Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) Call for Applications: Humanitarian Futures – Gender, Displacement, and Justice Fellowship. Apply Before 9 February 2026

Location: Remote
Duration: 8 months (March 2026 – October 2026)

Programme Overview

The Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) invites applications for the Humanitarian Futures: Gender, Displacement, and Justice Fellowship, an eight-month research fellowship designed for early to mid-career women researchers working at the intersection of gender justice, displacement, and humanitarian systems.

This fellowship centers the knowledge, leadership, and lived experiences of displaced women, with the goal of generating research that challenges dominant humanitarian models and advances feminist, inclusive, and community-driven alternatives. Fellows will conduct independent research while engaging in collaborative learning with WRC staff and a cohort of fellow researchers.

Fellowship Structure and Support

The fellowship runs from March to October 2026 and provides a combination of financial, technical, and peer-based support.

Fellowship support includes:

• Research stipend
• Research guidance and technical support from WRC staff
• Peer learning and collaboration within a fellowship cohort
• Opportunities to present research findings at convenings
• Publication and dissemination through WRC platforms

The fellowship is fully remote, allowing fellows to conduct research from their current location.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship seeks early to mid-career women researchers who meet the following criteria:

• Completed or currently enrolled in a graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field such as:
  • International Studies
  • Political Science
  • Gender Studies
  • Public Health
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
• 3–10 years of research experience
• Lived experience of displacement, forced migration, or statelessness
• Demonstrated commitment to participatory, community-centered research methodologies
• Experience working in displacement, migration, or humanitarian contexts
• Fluency in English

Women are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed requirement.

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates will also demonstrate:

• Experience translating research into policy influence and advocacy
• Strong writing skills for diverse audiences and stakeholders
• Proficiency in MS Office and qualitative or quantitative data analysis software
• A clear gender justice and feminist analytical lens

Research Focus Areas

Fellows will pursue original research aligned with WRC’s mission. Applicants may select one of the themes below or propose an alternative topic with strong justification.

Key research themes include:

• Redefining Protection
  Exploring how displaced women define safety, dignity, and autonomy, and how these definitions can reshape humanitarian protection and GBV frameworks.
• Gender, Power, and Systems Change
  Examining feminist, decolonial, and community-driven humanitarian models and their potential to transform traditional aid systems.
• Reproductive Health and Bodily Autonomy
  Investigating access to and experiences of reproductive health care for displaced women and girls, including community-driven approaches to SRHR in crisis settings.
• Dignified and Gender-Inclusive Self-Reliance
  Analyzing barriers, enablers, and best practices for sustainable and dignified self-reliance among displaced women.
• Rights and Justice
  Assessing how national laws, policies, and government practices affect protection, justice, and self-reliance for displaced, stateless, and migrant women.

WRC particularly welcomes research focused on Afghanistan/Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central America, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Rohingya populations (Bangladesh/Myanmar), Sudan, and Syria.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials by 9 February 2026 (11:59 PM EST):

1. Statement of Interest / Cover Letter (max. 800 words), including:
   • Brief biography (up to 200 words)
   • Motivation for applying (up to 300 words)
   • Alignment with professional goals and personal experience (up to 300 words)
2. CV/Resume (maximum 3 pages)
3. Research Proposal (maximum 1,500 words), outlining:
   • Research questions
   • Significance and contribution to gender justice
   • Methodology and ethical, participatory approaches
   • Rationale for alternative topics, if applicable
4. Two Writing Samples (maximum 50 pages combined), with at least one demonstrating independent research
5. Two Professional References, including contact details

About the Women’s Refugee Commission

The Women’s Refugee Commission is a global leader in research and advocacy advancing the rights, health, and safety of displaced and migrant women and girls. For over 35 years, WRC has worked to ensure humanitarian systems are more inclusive, accountable, and effective.

WRC’s approach is grounded in the belief that displaced women are experts in their own lives and leaders in shaping solutions. The organization prioritizes co-designed research, partnerships with women-led and refugee-led organizations, and community-based evidence to drive systemic change.

Application Submission

All application materials must be submitted online by Monday, 9 February 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organisation offering the internship. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, 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.