The Youth Advocates programme, developed by UNICEF in partnership with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, offers young people between the ages of 18 and 24 an avenue to act as agents of change. A total of 38 national and 12 international assignments are available for 2018-2019 in 33 different countries across the UNICEF network. Youth, youth with disabilities and from minority groups are highly encouraged to apply by the deadline of end April 2018.
In the pursuit of its mandate to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, UNICEF recognizes that youth over 18 years old have proven to be key advocates and change makers. UNICEF has historically engaged modest numbers of youth volunteers in their advocacy and programmatic work. The organization is now looking to strengthen this by engaging youth in a systematic and formalized programme to deliver results for children.
Through volunteerism, the Youth Advocates programme will allow UNICEF to include the voice of youth in its work and contribute to UNICEF’s mission and strategic plan. --Fatoumata Ndiaye, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF
UNV mobilizes UN Volunteers to advance progress in the areas of sustainable development, humanitarian assistance and peace in some of the most challenging situations in the world. UN Volunteers use their experience and talent to reach the most disadvantaged children and youth and give them a voice in their communities. By so doing, they ensure that no-one is left behind.
Youth volunteering is a unique source of community strength. Youth community volunteers can serve as ambassadors for the United Nations, galvanizing wider community engagement and strengthening the social capital essential for lasting development and peace. --Olivier Adam, Executive Coordinator of UNV
Through a one-year UN Youth Volunteer placement in a UNICEF regional or country office, young people have the opportunity to work on youth participation and youth engagement projects that make a difference for every child. The volunteer assignment promises to be a transformational experience for the Youth Advocates as they undergo a customized learning plan starting with an induction workshop, followed by e-learning courses, coaching sessions, mentoring and, finally, a career transition workshop at the end of the assignment.
The programme is part of UNICEF's ongoing efforts to support young people and children as agents of change through participation and engagement.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be aged between 18 and 24
- Must have competed secondary education
- Must have demonstrated commitment to peace and development through academic, extra-curricular and volunteer activities
- Must have working knowledge of English
- Youth with disabilities and youth from minority groups are highly encouraged to apply
Applications are accepted through the end of April 2018. Please note that application deadlines may vary per position. To apply, kindly refer to the international and national UN Volunteer assignments that are part of the 2018-2019 Youth Advocates Programme.
Apply now!
About the partners: UNICEF and UNV
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. We work with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism.