UNCCD Youth Caucus Call for Youth Consultants 2026 (Paid Opportunity for Young Researchers)

The UNCCD Youth Caucus is inviting applications for youth consultants to support a global assessment on youth engagement in the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

This is a paid, short-term consultancy opportunity running from March to June 2026. It is designed for young professionals with experience in research, data collection, and youth engagement who are interested in contributing to global environmental policy processes.

About the Opportunity

The UNCCD Youth Caucus aims to:

• Assess youth engagement in the implementation of the UNCCD

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Youth Engagement Strategy

• Identify best practices and lessons learned

• Provide recommendations to strengthen meaningful youth participation

• Contribute to a report submitted to the Conference of the Parties (COP) under Decision 5/COP 16

Selected consultants will contribute to shaping evidence-based recommendations that inform global decision-making on youth participation in climate and environmental governance.

Key Responsibilities

Selected youth consultants will:

• Support the development and circulation of surveys

• Organise and facilitate consultations with young people

• Conduct interviews and focus group discussions

• Provide rapporteur support during meetings and consultations

• Assist with data analysis, synthesis, and visualization

• Contribute to drafting the final report for submission to COP

Benefits

• Paid consultancy (details shared with shortlisted candidates)

• Experience working within a UN-related global process

• Opportunity to contribute to high-level policy and reporting

• Strengthening of research, facilitation, and analytical skills

• Engagement with an international network of youth leaders and experts

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have:

• Experience in data collection, analysis, and visualization

• Strong research and writing skills (with work samples)

• Knowledge or interest in youth engagement within UN processes (UNCCD experience is an advantage)

• A proactive mindset with the ability to contribute innovative ideas

• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, global team

Age requirement:

• Applicants must be below 35 years old

Timeline

• Consultancy period: March to June 2026

• Application: Open now

Why You Should Apply

This opportunity provides a platform to:

• Influence global environmental and climate policy discussions

• Support evidence-based youth engagement strategies

• Build experience within international development and UN processes

• Contribute to advancing meaningful youth participation globally

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the official application form provided by the UNCCD Youth Caucus.

Application link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSex6WbmJ_xgSO0Z_XK7gpchoYn2F0fJTFcOFL3qWzfqWi2M5Q/viewform

Explore More Opportunities

For more scholarships, internships, fellowships, and grants:

https://opportunitiesforyouth.org