Committee for Justice (CFJ) Human Rights Fellowship 2026 in Nairobi: Paid 6 -Month Opportunity for Young Human Rights Professionals

The Committee for Justice (CFJ) is inviting applications for its Human Rights Fellowship 2026, offering young professionals an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in human rights research, documentation, and advocacy.

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the full-time fellowship runs for six months, beginning in September 2026, and provides participants with a monthly stipend while working alongside experienced human rights practitioners.

Applications are open until 15 August 2026.

About the Committee for Justice

The Committee for Justice (CFJ) is an independent human rights organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 2015, the organization works to protect human rights, support victims of abuses, and strengthen accountability through monitoring, research, documentation, and advocacy.

CFJ collaborates with international institutions, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders to document violations and promote justice in regions where access to reliable human rights information is limited.

In 2023, the organization was granted consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), enabling it to contribute to international human rights discussions and mechanisms.

About the Fellowship

The Human Rights Fellowship is designed for individuals under the age of 35 who are passionate about advancing human rights and social justice.

Throughout the six-month programme, fellows will receive practical training while contributing to CFJ’s ongoing projects in areas such as:

• Human rights monitoring and documentation
• Legal and policy research
• Advocacy with African and United Nations human rights mechanisms
• Gender equality
• Freedom of expression
• Detainees’ rights
• Civil and political rights
• Economic and social rights

Participants will work closely with CFJ’s team to gain practical experience in the day-to-day work of an international human rights organization.

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Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• A full-time, six-month fellowship based in Nairobi.
• A monthly stipend.
• Practical training in human rights documentation and advocacy.
• Experience working with regional and international human rights mechanisms, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and United Nations human rights systems.
• Opportunities to contribute to ongoing human rights projects and campaigns.
• Professional mentoring from experienced human rights practitioners.

The role includes approximately 70% office-based work and 30% travel for meetings, events, and field activities.

Key Responsibilities

Human Rights Fellows will support CFJ’s work by:

• Conducting research on human rights issues.
• Preparing research findings and analytical reports.
• Drafting advocacy materials, briefing papers, and reports.
• Supporting outreach and awareness activities.
• Engaging with communities and partner organizations.
• Assisting in organising workshops, campaigns, and public events related to human rights.

Who Can Apply?

CFJ welcomes applications from individuals who:

• Are under 35 years old.
• Have a strong commitment to human rights, equality, and social justice.
• Possess educational or professional backgrounds in:
  • Human rights
  • Law
  • International law
  • Social sciences
  • Related disciplines
• Have strong research, writing, or community engagement skills.

The fellowship is suitable for both aspiring and early-career human rights professionals seeking practical experience in advocacy and research.

Required Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong research and analytical abilities.
• Effective communication skills.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and within multicultural teams.
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional ethics.
• Willingness to travel when required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.

Knowledge of French is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Inclusive Recruitment

CFJ states that its recruitment process is guided by principles of equality, diversity, and non-discrimination.

Applications are welcomed regardless of sex, race, religion, or belief, and the organisation promotes an inclusive workplace where diversity is respected and valued.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit:

• An updated résumé (CV) detailing professional experience and language skills.

Applications should be submitted online with the subject line:

“Human Rights Fellow”

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is:

15 August 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next stages of the selection process.

An Opportunity to Build a Career in Human Rights

The Committee for Justice Human Rights Fellowship provides an excellent platform for young professionals interested in building careers in international human rights advocacy.

By combining practical experience, mentoring, research, and engagement with regional and global human rights mechanisms, the fellowship equips participants with the skills and networks needed to contribute meaningfully to the promotion and protection of human rights across Africa and beyond.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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