1. Modality and Venue of Fellowships: Initially home based. However in case the offices reopen, the fellowship will take place at the Executive Secretariat of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (ES/IACHR) of the Organization of American States (OAS). Address: 1889 F Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, United States of America.
  2. Fellowships available: Fellowship for lawyers from CARICOM countries.
  3. Deadline to present applications: April 5, 2021 at 11:59pm (E.S.T.)
  4. Start Date of Fellowships: May 1, 2021
  5. Duration: 12 months
  6. Objective: To provide an opportunity for young lawyers from OAS Member States to understand and apply the mechanisms of protection of the inter-American system of human rights.
  7. Program: The fellow will provide support to the work of the Executive Secretariat of the IACHR, especially to the Monitoring Section 3. At the end of the fellowship, the fellow will present to the ES/IACHR a detailed report on activities carried out.
  8. Expected results:
    • Organization of research to analyze the human rights situation in specific countries and the preparation of the respective resulting reports.
    • Preparation of memos and other documents for hearings, working meetings and visits of the Commission;
    • Collaboration in thematic studies;
    • Preparation of summaries and other documents for hearings, working meetings, and visits of the ES/IACHR;
    • Collaboration in initiatives related to the promotion and dissemination of the inter-American system of human rights.
  9. Requirements:
    • Be a citizen of a CARICOM Member State;
    • Make a commitment to return to the country of origin upon completion of the fellowship;
    • Be proficient in either English or Spanish; knowledge of Portuguese or French desirable;
    • Have graduated in law from an officially recognized university (attach copy of the law degree and grades obtained);
    • Have received law degree within the past 7 years;
    • Be admitted to practice as an attorney in a jurisdiction of an OAS Member State (in the absence thereof provide the reason);
    • Professional or educational experience in the area of human rights; and
  10. Required documents: The following documents are required in order to be considered for the fellowship:
    • Letter of interest (cover letter from the interested person);
    • Three references (academic or professional);
    • Curriculum vitae;
    • Copy of law degree and grades obtained;
    • Proof you are admitted to practice as an attorney in a jurisdiction of an OAS Member State (in the absence thereof, include an explanatory note);
    • Written essay of up to five pages, not edited by another person, on any human rights issue of interest to the candidate .

Please note: All documents required for the fellowship may be submitted in English or Spanish. Only simple copies of the original documents required. There is no need to notarize or legalize them. The letters of interest should be addressed to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Subject to the discretion of the Commission, the shortlisted candidates may be requested to respond to additional questions.

  1. Benefits:
    • The ES/IACHR provides a monthly stipend of US$3,200.00 during the period of the fellowship. With the stipend provided, the fellow is responsible and required to obtain health insurance coverage of his/her choosing for the duration of the fellowship, and shall provide proof of coverage to the Executive Secretariat of the IACHR prior to initiating the fellowship;
    • In case part of the fellowship takes place on-site: round-trip economy class air transportation from the participant's country of residence to Washington, D.C. Terminal and transfer expenses are not covered;
    • The ES/IACHR will award a certificate of participation in the Fellowship Program to the fellows who satisfactorily complete the entire period of the fellowship.
  2. Responsibilities of the selected candidates:
    • Once an applicant has been selected, he/she should formally accept the fellowship in writing, confirming with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights his/her full availability to complete the fellowship at the IACHR headquarters, during the period indicated. Once accepted, the ES/IACHR will proceed with the necessary arrangements for the purchase of round-trip economy air transportation between the candidate's country of origin/residence and Washington, D.C;
    • In the event a candidate accepts a fellowship but cannot complete it, for whatever reason, he/she must immediately inform the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights so that the appropriate course of action may be decided;
    • It is the responsibility of each selected candidate to request and obtain the necessary visa to enter the United States, and/or transit visa (if applicable) in a timely manner. The ES/IACHR will not incur in any expense related to the processing of immigration or visa documents. The IACHR will provide the candidate a document certifying his/her selection as an official fellow of the IACHR so that he/she may request the corresponding visa, which is the sole responsibility of the selected candidate. In addition, the OAS will send a diplomatic note to the Embassy or Consulate where the selected candidate will be requesting his/her visa, certifying the fellow's selection;
    • It is the responsibility of the selected candidate to arrive in a timely manner so that he/she will be present for the commencement of the fellowship on the date established by the ES/IACHR;
    • If the selected candidate declines the fellowship after the flight ticket has been purchased, or does not travel on the established dates or changes routes, the candidate shall reimburse the ES/IACHR the cost of the flight ticket or any additional costs incurred. The latter includes any additional costs, if any, incurred by the ES/IACHR, such as extra costs for accommodation during the candidate's travel to and from Washington, D.C.;
    • If the candidate resigns, cancels or terminates the fellowship after the program has begun without providing sufficient reason and evidence to the IACHR for doing so, he/she will fully reimburse the ES/IACHR for all costs incurred on his/her behalf.

To complete the electronic application form, click here.

The selection results will be informed via email to each applicant once the process is concluded. Any questions can be directed to: [email protected]

The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States does not discriminate against any individual, intern, fellow, employee, or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, marital status, religion, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a parent.