Applications are open for the 2027–2028 Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health, a fully funded, year-long leadership development opportunity for experienced global health professionals working in low- and middle-income countries.

Hosted by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the fellowship is designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of global health professionals and support them in becoming mentors and role models for the next generation of women leaders in global health.

The programme combines personalized leadership coaching, mentorship, executive education, professional networking and an in-person experience at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Applications for the 2027–2028 cohort close on 15 November 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.

About the Harvard LEAD Fellowship

The Learn, Engage, Advance, Disrupt (LEAD) Fellowship provides experienced global health professionals with an opportunity to step back from their routine responsibilities, reflect on their leadership journey and develop new skills that can strengthen their work and organizations.

The fellowship is particularly focused on professionals based and working in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) who intend to return to their home country or region following the fellowship.

Since its establishment, fellows have come from countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America, with professional backgrounds spanning research, advocacy, healthcare, administration, policy and other areas of global health.

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship runs from 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2028.

The first part of the programme takes place virtually, allowing fellows to continue their professional responsibilities while developing an individualized leadership and professional growth plan.

The programme then includes a six-week residential experience at Harvard in April 2028, during which fellows will participate in executive education, leadership workshops, mentorship, networking and speaking opportunities.

The residential component is financially supported through the fellowship, allowing fellows to focus on the programme while in Cambridge.

What the Fellowship Offers

Selected fellows will have access to a range of leadership development opportunities, including:

• One-on-one executive leadership coaching
• Individualized leadership development
• One-on-one mentorship from Harvard faculty
• An executive education course
• Leadership masterclasses led by Harvard faculty and global health experts
• Public speaking and presentation opportunities
• Professional networking and collaboration opportunities
• Team-building activities
• Opportunities to develop an independent project
• Access to Harvard's academic and professional community

Executive Leadership Training

Each fellow works with an executive coach to better understand their leadership style and identify areas for professional growth.

Coaching continues throughout key stages of the fellowship and supports fellows in applying lessons from their Harvard experience to their professional roles.

The programme may also include leadership assessments and individualized feedback designed to help participants strengthen their leadership approaches.

One-on-One Mentorship

Fellows are connected with Harvard faculty mentors whose interests align with their professional goals.

Participants are encouraged to meet regularly with their mentors throughout the fellowship. These relationships provide opportunities for career guidance, professional networking, collaboration and further exploration of leadership opportunities.

Executive Education and Leadership Masterclasses

During the residential period at Harvard, fellows participate in an executive education course. Previous cohorts have participated in courses such as the Women and Power programme at Harvard Kennedy School.

Fellows also participate in private leadership masterclasses covering areas such as:

• Public speaking and effective communication
• Negotiation
• Crisis management and leadership
• Persuasive writing and analysis
• Leadership decision-making
• Conflict resolution
• Navigating bias
• Designing equitable organizations
• Professional self-promotion

Speaking and Networking Opportunities

Throughout the fellowship, participants may have opportunities to contribute to global health events as panelists, speakers and subject-matter experts.

These opportunities allow fellows to share their professional expertise, strengthen their public speaking abilities and expand their networks within the global health community.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be required to prepare several documents and written responses.

The application includes:

CV or Resume

Applicants must provide an up-to-date CV outlining their professional experience, education and achievements.

Letter of Intent

A letter of no more than 1.5 pages explaining the applicant's professional journey in global health and how participation in the LEAD Fellowship could contribute to their organization and home country.

Four Essays

Applicants will respond to four essays, with each response limited to 2,000 characters:

1. Career development and training plan
2. Proposed project plan
3. Plan for mentoring others
4. Expected impact of the fellowship on the candidate's organization, field and home country

Institutional Commitment Letter

Applicants must provide a letter from their home institution confirming support for their participation and their ability to take the required leave of absence during the April 2028 residential period.

Mentor Commitment Letter

A letter from a professional champion within the applicant's organization or network is required to demonstrate support for the candidate's professional development.

Additional References

Two additional letters of reference are required. At least one must come from the applicant's current or most recent professional engagement and must be different from the person providing the mentor commitment letter.

Important Programme Commitment

The fellowship is designed for professionals who intend to remain active in global health leadership.

Participants are not expected to leave their regular employment during the virtual portion of the programme. However, they must be prepared to take a leave of absence or equivalent arrangement for the six-week Harvard residential experience in April 2028.

Applications for the 2027–2028 Harvard LEAD Fellowship close on 15 November 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.