CGRS Refugee Leadership Program Fellow (Paid)

UC Law SF•San Francisco, CA

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS), based at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, is launching its second annual cohort of the Refugee Leadership Program. This program aims to support the advocacy and leadership of individuals in the United States who have personal experience with forced displacement. CGRS provides legal expertise, training, and resources to attorneys representing asylum seekers, litigates cases to protect refugees and the asylum system, and engages in policy and advocacy to advance the rights of asylum seekers. The fellowship offers hands-on experience in refugee rights advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities. Fellows will contribute to CGRS's work through organizational engagement, leading a project aligned with their interests (such as research, advocacy, educational resources, storytelling, or community engagement), and participating in professional development activities like networking events, guest speakers, and workshops. Two fellows will be selected for the 2026–2027 cohort, with a program coordinator and peer mentors providing support. The fellowship is remote, nationwide, lasts for 7 months (October 2026 – mid-June 2027), requires a time commitment of 20 hours per month (5 hours/week), and offers a $6,000 stipend disbursed in three installments, plus $500 for professional development.

Requirements

Personally experienced forced displacement across borders (due to persecution, torture, armed conflict, and/or the effects of climate change and environmental disasters).
Currently live in the United States.
Be authorized to work in the United States.
Comfortable working in English (reading, writing, and speaking skills).
Availability of 20 hours per month.
Flexibility to attend various meetings during West Coast business hours (approximately 6 hours out of total 20).
Must be comfortable working in English to ensure effective collaboration and communication, including reading, writing, and speaking skills.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience with or commitment to at least one of CGRS’s core focus areas: Refugee and immigrant rights, Legal protections for survivors of gender-based violence, Advocacy related to climate-induced displacement, Pro se support (efforts to empower and defend the rights of asylum seekers forced to represent themselves in legal proceedings without an attorney).
Other related experiences and interests that align with CGRS’s mission to defend the human rights of people seeking safety in the United States.

Responsibilities

Participate in CGRS’s collaborative environment through involvement in team meetings, projects and initiatives aligned with their interests.
Lead a project shaped by their interests and perspectives, contributing directly to CGRS’s mission. Projects may take a variety of forms, including research, advocacy, educational resources, visual and other storytelling initiatives, community engagement projects, or other activities.
Attend networking events, guest speakers, and workshops or other training that align with fellows’ interests.