Applications for the African Young Women Leaders Fellowship Program.

The African Young Women Leaders Fellowship Programme presents an intriguing 12-month assignment with UNDP, either at its HQ in New York or in one of its regional or country offices, excluding hardship locations.

About the AfYWL Fellowship Programme:

Are you passionate about advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063? Do you aim to contribute to youth empowerment, gender equality, strategic communications, and partnerships, as well as South-South Cooperation for Africa's development potential? Are you eager to develop skills and become part of a new generation of global leaders? Do you believe in the potential of young women to drive transformative change and can you integrate youth priorities and gender in development? The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, striving to eliminate poverty and reduce inequalities. UNDP supports policies, leadership, partnerships, institutional capacities, and resilience building for sustained development results.

The AfYWL Fellowship Programme is a partnership aligned with the AUC Chairperson's 1 Million Next Level Initiative, focusing on Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Engagement for African youth, while integrating youth and women in vital development spaces. This partnership aspires to cultivate a new generation of young African women leaders and experts, serving Africa and the world in crafting and implementing development programs for the SDGs and Agenda 2063. The Fellowship Program encompasses diverse areas within UNDP's Renewed Strategic Offer in Africa: Natural Resource Governance, Youth and Women’s Employment and Empowerment, Structural Economic Transformation, Sustainable Energy, Climate Change, and Peace and Security.

Around 40 dynamic young African women are sought for the third cohort of this 12-month fellowship. As an AfYWL Fellow, you'll be placed in a UNDP office as part of a learning and development program. This journey demands adaptability and agility in an environment where your skills and potential will be leveraged. Applicants should be prepared to accept assignments in HQ, Country, or Regional offices (excluding hardship locations). The Fellowship assignment cannot be extended beyond the initial 12 months.

We are seeking engaged young African women aligned with UNDP's values:
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Transparency
- Professionalism
- Mutual Respect
- Results Orientation

The Fellowship program covers travel and medical insurance expenses for the fellow only. A monthly stipend for accommodation and basic living costs at the duty station is provided, along with paid leave and a designated learning budget for relevant learning and development activities.

Supervision:

The AfYWL Fellows will benefit from the following supervision modalities:
- Joint structured induction program hosted by UNDP and AUC.
- Structured guidance by the supervisor.
- Coaching and mentoring by experienced UNDP People Manager.
- Establishment of a work plan with clear key results and deliverables.
- Effective supervision through knowledge sharing and performance/development feedback.
- Participation in meetings to ensure integration and operational effectiveness.
- Guidance on learning and career growth opportunities.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Expected Outputs:

Key responsibilities encompass:

- Data collection and analysis on SDGs and Agenda 2063.
- Innovation experimentation in UNDP's strategic impact areas.
- Preparing research papers, reports, and presentations.
- Participation in internal and external events.
- Supporting projects on gender, youth, climate change, and more.
- Field mission participation as required.
- Liaising with government officials and stakeholders.

Training and Learning:

The fellow will benefit from various training and learning opportunities, including an induction workshop in Addis Ababa (early 2024), access to a learning budget, mentorship by senior UNDP staff, and a leadership development program developed by AUC and UNDP. Additionally, tailored learning events for UNDP Young Professionals and other corporate activities are available.

Competencies:

1. Innovation: Transforming ideas into action, adapting deliverables to meet client needs.
2. Leadership: Inspiring others to follow, recognizing contributions of others.
3. People Management: Enhancing performance and satisfaction, involving the team in decision-making.
4. Communication: Effective listening, persuasion, and transformation of information and views.
5. Delivery: Ensuring tasks are accomplished, taking responsibility for core value.

Eligibility Criteria:
Education:
- Completed Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields.

Experience:

- Up to two years of paid working experience in relevant fields.
Language Requirements:
- Strong English proficiency.
- Proficiency in at least one AU working language (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish) is advantageous.

Additional Criteria:
- Female candidates from African Union member states.
- Age under 30 at the time of application.
- Availability for a 12-month fellowship assignment in 2023/2024.
- Availability for an induction workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Willingness to relocate, work outside country of residence, and leverage skills for the assignment.
- Understanding of poverty eradication, sustainable transformation, SDGs, and Agenda 2063.
- Capacity for comprehensive information gathering, evaluation, and analysis.
- Expertise in digital transformation, partnerships, communications, and innovation considered.

Please scroll down for more details and click on the official link below to apply