Fully Funded One-Year UNFPA YoLe Fellowship Program 2025–2026
Fully Funded One-Year UNFPA YoLe Fellowship Program 2025–2026. Applications are now open for the UNFPA Youth Leaders (YoLe) Fellowship – Cohort 7, a fully funded, one-year leadership development program for young Ghanaians. With a strong emphasis on sustainable development, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment, this prestigious program provides recent graduates with training, mentorship, and real-world experience. The 2025–2026 fellowship runs from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026. Deadline: April 18, 2025.
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Background & Fellowship Description
The UNFPA Youth Leaders (YoLe) Fellowship is a flagship initiative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Ghana. Since its inception in 2018, the YoLe Fellowship has been at the forefront of developing young leaders to drive change in their communities. The program targets recent graduates from Ghanaian tertiary institutions, ages 18 to 30, who are passionate about sustainable development, advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement.
This immersive fellowship program combines hands-on experience, mentorship, and tailored training modules in leadership, sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, and peacebuilding. Fellows get the unique opportunity to work closely with UNFPA Ghana and partner organizations, gaining deep insight into the workings of a global development agency while contributing meaningfully to youth-centered initiatives and UNFPA’s mandate.
The fellowship also builds capacity in contemporary and emerging global development challenges while helping young leaders develop the skills, networks, and confidence to be change agents in their societies.
Tasks
Fellows selected for the YoLe Fellowship Cohort 7 will engage in a wide range of meaningful activities designed to hone their professional competencies and leadership skills. Tasks typically include:
- Participating in Training Workshops: Fellows will receive structured learning opportunities covering topics like sustainable development goals (SDGs), peacebuilding, sexual and reproductive health, human rights, gender equality, and leadership.
- Community Engagement Projects: Fellows are expected to design or support local development projects that address pressing issues in their communities.
- Policy and Advocacy Work: They will contribute to national dialogues, participate in campaigns, and help shape youth-related policy conversations.
- Collaboration with Youth Networks: Fellows will collaborate with youth-led organizations, NGOs, and CSOs to promote youth empowerment initiatives.
- Reporting and Documentation: Fellows may assist in preparing reports, policy briefs, and event documentation for UNFPA Ghana.
- Digital and Communication Support: Assisting with social media campaigns, online advocacy efforts, and content creation.
The YoLe Fellowship is known for being highly interactive and dynamic. Fellows are not confined to desk work—they are expected to be out in the field, coordinating programs, facilitating events, and making real impact.
Fully Funded One-Year UNFPA YoLe Fellowship Program 2025–2026
Qualifications
To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Education and Certification:
- Must be a graduate of a tertiary institution in Ghana.
- Proof of identity such as a Birth Certificate is required.
- Must have completed their studies and not currently be in school during the fellowship.
Age and Citizenship:
- Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age at the time of application.
- Must be a resident of Ghana and able to commit to living in Ghana throughout the fellowship period.
Language Proficiency:
- Strong command of the English language, both written and spoken.
- Ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely is essential.
Preferred Profile
While the fellowship is open to all eligible applicants, the selection committee gives preference to individuals who:
- Have a passion for youth development, advocacy, and leadership.
- Are actively involved in youth-led organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or community-based organizations.
- Demonstrate proven initiative and leadership capabilities in civic or developmental projects.
- Have an understanding of development issues such as gender equality, SRHR (sexual and reproductive health and rights), and the SDGs.
- Show potential for future leadership in their communities or sectors.
Special Encouragement:
- Young women are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Persons living with physical disabilities are also especially encouraged to submit applications. The program promotes inclusive development and diversity.
Additional Information
Fellowship Duration and Timeline:
- Start Date: October 1, 2025
- End Date: September 30, 2026
- Application Deadline: April 18, 2025
The fellowship spans a full calendar year and includes structured mentorship, training, and project work. Successful applicants must be prepared to commit fully for the entire fellowship duration.
Application Components:
Applicants are expected to complete and submit all components of the application form, which include:
- Email Address – Active and frequently checked.
- Motivation Statement – Clearly articulate your goals, passion for youth development, and why you want to join the YoLe Fellowship.
- Proof of Identity – A scanned copy of your Birth Certificate.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Detailing your academic background, volunteer or professional experience, skills, and achievements.
All application documents must be submitted through the designated application portal. Only completed applications will be considered.
Selection Process:
After the application deadline, a rigorous selection process will follow. This includes:
- Document Review: Evaluation of submitted CVs, motivation statements, and proof of eligibility.
- Interview Stage: Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or further assessment activities.
- Final Selection: The most qualified candidates will receive official acceptance letters with additional instructions.
Orientation and Induction:
Selected fellows will undergo a comprehensive orientation to familiarize them with the expectations, structure, and resources available throughout the fellowship year.
Why Apply for the UNFPA YoLe Fellowship?
The YoLe Fellowship offers numerous benefits that position participants for long-term career growth, civic influence, and personal transformation.
1. Mentorship from Experts
Fellows receive personalized mentorship from UNFPA professionals, development experts, and youth leaders across Ghana and beyond. This mentorship helps shape personal and professional goals while exposing fellows to best practices in development.
2. Leadership Training
From workshops to field assignments, the program provides fellows with tools and techniques to sharpen their leadership skills, with a focus on empathy, ethics, and innovation.
3. Hands-On Experience
YoLe fellows don’t just learn—they implement real-world development projects, participate in national policy engagements, and help organize youth-centered forums.
4. Networking and Exposure
Fellows become part of an extensive network of UNFPA alumni, NGOs, policy institutions, and grassroots initiatives. These connections often result in new job opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations even after the fellowship ends.
5. Enhance Your CV and Career Prospects
YoLe Fellows gain valuable experience in a UN system, opening doors to careers in international development, civil society, public policy, and leadership roles in Ghana and globally.
Testimonials from Past Fellows
“The YoLe Fellowship was a game-changer for me. I learned how to think critically, lead with confidence, and speak up for vulnerable groups. Today, I’m running my own youth-led NGO thanks to the skills and network I built through this program.”
— Cohort 5 Fellow
“I came into the program as a shy graduate with no clear direction. By the end of the year, I had worked on national campaigns, spoken at youth conferences, and landed a job at a leading development organization.”
— Cohort 4 Fellow
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications by completing the online form provided on the official UNFPA Ghana website. Be sure to:
- Provide accurate and complete information
- Double-check that your motivation letter, birth certificate, and CV are correctly uploaded
- Review your application before hitting submit
Deadline: April 18, 2025
Visit the official Youth Leaders Fellowship Programme page for more details and to start your application.
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