Organization: Harvard Global Health Institute

Duration: 1 year

Application deadline: November 30th, 2025

ABOUT

The Harvard Global Health Institute, in partnership with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, offers a one-year fellowship to strengthen leadership skills among professionals from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly those committed to mentoring future female leaders in global health. The program provides time for reflection and professional growth, with fellows representing 18 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. Their expertise spans research, advocacy, health policy, and administration, addressing diverse global health challenges such as HIV/AIDS and public health governance.

Fall Semester (Virtual Engagement)

This phase focuses on:

• Crafting a personal leadership development plan
• Participating in one-on-one executive coaching sessions
• Completing academic credentialing
• Preparing for U.S. travel (including J-1 visa application and course registration)
• Engaging in virtual events and mentorship meetings

Spring Semester (In-Residence at Harvard)

During this time, fellows will:

• Attend executive education courses
• Participate in leadership and public speaking workshops
• Engage in high-impact mentorship and networking opportunities
• Build community with Harvard faculty, peers, and other global leaders

PLEASE NOTE: All costs associated with the residency—including housing, round-trip travel to Boston, course fees, and a daily per diem—are covered by the fellowship. Fellows are expected to take a formal leave of absence from their home institution during this period to fully focus on the fellowship experience.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field
• Possess at least 10 years of full-time professional experience in global health (excluding academic internships or student roles)
• Be currently based in and working in a low- or middle-income country
• Plan to return to their home country after the fellowship to continue their work
• Be able to obtain a J-1 visa and reside in Boston during the in-residence portion
• Not have participated in a full-time fellowship of four months or longer in the past two years
• Have the support of their home institution, including a letter of commitment for leave of absence during the residency
• Be nominated or supported by a professional mentor within their network or organization

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
• Letter of Intent (maximum 1.5 pages) outlining the applicant’s global health journey and the anticipated impact of the fellowship on their work and community
• Four Short Essays (up to 2,000 characters each):
  1. Career Development and Training Plans
  2. Project Plan
  3. Mentorship Strategy
  4. Fellowship Impact on Organization and Country
• Letter of Institutional Commitment from the applicant’s employer affirming their support and willingness to allow a leave of absence during the in-residence phase
• Letter of Mentor Commitment from a champion within the applicant’s professional network
• Two Additional Letters of Reference, one of which must come from the applicant’s current or most recent place of employment (excluding the mentor)

How to Apply:

Fill the application form in the link below:

Microsite Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health 2026 – 2027

For more information:

Visit Harvard Global Health Institute official website on the link below:

Harvard LEAD Fellowship | Harvard Global Health Institute