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

The Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health is now open for applications for the 2027-2028 cycle. This one-year fellowship is designed for individuals from low- and middle-income countries to advance their leadership skills in global health. It is offered by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) in partnership with the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Application Closing Date: November 15, 2026
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (for a six-week in-person experience)
Programme Duration: September 1, 2027 – August 31, 2028 (12 months)
Stipend: Provided for logistical expenses during the in-residence period.
Minimum Qualification: Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Opportunity Type: Fellowship

About the Harvard LEAD Fellowship

The LEAD Fellowship is a year-long program focused on developing leadership capabilities among professionals in global health. It combines a 12-month virtual curriculum with a dedicated six-week in-person experience. This structure allows fellows to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills while maintaining their current roles.

The program offers personalized leadership coaching and mentorship from Harvard faculty and senior professionals. Fellows also participate in executive education courses, speaking events, and masterclasses. The curriculum is highly customizable, enabling participants to tailor their development path to their specific career goals and areas for growth in global health.

Throughout the fellowship, participants engage with a cohort of peers and build a strong network within Harvard University and the broader global health community. The experience is designed to provide a reflective space for leaders to explore new ideas and advance their impact in the field.

About Harvard University

Harvard University is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Harvard’s mission is to advance knowledge, educate students, and serve society.

The university comprises eleven degree-granting schools, including the Harvard Global Health Institute and the T.H. Chan School of Public Health. These institutions are at the forefront of research and education in various fields, including global health, public policy, and medicine. Harvard is known for its rigorous academic programs and its commitment to fostering leadership and innovation.

Available Fellowship Opportunities

The Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health is a singular opportunity. It focuses on developing leadership skills for individuals working in global health. While there are no specific “tracks” or “fields” listed within the fellowship itself, the program is designed to be adaptable to the diverse interests and needs of leaders across various aspects of global health.

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful applicants to the Harvard LEAD Fellowship will benefit from a comprehensive leadership development experience. This includes:

• Personalized Leadership Coaching: One-on-one sessions to identify strengths and areas for development.
• Mentorship: Guidance from Harvard faculty and experienced global health leaders.
• Executive Education: Access to specialized courses to enhance leadership and management skills.
• Networking Opportunities: Connections with peers, faculty, and professionals in the global health sector.
• In-Person Experience: A six-week immersive program at Harvard in Spring 2028.
• Customized Curriculum: The ability to design a personal development plan aligned with individual goals.
• Financial Support: Coverage for in-residence costs, including flights, housing, and a living stipend.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for speaking engagements and independent project work.

Programme Duration and Location

The Harvard LEAD Fellowship runs for a full 12 months, from September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2028. The program includes a significant in-person component, which will take place over six weeks in Spring 2028. This intensive period will be hosted at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Work full-time in the field of global health.
• Possess at least 10 years of professional experience beyond their academic education.
• Be eligible to obtain a J-1 visa for travel to the United States in April 2028.
• Be able to take a leave of absence from their home institution for the six-week in-residence period.
• Have not participated in a full-time fellowship of four months or longer in the two years prior to the fellowship.
• Demonstrate substantial leadership experience and potential.

Competencies Required

The fellowship seeks individuals with strong leadership potential and a commitment to global health. Key competencies include:

• Leadership Experience: Proven track record of leading initiatives or teams.
• Global Health Focus: Demonstrated commitment and professional experience in global health.
• Learning Agility: Willingness to learn and adapt to new concepts and approaches.
• Communication Skills: Ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively.
• Networking Ability: Capacity to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Aptitude for addressing complex challenges in global health.
• Commitment to Impact: Desire to make a significant contribution to global health outcomes.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for experienced professionals from low- and middle-income countries who are already making a difference in global health. It is suited for individuals who are looking to enhance their leadership skills, expand their professional network, and gain new perspectives to further their impact. If you are passionate about advancing global health and are ready to take your leadership to the next level, this program offers a unique opportunity.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• CV/Resume: An up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
• Letter of Intent: A letter (no more than 1.5 pages) detailing your professional journey in global health and how the fellowship will be transformative.
• Four Essays: Each essay (maximum 2000 characters) should address:
• Plan for Career Development/Training Activities
• Project Plan
• Candidate’s Plan to Provide Mentoring
• Fellowship Impact on Candidate’s Organization, Field, and Home Country
• Letter of Institutional Commitment: From your home institution, confirming support and approval for a leave of absence.
• Letter of Mentor Commitment: From a champion of your professional development within your organization or network.
• Two Letters of Reference: At least one must be from your current or most recent professional engagement and different from the mentor commitment letter.

How to Apply

All application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their selection status in Spring 2027.

Click here to apply for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship

Applicants should carefully review all requirements and essay prompts before submitting their application. Ensure all documents are prepared and uploaded correctly.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• Applicants must meet all minimum requirements to be considered.
• Ensure all submitted documents are accurate and complete.
• The fellowship runs from September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2028.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health 2027-2028 is November 15, 2026.

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