The Harvard LEAD Fellows Program 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded fellowship tailored for mid-career global health professionals. This program provides an opportunity for fellows to enhance their leadership capabilities and research networks while collaborating with top scholars at Harvard University.

  • 🌍 Program Duration & Structure: Year-long LEAD Fellowship (Sep 2026 – Aug 2027) with virtual engagement in fall and in-person Harvard residency in spring.
  • 🎯 Fall Semester Focus: Light virtual engagement including leadership planning, 1:1 executive coaching, academic credentialing, J-1 visa processing, and spring course planning. Fellows maintain work responsibilities.
  • 🏛️ Spring Semester Focus: 6-week in-person experience at Harvard (April 2027) with executive education, leadership workshops, mentorship, team-building, and public speaking. Travel, housing, course fees, and per diem are covered.
  • 📚 Curriculum Components: Personalized leadership program with Harvard faculty; includes executive coaching, mentorship, leadership masterclasses, and an executive education course (e.g., Women and Power).
  • 🧑‍🏫 Executive Coaching: 1:1 virtual and group sessions to assess leadership style, implement Leadership Versatility Index (LVI), and integrate learning post-residency.
  • 🤝 Mentorship: Monthly mentor meetings with Harvard faculty to support career development, networking, and collaboration.
  • 🗣️ Speaking Opportunities: Fellows engage in panels, global health events, and LEAD-organized activities to build public speaking and networking skills.
  • 🏆 Leadership Masterclasses: Topics include negotiation, communication, crisis management, bias navigation, decision-making, conflict resolution, and persuasive writing.
  • ✅ Eligibility Requirements: Minimum master’s degree, 10+ years global health experience, full-time employment in LMICs, employer support, J-1 visa eligibility, and commitment to return post-fellowship.
  • 📄 Application Requirements: CV, Letter of Intent, four essays, Letter of Institutional Commitment, Letter of Mentor Commitment, and two additional references.

Designation

Fellow

Research Area

  • HIV/AIDS Research and Management
  • Health Policy & Systems Strengthening
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Global Health Equity
  • Climate & Health Impact

Location

10 Master’s Students at Universität Hamburg, Germany
Read more10 Master's Students at Universität Hamburg, Germany

Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Eligibility/Qualification

  • Must hold at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
  • A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in global health.
  • Currently employed full-time in a related sector.
  • Must have the support of their home institution and an internal mentor.
  • Availability for a six-week in-person component scheduled for April 2027.

Job Description

The Harvard LEAD Fellows Program aims to empower emerging global health leaders, particularly from low- and middle-income countries. Fellows will engage in a six-week in-person residency followed by virtual engagement throughout the year, focusing on developing leadership, mentoring, and policy skills in collaboration with the Harvard Global Health Institute and other academic centers.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official Harvard Global Health Institute page.
  2. Complete the online application form.
  3. Upload the required documents in PDF format:
  • Updated CV/Resume
  • Letter of Intent (max 1.5 pages)
  • Four short essays:
    • Career Development Plan
    • Project Proposal
    • Mentorship Approach
    • Fellowship Impact Statement
  • Letter of Institutional Commitment
  • Letter of Mentor Commitment
  • Two Letters of Reference
  1. Review your submission carefully.
  2. Submit your application before the deadline.

Last Date to Apply

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30 November 2025

Join this transformative program to shape your global health leadership journey!

Apply