The Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) · Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Applications are open for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health 2027 to 2028, a leadership development opportunity offered 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 is designed for experienced global health professionals from low and middle income countries who want to strengthen their leadership capabilities and contribute to the development of future women leaders in global health.
The fellowship combines personalised leadership development, executive education, mentorship and professional networking. It gives participants an opportunity to reflect on their career journeys, develop new leadership strategies and build connections with experienced professionals and faculty members across Harvard University. Fellows are encouraged to shape their learning experience around their professional goals, organisational priorities and the challenges facing their home countries.
The 2027 to 2028 programme will run for 12 months, from September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2028. Most activities during the initial phase will take place virtually, allowing fellows to continue their regular professional responsibilities. The programme also includes a six week residential experience at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, expected in April 2028.
The LEAD Fellowship, which stands for Learn, Engage, Advance, Disrupt, aims to equip global health professionals with the leadership skills, support and professional relationships needed to advance health equity and strengthen the global health workforce.
The programme recognises that experienced professionals often have limited opportunities to step away from demanding roles, reflect on their leadership approaches and explore new directions. Through individual coaching, mentorship and structured learning, fellows can identify areas for growth and develop a personalised plan for their professional advancement.
Participants work with experienced mentors and Harvard faculty members while engaging with a cohort of global health leaders from different countries and professional backgrounds. Previous fellows have worked in research, advocacy, public health administration, clinical practice and policy.
The fellowship also places importance on mentoring future women leaders. Participants are expected to consider how their development can benefit colleagues, institutions and the wider global health community in their home countries.
• Fully funded residential experience: Financial support for flights, housing, visa fees, course fees and a stipend for food and local transportation during the six week period at Harvard.
• Personalised leadership coaching: Individual coaching sessions to help fellows identify professional goals, strengthen leadership approaches and plan their next career steps.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced professionals and mentors who can support fellows in addressing leadership challenges and pursuing their ambitions.
• Executive education: Participation in an executive education course and structured leadership development activities.
• Harvard faculty masterclasses: Opportunities to learn from faculty members through specialised leadership sessions.
• Professional networking: Connections with other global health leaders, Harvard faculty, mentors and the fellowship alumni community.
• Public speaking opportunities: Experiences designed to strengthen communication, confidence and the ability to share professional knowledge.
• Independent project development: Opportunities to explore ideas and projects connected to individual goals and institutional priorities.
• Career development planning: Support in creating a personalised learning curriculum that reflects each fellow’s needs and professional aspirations.
• International peer community: Access to a network of professionals working across global health research, advocacy, policy, administration and clinical practice.
The fellowship is organised around virtual development activities and an in person residential experience.
Virtual learning and preparation: Beginning in September 2027, fellows will participate in leadership planning, individual coaching and relevant virtual activities. They will also prepare for their academic coursework, mentorship and residential experience. The initial virtual phase is designed to accommodate fellows’ ongoing professional commitments.
Residential experience at Harvard: In April 2028, fellows are expected to spend six weeks in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Activities will include executive education, leadership workshops, mentorship, team building and public speaking opportunities. Fellows must take a leave of absence or make equivalent arrangements with their employers during this period.
Continued professional development: Throughout the programme, participants will work towards their individual leadership objectives and consider how to apply their learning within their organisations and professional communities.
Applicants should carefully review the requirements before beginning their applications.
• Hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Work full time in the field of global health.
• Have at least 10 years of professional experience beyond their formal education. Experience gained while studying at university does not count towards this requirement.
• Demonstrate substantial leadership experience and the potential to take on further leadership responsibilities.
• Be currently based and working in a low or middle income country and plan to return there after the fellowship.
• Be eligible to obtain a J 1 visa for travel to the United States in April 2028.
• Be available to reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for the six week residential experience.
• Obtain support from their home institution to take a leave of absence or equivalent during the residential period.
• Have a professional mentor or champion who can support their development and provide a commitment letter.
• Not have participated in a full time fellowship lasting four months or longer during the two years before joining the Harvard programme.
The fellowship welcomes applicants from different regions, professional disciplines, sectors and gender identities. Its central mission is to promote women’s leadership in global health and encourage fellows to mentor future women leaders.
Applicants must prepare the following documents and written responses:
• CV or resume: A current summary of professional experience, education, leadership responsibilities and relevant achievements.
• Letter of Intent: No more than one and a half pages, describing the applicant’s professional journey in global health and explaining how the fellowship could transform their work, organisation and home country.
• Career Development and Training Activities Essay: A response outlining the applicant’s proposed learning priorities and professional development plan.
• Project Plan Essay: A description of a proposed project or area of work connected to the applicant’s goals.
• Mentoring Plan Essay: An explanation of how the applicant intends to mentor others and support the development of future leaders.
• Fellowship Impact Essay: A response explaining the expected impact of the fellowship on the applicant’s organisation, professional field and home country.
• Letter of Institutional Commitment: A letter from the applicant’s institution confirming support for participation and documenting its commitment to provide leave or equivalent arrangements during the April 2028 residential experience.
• Letter of Mentor Commitment: A letter from a person within the applicant’s organisation or professional network who supports their development.
• Two additional reference letters: At least one must come from the applicant’s current or most recent professional engagement. Neither reference letter can replace the separate Letter of Mentor Commitment.
Each of the four essays must be no longer than 2,000 characters. Applicants should follow the official application instructions for formatting and submission.
The fellowship is intended for established global health professionals who can demonstrate leadership experience and a clear commitment to further development.
Applications should present a convincing professional journey, well defined development goals and a realistic plan for applying the fellowship experience. Applicants should also explain how their participation could strengthen their organisations, contribute to their home countries and support the development of future women leaders in global health.
Institutional support is particularly important because fellows must be able to step away from their regular responsibilities during the residential period. Strong applications should clearly communicate the value of the fellowship to both the individual and their professional community.
Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI)
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