The Youth Innovation Lab is now inviting applications for the second cohort of its Waste Smart Fellowship, offering a hands-on platform for young individuals interested in building careers in solid waste management, the circular/green economy, environmental sustainability, and climate change.

The fellowship offers young, qualified individuals passionate about environmental issues the opportunity to collaborate with municipal governments, gaining hands-on experience in solid waste management and environmental sustainability. Fellows placed in local municipalities will work closely with the designated environment/sanitation/solid waste management officers, IT staff, and elected municipal and ward representatives. Their initial task will be to assess the local government's existing capacity, policies, guidelines, baseline studies, and key stakeholders in waste management. This assessment will help identify gaps and needs, enabling fellows to collaborate with municipal teams to develop waste management guidelines and strategies. Additionally, fellows will work to raise awareness among elected officials and municipal staff about the environmental impacts of plastic waste.

Through the Waste Smart Fellowship Grant, young people will assist local governments in collecting waste data, supporting policy development, and strengthening waste management plans and policies.

Waste Smart Fellows are responsible for assessing the municipality's solid waste management capacity, engaging youth groups in data collection and advocacy, conducting mapping studies, and preparing a waste action plan report. They support the local government in solid waste management, closely monitor Climate Smart Schools and youth groups, facilitate regular dialogue between governments and youth groups, and ensure active participation of women and marginalized groups. They also report progress and challenges, share lessons learned, and assess the impact of their activities on gender equality and social inclusion within municipal waste management.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is December 12, 2024.