Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP) Fellowship 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
If you are an emerging leader passionate about foreign policy and eager to accelerate your professional growth, the Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP) Fellowship 2026 is an outstanding opportunity to develop your leadership skills while making a meaningful impact. This 18-month fellowship invites six talented individuals to join YPFP’s Senior Leadership Team, guiding the organization’s strategy and operations that support thousands of young professionals worldwide. Applications open in July 2025, and the fellowship promises hands-on leadership experience, professional development, and a stipend for your dedication.
🎓 YPFP Fellowship Summary
Location: Various YPFP branch cities including Brussels, London, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington, DC
Organizer: Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP)
Fellowship Duration: 18 months (part-time, approx. 15-20 hours/week)
Target Group: Rising professionals aged 22-32 in foreign policy, international affairs, national security, or nonprofit management
Functional Areas:
President
Vice President of Communications
Vice President of Programs and Events
Vice President of Membership Experience and Growth
Vice President of Global Operations
Vice President of Publications
Stipend: Provided for leadership roles within YPFP
Fellowship Overview
The YPFP Fellowship serves as a leadership development accelerator, designed to empower six emerging leaders to take charge of YPFP’s core operations and strategic vision. Fellows act as the Senior Leadership Team, overseeing volunteer staff and executing initiatives that strengthen YPFP’s global community of young foreign policy professionals.
🧩 Structure
The fellowship is structured into three phases:
Phase 1: PlanningFellows define their roles, analyze existing programs, and create a strategic plan to guide organizational growth and volunteer management. Leadership development focuses on “Leading Self.”
Phase 2: OperationalizingFellows implement the strategic plan, optimize operations, and document procedures to ensure sustainability. Leadership curriculum emphasizes “Leading Others.”
Phase 3: TransitioningFellows recruit and train the next cohort while crafting a succession plan. Leadership training centers on “Leading Teams.”
Throughout the fellowship, participants benefit from weekly and quarterly meetings, monthly leadership coaching, workshops on team management and strategic planning, and community-building events, ensuring continuous professional growth.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Professional Stipend: Financial support for fellows’ leadership contributions
Leadership Development: Comprehensive curriculum covering self-leadership, managing others, and team leadership
Networking: Access to a vibrant global community of young foreign policy professionals
Hands-On Experience: Lead and shape operations, programming, membership, communications, publications, and global initiatives
Community Impact: Influence an organization dedicated to empowering thousands of emerging professionals worldwide
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Aged between 22 and 32
3-5 years of professional experience in foreign policy, international affairs, national security, or nonprofit management
Demonstrated leadership and strong communication skills
Commitment to dedicate 15-20 hours weekly for 18 months
Reside in a city with a YPFP branch (e.g., Brussels, London, NYC, San Francisco, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington DC)
Passionate about public service, social change, and upholding diversity, equity, and inclusion principles
📝 Application Process
Application Opens: July 2025
Application Submission: Apply online through YPFP’s official website
Selection: Competitive process based on leadership potential, skills, and commitment
Fellowship Start: Upon selection, fellows join an 18-month program with possibility for extension
The Young Professionals in Foreign Policy YPFP Fellowship 2026 is a unique platform to transform your leadership potential into real-world impact while building a global network in foreign policy. If you are ready to lead, innovate, and grow, don’t miss this chance to join YPFP’s dynamic Senior Leadership Team and shape the future of international affairs.
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
