June 24, 2026

Open Call: Catalyst for Change Fellowship Programme (India)

BY fundsforNGOsfundsforNGOs

Deadline: 30-Jun-2026

The CFC Fellowship Programme is a 24-month professional opportunity designed to train and place early-career legal professionals in field-based human rights and legal aid work.

The fellowship is based in Aizawl, Mizoram, India, and focuses on supporting:

Displaced communities
Migrant workers
Survivors of gender-based violence
Vulnerable and marginalized populations

Core Purpose

The programme aims to:

Strengthen access to justice systems for migrants and displaced persons
Provide legal aid and representation in vulnerable communities
Support human rights-based advocacy and policy engagement
Promote rule-of-law frameworks in migration contexts

Thematic Focus Areas

Migration and Legal Empowerment

Legal support for migrant workers
Awareness of labour and migration rights
Assistance with documentation and casework

Women’s Rights and Gender-Based Violence

Support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence
Trauma-informed legal assistance
Access to protection and justice mechanisms

Displacement and Protection

Legal aid for displaced populations
Community-based protection mechanisms
Coordination with civil society and legal networks

Human Rights and Advocacy

Litigation support
Policy research and legal analysis
Advocacy for systemic reform

Fellowship Location

Based in: Aizawl, Mizoram, India
Field-intensive, community-based legal practice

Key Responsibilities

Legal Aid and Case Support

Provide legal assistance and representation
Conduct trauma-informed interviews
Support case documentation and preparation
Assist in legal counselling services

Community Engagement

Conduct outreach in migrant and displaced communities
Organise legal awareness sessions
Work with community legal desks

Research and Advocacy

Conduct legal and policy research
Support advocacy initiatives
Contribute to rights-based publications and reports

Coordination and Administration

Work with paralegal volunteers and civil society organizations
Maintain case databases and records
Draft official correspondence and documentation
Support project coordination activities

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply

Law graduates (LLB or equivalent)
Graduates in related disciplines (human rights, social sciences, etc.)
Early-career professionals with 0–2 years experience

Required Skills and Attributes

Strong commitment to human rights and access to justice
Interest in migration and displacement issues
Willingness to work in field-based environments

Preferred Candidates

Residents of Mizoram
Candidates fluent in the Mizo language

Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support

Monthly stipend: INR 45,000
Subject to applicable tax deductions

Additional Benefits

Health insurance support (subject to funding availability)
Structured professional exposure in legal aid and advocacy

Professional Development

Training in human rights law and field practice
Experience in trauma-informed legal support
Exposure to policy, litigation, and community legal systems

Why This Fellowship Matters

Strengthens legal access for displaced and migrant populations
Supports survivors of gender-based violence with legal pathways
Builds grassroots legal empowerment systems
Enhances rule-of-law implementation in vulnerable regions
Develops early-career human rights legal professionals

How It Works

Step 1: Application

Submit academic and professional credentials
Demonstrate interest in human rights and legal aid

Step 2: Selection

Candidates assessed on:
- Legal knowledge
- Commitment to social justice
- Field readiness

Step 3: Placement

Assigned to programme areas such as:
- Migrant legal empowerment
- Survivor support services
- Community legal aid desks

Step 4: Fellowship Execution

Work under supervision of Project Coordinator
Engage in legal aid, research, and advocacy
Participate in field outreach and documentation

Step 5: Completion

Contribute to programme reporting and outcomes
Develop professional experience in human rights law

Common Mistakes

Lack of demonstrated interest in human rights work
No readiness for field-based assignments
Weak understanding of migration or legal aid systems
Ignoring language or regional preferences (Mizo fluency advantage)
Overemphasis on academic law without field engagement interest

Tips for a Strong Application

Highlight experience or interest in legal aid or human rights
Demonstrate willingness for field-based community work
Show understanding of migration and displacement issues
Emphasize trauma-informed or gender-sensitive approaches
If applicable, mention regional familiarity with Northeast India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the CFC Fellowship Programme?

A 24-month legal and human rights fellowship
- Focuses on migration and displacement
- Based in Aizawl, Mizoram

What is the stipend?

INR 45,000 per month
- Subject to tax deductions
- Additional health insurance support may be provided

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include:
- Law graduates (LLB or equivalent)
  - Early-career professionals preferred
- Graduates in related disciplines
  - Human rights, social sciences, etc.
- Experience requirement: 0–2 years

What work will fellows do?

Legal aid and representation
Trauma-informed interviews
Community outreach and awareness
Policy research and advocacy
Coordination with NGOs and paralegals

Where is the fellowship based?

Aizawl, Mizoram, India
- Field-based legal and community work

Are there language preferences?

Yes
- Mizo speakers are strongly encouraged
- Local residents are preferred

Conclusion

The CFC Fellowship Programme provides early-career legal professionals with hands-on experience in human rights, migration law, and community legal aid. Based in Mizoram, it combines fieldwork, advocacy, and legal practice to strengthen access to justice for displaced communities and survivors of violence while building the next generation of human rights lawyers.

For more information, visit Migration & Asylum Project.