UNICEF Meaningful Youth Participation Specialist in India 2026: National UN Volunteer Opportunity in New Delhi

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), through its groundbreaking youth initiative YuWaah, is seeking applications for the position of Meaningful Youth Participation Specialist based in New Delhi, India. This prestigious National United Nations Volunteer (UNV) assignment presents an exceptional opportunity for experienced youth engagement professionals to contribute to shaping the future of millions of young people across India.

The assignment offers a 12-month full-time placement with UNICEF and the YuWaah Secretariat, providing volunteers with the opportunity to work directly with government institutions, private sector partners, civil society organizations, and youth networks to advance meaningful youth participation and youth-centric development across the country.

The application deadline is 1 July 2026.

About UNICEF’s Mission

UNICEF operates under a fundamental mission to promote and protect the rights of every child, everywhere. The organization works tirelessly to ensure that children and adolescents, especially the most disadvantaged and marginalized, have equal opportunities to survive, develop, and reach their full potential.

At the heart of UNICEF’s work lies a commitment to equity. The organization recognizes that when any child faces unequal opportunities in social, political, economic, civic, or cultural dimensions, their rights are compromised. UNICEF believes that investing in disadvantaged children and young people not only improves individual outcomes but also contributes to sustained national growth, stability, and development.

This commitment is reflected in UNICEF’s global efforts to empower adolescents and youth through innovative programs, partnerships, and policy initiatives.

Understanding YuWaah and Generation Unlimited

In recent years, UNICEF has significantly expanded its focus on adolescents and young people as global challenges affecting youth have become increasingly apparent.

To address these challenges, UNICEF launched Generation Unlimited (GenU), a global partnership dedicated to creating opportunities for young people aged 10 to 24 years. Generation Unlimited brings together:

• United Nations agencies
• Governments
• Civil society organizations
• Private sector partners
• Young people themselves

The overarching goal is to ensure that by 2030 every young person is:

• In school
• Engaged in learning
• Receiving vocational training
• Employed
• Building entrepreneurial opportunities

What is YuWaah?

YuWaah is India’s adaptation of Generation Unlimited.

YuWaah serves as a catalytic partnership platform designed to unlock the immense potential of India’s adolescents and youth by creating scalable, innovative solutions that:

• Improve learning opportunities
• Expand vocational and functional training access
• Promote employability
• Encourage entrepreneurship
• Foster youth leadership
• Strengthen youth participation in decision-making

Given that young people represent a substantial proportion of India’s population, YuWaah recognizes their right to influence policies, programs, investments, and decisions that affect their lives.

Why Youth Participation Matters

Research consistently demonstrates the value of investing in youth. According to evidence referenced by UNICEF, every additional year of secondary education significantly increases lifetime earnings and contributes to broader societal development.

Meaningful youth participation ensures that:

• Policies reflect real youth needs.
• Programs remain relevant and responsive.
• Public investments generate stronger outcomes.
• Organizations become more inclusive.
• Governments develop more effective interventions.
• Companies build stronger youth-centered workplace cultures.

By integrating young people’s voices directly into decision-making processes, institutions can design solutions that better reflect lived realities and maximize impact.

Position Overview: Meaningful Youth Participation Specialist

The selected UN Volunteer will be stationed in New Delhi and work closely with UNICEF and the YuWaah Secretariat.

The specialist will play a critical role in designing, coordinating, and operationalizing Yutopia: A Public-Private-Youth Collective, a nationwide alliance focused on embedding youth centrality across India’s public and private sector systems.

The role involves fostering collaboration among:

• Government ministries
• Private sector companies
• Civil society organizations
• Youth networks
• Development partners
• Community stakeholders

The specialist will support the integration of youth perspectives into policy development, organizational practices, and program implementation.

Key Responsibilities

The selected volunteer will undertake a broad range of responsibilities, including:

1. Supporting Youth Engagement Strategies

• Implement UNICEF-YuWaah youth engagement priorities.
• Coordinate activities aligned with FY 2026–2027 plans.
• Work closely with multiple programme teams.

