The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Somalia has opened applications for the second cohort of the Somali Youth (SOYO) Fellowship Programme, inviting young Somali graduates to contribute to sustainable development while gaining practical professional experience. The programme is recruiting 22 young Somali fellows for full-time, 12-month assignments designed to develop their skills, strengthen their leadership potential, and support work that benefits communities across Somalia.
The SOYO Fellowship offers an opportunity for young people who want to build their careers while contributing to issues connected to UNFPA’s mandate. Through workplace learning and practical assignments, fellows can gain exposure to professional responsibilities, develop their capabilities, and participate in initiatives that support development in Somalia.
The programme is open to Somali nationals aged 18 to 30 who live in Somalia or belong to the Somali diaspora, provided they meet the published eligibility requirements. Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field specified in the applicable Description of Assignment (DOA), must not have participated in SOYO Cohort I, and must be available for the full 12-month assignment and associated learning activities.
The programme also promotes gender balance and the inclusion of persons with disabilities, reflecting its commitment to broader participation among young people.
Prospective applicants should explore the available assignments, carefully review the qualifications and responsibilities outlined in each Description of Assignment, and submit their applications through the official UNFPA opportunity page. The announcement provided does not specify a closing date, so applicants should consult the official application portal for the current deadline and submission instructions.
About the Somali Youth Fellowship Programme (SOYO)
The Somali Youth Fellowship Programme is an initiative implemented by UNFPA Somalia to engage young Somali professionals in development work while helping them gain practical experience and strengthen their professional skills.
Young people play an important role in Somalia’s development. Their participation can contribute to stronger communities, improved access to services, and more effective responses to social and development challenges. However, graduates often need opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings, build workplace experience, and develop the skills required for long-term career growth.
The SOYO Fellowship seeks to address this need by giving selected young people an opportunity to undertake structured, full-time assignments and participate in workplace learning activities.
Through the second cohort, UNFPA Somalia aims to recruit 22 fellows who demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to community service, and an interest in the organisation’s mandate.
The programme is particularly relevant to young graduates who want to connect their education with practical work that supports sustainable development in Somalia.
What Is UNFPA Somalia?
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
UNFPA is the United Nations agency working to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, promote gender equality, and support the well-being of women, girls, and young people.
UNFPA works with governments, communities, and development partners to improve access to essential services and advance the rights and well-being of people, particularly women, adolescents, and young people.
In Somalia, its work is connected to broader development priorities, including reproductive health, gender-based violence prevention and response, youth engagement, and the needs of vulnerable populations.
The SOYO Fellowship provides a way for eligible young Somali graduates to participate in professional assignments connected to UNFPA’s mandate. The specific responsibilities of each fellow will depend on the position and the corresponding Description of Assignment.
Applicants should therefore review the individual assignments to understand the areas of work, expected duties, qualifications, and experience required for each opportunity.
Key Details of the SOYO Fellowship Cohort II
The following information summarises the main details provided in the announcement.
| Fellowship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme name | Somali Youth Fellowship Programme (SOYO) |
| Cohort | Cohort II |
| Implementing organisation | UNFPA Somalia |
| Number of fellows | 22 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Assignment type | Full-time |
| Location eligibility | Somali nationals living in Somalia or from the diaspora |
| Age requirement | 18–30 years |
| Education | Completed bachelor’s degree in a relevant field specified in the DOA |
| Previous participation | Applicants must not have been SOYO Cohort I fellows |
| Additional requirement | Valid national identification document |
| Deadline | Not stated in the supplied announcement |
| Official application page | Explore SOYO Cohort II |
Benefits of the Somali Youth Fellowship Programme
The SOYO Fellowship is intended to help young graduates gain professional experience while contributing to development work. The specific benefits and learning opportunities may vary according to the assignment.
1. Practical Professional Experience
One of the main attractions of the fellowship is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a full-time, 12-month assignment.
For recent graduates, practical experience can help bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of a professional workplace. Fellows can apply relevant knowledge from their degree programmes while learning how development organisations operate.
Depending on their assignments, fellows may become familiar with professional procedures, project activities, workplace communication, coordination, reporting, and other responsibilities relevant to their roles.
