellowship does not operate like a traditional research funding grant. It focuses on professional growth, skill development, and organisational change. Fellows will become innovation ambassadors and contribute to improving adaptive and responsive humanitarian systems.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: No fixed stipend
- Maximum award: No publicly specified
- Project duration supported: One year
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Who Can Apply for the UNHCR Innovation Fellowship
Eligible organisation types
- UNHCR staff across headquarters and field operations
- Personnel from UN agencies collaborating with UNHCR
- Staff from humanitarian partner organisations
- Professionals working within the UNHCR operational ecosystem
Registration or legal documents
- Proof of employment or official affiliation
- Valid identification documents
- Curriculum vitae
- Supervisor recommendation
- Organisational endorsement
Project focus requirements
- Innovation initiatives addressing displacement challenges
- Demonstrated interest in experimentation and design methods
- Operational problem solving within humanitarian settings
- Commitment to implementing learning outcomes
Geographic eligibility
- Applicants based in any country
- Participation from UNHCR offices worldwide
- Ability to engage in virtual learning sessions
- Active involvement in operational contexts
Sector or thematic focus
- Refugee protection and inclusion
- Humanitarian service delivery
- Innovation and technology in displacement contexts
- Systems improvement and adaptive programming
Application Process
- Submit an online application during the official call period.
- Provide written responses showing professional background and innovation interests.
- Upload a current curriculum vitae.
- Participate in any interviews and additional assessments.
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Required Materials
- Completed application form
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Written statements on innovation interest and intended impact
- Institutional approval is required
Key Dates
- Application deadline: March 2 2026
- Review period: May, 2006
Selection Notes
- The fellowship is competitive.
- Priority focus: Candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation and operational impact.
- Exclusions: Applicants whose roles do not meet humanitarian innovation objectives.
Official Source of the UNHCR Innovation Fellowship
Application Page: https://innovationservice.grantplatform.com/