United Nations Population Fund
Special Youth Programme 2009
Website: www.unfpa.org
Deadline: 25 February 2009

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
The Special Youth Programme fellowship consists of an initial 4.5 months fellowship at UNFPA Headquarters, New York, followed – upon satisfactory performance – by a continued fellowship of another 4.5 months in the UNFPA Regional Office or Country Office in the region / country of the fellow.

This programme is designed to give young people from developing countries opportunities to engage in policy development and programming; to help build the capacity of young people; and to sensitize both the young people and UNFPA staff on partnering to address adolescent and youth issues.

During the course of the programme, fellows will:
- Attend and participate in UNFPA and UN events and meetings as appropriate
- Undertake research and writing assignments
- Contribute to ongoing projects and programmes
- Organize a final presentation to UNFPA HQ staff on their projects and fellowships in Headquarters
- Interact with the New York local youth community on at least one occasion
- Develop a relationship with the Regional and Country Office and provide updates on their activities during the HQ fellowship and provide updates to HQ during fellowship at Regional or Country Office

WHO MAY APPLY

Candidates must have some programme experience in areas of UNFPA’s mandate. These areas include: young people’s sexual and reproductive health, reproductive rights, humanitarian response, population, gender, culture, human rights, HIV prevention, poverty reduction, and sustainable livelihoods.

Candidates should:
- be between 20-24 years old during the fellowship
- be residents and nationals of a developing country (Applicants from developed countries will not be considered for this programme, but are invited to apply for UNFPA’s regular internship programme)
- have established interest and dedication to development issues through previous experiences or affiliation with a youth network or NGO working on development issues
- have basic leadership and advocacy skills
- have basic understanding of issues of importance to UNFPA and what the organization stands for
- have English language skills (written and oral)
- have a commitment to return to home country to undertake follow up work with young people

FINANCIAL/GRANT SUPPORT
All selected candidates will be provided:
- Cost of return travel from country of origin
- Assistance with travel documents and visa requirements
- Health insurance
- Housing arrangements
- Subsistence allowance (for meals and other basic needs)
- A workstation and internet access
- Opportunities to be mentored by UNFPA staff on issues of interest
- Administrative assistance as required

REQUIREMENTS
Application form available at the UNFPA website
APPLICATION DEADLINE
25 February 2009

CONTACT INFORMATION
Mr. Prateek Awasthi
email: awasthi@unfpa. org