2. Managing the Young People’s Action Team (YPAT)

The specialist will support the fifth cohort of YuWaah’s Young People’s Action Team by:

• Coordinating engagement activities
• Organizing meetings
• Facilitating capacity-building sessions
• Supporting town halls
• Arranging interactions with leadership stakeholders

3. Strengthening Youth Mentorship Opportunities

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating mentorship initiatives
• Engaging YuWaah Governing Board members
• Facilitating leadership interactions
• Creating opportunities for youth development

4. Building Strategic Partnerships

The volunteer will:

• Draft briefing notes
• Prepare stakeholder engagement plans
• Coordinate partnerships with government agencies
• Engage civil society organizations
• Collaborate with private sector actors

5. Supporting Youth-Centric Standards and Benchmarks

The assignment includes helping establish standards for organizations interested in adopting youth-centered approaches and practices.

6. Supporting the Yutopia Alliance

Key activities include:

• Promoting alliance initiatives
• Amplifying partner commitments
• Facilitating knowledge sharing
• Supporting collaboration among stakeholders

7. Communications and Social Media

The specialist will assist in:

• Youth engagement campaigns
• Strategic communications
• Social media outreach
• Awareness initiatives
• Public engagement efforts

Expected Deliverables

The selected volunteer is expected to contribute to several high-impact outputs, including:

Strategic Documents

• YuWaah youth engagement strategy note
• Fifth cohort YPAT strategy framework
• International Youth Day 2026 campaign strategy
• FY 2026–27 youth engagement social media strategy

Knowledge Products

• Youth-friendly workplace benchmark report
• Evidence-based youth engagement resources
• Stakeholder learning products
• Best-practice documentation

Media and Communication Outputs

• Creative audio-visual materials
• Yutopia Alliance impact stories
• Youth-centered communication products
• Knowledge dissemination materials

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

Educational Qualification

A Bachelor’s Degree in:

• Development Studies
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Social Work
• Related disciplines

Experience

At least 3 years of experience in:

• Youth engagement
• Programme design and implementation
• Participatory approaches
• Governance and policy engagement
• Development programming
• Stakeholder coordination

Language Requirements

Applicants must be fluent in:

• English
• Hindi

Essential Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Technical Skills

• Programme coordination
• Youth engagement methodologies
• Participatory facilitation
• Policy advocacy
• Strategic communication
• Report writing
• Stakeholder engagement

Professional Competencies

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Adaptability
• Cultural sensitivity
• Planning and organization
• Continuous learning

Specialized Knowledge

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Inclusion and equity principles
• Youth participation frameworks
• Gender-responsive programming
• Community engagement approaches

Benefits and Entitlements

The selected National UN Volunteer will receive a comprehensive benefits package.

Financial Benefits

Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance

• INR 70,158.41 per month

Entry Lump Sum

• USD 350 equivalent in INR

Relocation Support

• USD 175 at the beginning and end of the assignment (where applicable)

Exit Allowance

• USD 120 per month served
• Paid upon successful completion of the assignment

Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive insurance including:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Malicious acts coverage

Leave Entitlements

• 2.5 days annual leave per month

Professional Development

• Access to UNV learning resources
• Career development opportunities
• Professional training support

Living and Working in New Delhi

The assignment is based at UNICEF’s office in New Delhi, India’s vibrant capital city.

New Delhi offers:

• Diverse cultural experiences
• Rich historical heritage
• Extensive professional networking opportunities
• Exposure to international development initiatives
• Access to major governmental institutions

As a national assignment, volunteers are responsible for arranging their own housing and living arrangements.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The United Nations Volunteers programme is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applications from qualified professionals regardless of:

• Gender
• Age
• Disability
• Religion
• Ethnicity
• Sexual orientation
• Social background
• National origin

UNICEF also provides reasonable accommodations for volunteers with disabilities to ensure equal participation throughout the recruitment and assignment process.

Why You Should Apply

This opportunity offers a unique platform to:

• Influence youth development policies at national scale.
• Collaborate with leading institutions and policymakers.
• Contribute to UNICEF’s mission.
• Strengthen youth participation systems.
• Build expertise in international development.
• Expand professional networks.
• Support India’s youth empowerment agenda.

For professionals passionate about youth engagement, policy influence, social development, and inclusive governance, this assignment provides an exceptional opportunity to create lasting impact.

Application Deadline

1 July 2026

Apply here  

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here 

• More global Volunteer Position opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here