The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has opened applications for the Young Innovators Fellowship Programme.

This initiative offers young adults between 18 and 29 years an opportunity to participate in a structured experience that encourages innovation, creativity, and practical contributions to UNFPA’s mission.

The partnership aims to support young people in realizing their social, economic, and human potential while strengthening UNFPA’s ability to address development challenges with fresh perspectives.

About the Fellowship

The next cohort will welcome 14 young innovators who will work closely with UNFPA teams to bring new insights into ongoing programmes. Fellows selected for the programme will begin their journey at UNFPA Headquarters in New York, where they will spend two months taking part in leadership development and innovation-focused training.

Following the initial training:

• Two fellows will continue serving at UNFPA Headquarters for an additional six months as international UN Volunteers. These positions are open to applicants of any nationality.

• The remaining 12 fellows will return to their home countries to complete six-month national UN Volunteer assignments within UNFPA Country Offices. These roles are limited to nationals of the respective countries.

The programme seeks young individuals who have already demonstrated a commitment to community development and who are eager to apply innovative solutions to real-world issues.

Programme Goals

The Young Innovators Fellowship aims to:

• Equip participants with practical skills, global exposure, and hands-on innovation experience.

• Strengthen national capacities by developing young leaders who can influence change in their local contexts.

• Infuse UNFPA’s work with the insights and creativity of youth, helping the organization stay responsive to community needs.

Available Assignments

Assignments will be hosted across several countries, focusing primarily on mobile health, financing, partnerships, and sexual and reproductive health:

Benin

Innovator in Mobile Health
Cotonou, Benin

China

Innovator in Mobile Health
Beijing, China

Innovator in Mobile Health (South-South Cooperation)
Beijing, China

Ghana

Innovator in Mobile Health
Accra, Ghana

Indonesia

Innovator in Mobile Health
Jakarta, Indonesia

Mozambique

Innovator in Mobile Health
Maputo, Mozambique

Rwanda

Innovator in Mobile Health
Kigali, Rwanda

Innovator in Financing
Kigali, Rwanda

Sri Lanka

Innovator in Sexual and Reproductive Health
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Uganda

Innovator in Mobile Health
Kampala, Uganda

United States of America

Innovator in Financing
New York, United States of America

Innovator in Partnerships
New York, United States of America

UNV and UNFPA strongly encourage applications from indigenous youth, candidates with disabilities, LGBTQI individuals, and other underrepresented groups, reaffirming their commitment to inclusive participation.

About UNFPA and UNV

UNFPA is the United Nations agency responsible for advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide. Its work focuses on ensuring that pregnancies are planned, childbirth is safe, and that every young person is able to reach their fullest potential.

UNV supports peace and development globally by promoting volunteerism and integrating volunteerism into development processes. Through its work, UNV mobilizes individuals to contribute to sustainable development while gaining valuable personal and professional experience.

The application deadline is on a rolling basis.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity.