2027–2028 Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health

Organisation: Harvard Global Health Institute/ Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Eligible region: Candidates based in LMICs

Target Demographics: Experienced mid-to-senior global health professionals (all gender identities welcome)

Delivery mode: Virtual

Duration: 12-Month Virtual Curriculum + 6-Week In-Person Residency

Application Deadline: November 15, 2026

OVERVIEW

The Harvard LEAD Fellowship offers valuable opportunities for postdocs, global health leaders, and junior Harvard faculty to advance their careers, receive expert mentorship, and connect with Harvard’s diverse community of health professionals. It aims to nurture talent, drive innovation, and empower emerging leaders.

Past areas of focus have ranged from HIV/AIDS and healthcare to health policy at the highest levels of government. Past fellows’ areas of expertise span disciplines including research, advocacy, administration, and policy.

Private Leadership Masterclasses led by Harvard Faculty on various leadership topics:

Negotiation
Public speaking
Communication
Decision-making

BENEFITS

Fellowship Experience

Executive Leadership training with a personal coach
Mentorship by Harvard Faculty with aligned interests
Speaking opportunities at Harvard
Executive Education
Private Leadership Masterclasses led by leading experts
6-week in residence experience at Harvard University April, 2028

Financial Support

The fellowship provides :

Visa fees
Housing
Flights
A living stipend

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

have a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field.
work full-time in the field of global health and have at least 10 years of professional experience.
have the full support of their employer and a champion in their organization who serves as a reference.
take a leave of absence (or equivalent) from their home institution during their in-residence experience for 6 weeks in April 2028.
be able to obtain a J-1 visa for travel to the United States and must be able to reside in Boston, MA
Be currently based/working in an LMIC, and plan to return there after their fellowship.
Not have participated in a full-time fellowship that lasted 4 months or longer.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENT

CV/Resume
A Letter of Intent. No more than 1.5 pages in length
Four essays (no more than 2000 characters each)
- Essay 1: Plan for Career Development/Training Activities
- Essay 2: Project Plan
- Essay 3: Candidate’s Plan to Provide Mentoring
- Essay 4: Fellowship Impact on Candidate’s Organization, Field, and Home Country
A Letter of Institutional Commitment from their home institution that supports their proposal to join the fellowship program.
A Letter of Mentor Commitment from someone within your organization or network who is a champion of your professional development.
Two additional letters of reference.