uOttawa Refugee Hub-Pathways International Fellowships for Refugee Leaders

📖 About the Fellowship

The uOttawa Refugee Hub-Pathways International Fellowships for Refugee Leaders program invites applications for its 2025 cohort. This unique initiative offers tailored mentorship and professional development opportunities for refugees with high leadership potential. The program aims to foster global innovators and social entrepreneurs, equipping participants with the expertise, skills, networks, and confidence to lead and influence the global refugee system.

Key Highlights:

• Focus Areas: Fellows will actively contribute to global projects or workstreams aimed at growing pathways to protection for refugees and migrants.
• Toolkit Dissemination: Fellows will help disseminate the Toolkit for Mentorship of Refugee Leaders to academic institutions, NGOs, corporations, and other organizations.
• Mentorship: Each fellow will work with an assigned mentor to co-create a personalized development plan.

🎯 Individual Focus Areas

Fellows will:

• Engage actively in global projects or workstreams focused on pathways to protection for refugees and migrants.
• Support the development and delivery of key workstreams.
• Provide strategic input as members of the Refugee Advisory Board to enhance the impact of uOttawa Refugee Hub-Pathways International’s projects in Latin America.

🤝 Mentorship, Networking, and Program Development

Fellows will:

• Collaborate with their assigned mentor to create an individualized development plan.
• Leverage uOttawa Refugee Hub-Pathways International’s extensive networks to support specific objectives.
• Support the dissemination of the Toolkit for Mentorship of Refugee Leaders globally.
• Provide constructive feedback to improve future iterations of the fellowship program.

🕒 Commitment and Support

Each Fellow Will:

• Commit 20 hours/month to the program for 12 months.
• Receive dedicated mentorship from a senior member of the uOttawa Refugee Hub-Pathways International team.
• Engage with an extensive global network of leaders in the field.
• Have a tailored development plan based on their interests, skills, and experience.
• Serve as a member of the Refugee Advisory Board for capacity-building projects in Latin America.

💰 Benefits

Fellows will receive:

• $20,000 stipend and $5,000 in professional development funds to support activities in their tailored development plan.
• Comprehensive understanding of the global refugee protection system.
• Advanced leadership skills through personalized mentorship.
• Opportunities to contribute to uOttawa Refugee Hub-Pathways International’s mission to grow pathways to protection for refugees and migrants.
• Access to uOttawa Refugee Hub-Pathways International’s global networks.
• A tailored professional development program utilizing resources from both Pathways International and the University of Ottawa.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Lived experience of forced displacement.
• Demonstrated potential for social entrepreneurship and high-impact leadership.
• Proven leadership in a Refugee-Led Organization (RLO), Refugee Advisory Group, or displacement-focused initiative with clearly defined contributions.
• A track record of impacting policy, programs, or practices related to refugees.
• Proficiency in English (knowledge of other languages is an asset).

Additional Skills:

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and partners.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel for program-related activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in event management or stakeholder engagement is welcome.
• Familiarity with the global refugee protection system is considered a strength.
• An enquiring, innovative, and entrepreneurial mindset is encouraged.

📅 Application Process

Required Documents:

1. CV.
2. 2-3 minute video answering the following question:
   • What personal experiences have shaped your journey as a refugee leader, and how will participating in this fellowship help you make a lasting impact on refugee communities?
   • Send your video to job@pathways.email.

Timelines:

• Application Deadline: July 11, 2025
• Selection Period: July 11 – August 15, 2025
• Onboarding: September 15, 2025

📌 Contact Information

For inquiries, email job@pathways.email.

🏫 About the University of Ottawa

The fellowship is hosted by the University of Ottawa, a leading institution committed to fostering innovation and global impact.

🌟 Application Deadline

July 11, 2025

🔗 Application Portal

View details and apply via the official portal: uOttawa Refugee Hub Fellowship for Refugee Leaders.

• Receive a $20,000 stipend and $5,000 in professional development funds to support activities in their tailored development plan.
• Gained a comprehensive understanding of the global refugee protection system.
• Advanced leadership skills through personalized mentorship.
• Contributed to the work of uOttawa Refugee Hub-Pathways International and informed the organization’s mission to grow pathways to protection for refugees and migrants.
• Shared your unique experience and proposals for change with key stakeholders.
• Accessed uOttawa Refugee Hub-Pathways International’s global networks.
• Benefited from a tailored professional development program utilizing resources from both Pathways International and the University of Ottawa.