Overview The Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights at Harvard Kennedy School invites applications from individuals interested in affiliating as Carr-Ryan Center Fellows for a one-year term. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity for scholars, human rights defenders, and leaders in international organizations to engage deeply with research, teaching, and programming at one of the world’s leading academic institutions. Fellows have the flexibility to: Conduct independent research and writing in alignment with the Center’s priorities. Audit relevant classes and participate in seminars. Engage with Harvard faculty, practitioners, and visiting experts. Lead study groups or workshops for students. Participate in other structured learning and professional development opportunities. It is important to note that fellowships offered through this open call are unpaid affiliations. Fellows are expected to have their own funding, either through their employer, home institution, or external grants, to cover expenses during the fellowship. All fellowships are one academic year in duration, beginning on September 1 and concluding on June 30. Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort are currently open, with a submission deadline of February 22, 2026. Eligibility Criteria The Carr-Ryan Center Fellowship is open to a wide range of professionals who contribute to human rights research and advocacy. Eligible candidates may include: Post-doctoral researchers and scholars. Academics on sabbatical. Human rights defenders and advocates. Senior leaders in international organizations. Directors or heads of human rights-focused NGOs. Both emerging and established scholars and practitioners are encouraged to apply, provided their research or professional work aligns with the Carr-Ryan Center’s mission and priorities. The Center seeks individuals whose experience and scholarship can advance critical discourse on human rights, racial justice, and related areas. Location and Residency Carr-Ryan Center fellowships are primarily non-residential, allowing fellows to participate remotely or from their home institutions. Limited shared office space may be available for fellows wishing to visit the Cambridge/Boston area. Occasional access to on-site resources may be provided, but permanent in-person residency is not guaranteed. Fellows are encouraged to leverage virtual collaboration tools for regular engagement with faculty, students, and peers. This flexible structure ensures that the fellowship can accommodate a global pool of applicants while maintaining meaningful connections to the Harvard Kennedy School community. Application Requirements Interested candidates must submit a complete application package that includes: Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic, professional, and research experience. Research proposal (up to three pages) explaining: Alignment with the Carr-Ryan Center’s research and program priorities. Proposed faculty mentorship or collaboration. Candidate qualifications and expertise. Executive summary of the proposal (up to 200 words). Contact information for two references who can speak to the applicant’s research capabilities and professional qualifications. References may be contacted by the Center but do not need to submit additional documentation unless requested. Relevant writing sample (up to 10 pages). List of prior publications or professional deliverables, including links or up to three attachments. Applications must be submitted by February 22, 2026, for consideration in the 2026-2027 cohort. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications 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.