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

The Harvard Global Health Institute is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health.

The fellowship is a leadership development programme designed to support experienced women professionals from low- and middle-income countries who are making significant contributions to global health.

Organised by the Harvard Global Health Institute in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the programme provides leadership training, mentorship and executive education.

Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• A 12-month leadership development programme.
• One-on-one executive leadership coaching.
• Mentorship from experienced global health professionals.
• Executive education and academic credentialing.
• Leadership masterclasses delivered by Harvard faculty.
• Networking opportunities with international health leaders.
• A six-week residential experience in the United States.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold at least a master's degree in a relevant field.
• Work full-time in the global health sector.
• Have at least 10 years of professional experience.
• Demonstrate substantial leadership experience and potential.
• Have the support of their employer.
• Provide a professional reference from an organisational champion.
• Be able to obtain a J-1 visa and reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during the residential period.

Fellowship Duration

September 1, 2027 – August 31, 2028.

Application Deadline

November 15, 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates should review the eligibility requirements and submit their applications through the Harvard Global Health Institute's official fellowship application portal.

Official opportunity and application information: https://globalhealth.harvard.edu/fellowships/harvard-lead-fellowship/

Important Information:

Nigerian women working in global health are eligible to apply if they meet the programme's professional and academic requirements.

The fellowship covers flights, visa fees and accommodation for the residential period. Fellows also receive a living stipend during their stay in the United States.

Experience gained solely as a university student does not count towards the required 10 years of professional experience.

Applicants must also be available for the six-week residential programme in April 2028.