This experience may help participants better understand their chosen fields and prepare for future employment opportunities.
2. Workplace Learning and Skills Development
The programme includes workplace learning activities designed to complement the fellows’ practical assignments.
Workplace learning allows participants to develop their skills while carrying out professional responsibilities. It can help them understand organisational expectations, improve their ability to work with colleagues, and become more familiar with the processes involved in development programmes.
The precise training activities and learning arrangements should be confirmed in the published assignment descriptions and programme guidance.
3. Leadership Development
UNFPA Somalia identifies leadership potential as one of the eligibility considerations for applicants.
The fellowship may give selected young people opportunities to demonstrate initiative, contribute to team activities, take responsibility for assigned duties, and develop their understanding of community development.
Leadership in this context is not limited to holding a formal leadership position. It can also involve identifying community needs, supporting collaborative work, communicating effectively, and showing accountability when carrying out responsibilities.
Applicants should highlight genuine examples of leadership from their education, volunteer activities, community involvement, or previous work.
4. Contribution to Sustainable Development in Somalia
The fellowship gives young Somali graduates an opportunity to contribute to development activities through their assigned roles.
Participants can bring their academic knowledge, local understanding, and professional interests to work connected to UNFPA’s mandate.
This opportunity may appeal to candidates who want their careers to have a wider social purpose, particularly those interested in improving the well-being of communities and supporting development in Somalia.
The actual contribution expected from each fellow will depend on the assignment for which they are selected.
5. Exposure to UNFPA’s Work
Working through a UNFPA fellowship assignment can provide exposure to the activities and working environment of a United Nations development agency.
Depending on their roles, fellows may gain an understanding of how development programmes are implemented, how different stakeholders work together, and how professional assignments contribute to organisational objectives.
Applicants should not assume that the fellowship automatically guarantees subsequent employment with UNFPA. Any future employment would depend on separate vacancies and recruitment requirements.
6. Opportunities for Young People From the Somali Diaspora
The programme accepts eligible Somali nationals living in Somalia as well as those from the Somali diaspora.
This provision allows eligible young Somalis living outside the country to consider participating in development-related work connected to Somalia.
Diaspora applicants should pay particular attention to the practical requirements of the assignment, including its location, availability expectations, and any arrangements necessary to complete a full-time, 12-month commitment.
The announcement does not provide detailed relocation, travel, accommodation, or visa provisions. Applicants should confirm these matters through the official assignment information before applying.
7. Inclusion and Gender Balance
The SOYO Fellowship explicitly promotes gender balance and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
This commitment signals the programme’s intention to encourage participation among young people from different backgrounds.
Eligible applicants with disabilities and applicants of all genders should review the published assignments and apply if they meet the stated requirements. Any specific accessibility arrangements or accommodation procedures should be confirmed with UNFPA through the official application channel.
Eligibility Criteria for the SOYO Fellowship Cohort II
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements stated in the announcement. Before applying, candidates should check each requirement carefully.
1. Somali Nationality
Applicants must be Somali nationals. They may be living in Somalia or be members of the Somali diaspora.
The announcement does not describe the programme as open to all African nationals or to international applicants who are not Somali citizens.
2. Age Requirement: 18–30 Years
Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old.
Young graduates should verify that they meet the programme’s age requirement and review the official application instructions for any further guidance on how age eligibility is assessed.
3. Completed Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants must already have completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
The relevant academic disciplines are specified in the published Description of Assignment for each position. This means the degree requirements may differ across assignments.
Candidates should not assume that every degree is acceptable for every fellowship position. Instead, they should identify assignments that match their academic qualifications and review the required field of study.
Applicants who have not completed their bachelor’s degree should check the official requirements before proceeding, as the announcement specifically requires a completed qualification.
4. No Previous Participation in SOYO Cohort I
The fellowship is intended for candidates who were not fellows in the first cohort of the Somali Youth Fellowship Programme.
Applicants who participated in SOYO Cohort I do not meet this stated eligibility condition.
Candidates who have had other internships, fellowships, or volunteer experiences should review the published requirements to determine whether those experiences affect their eligibility. The announcement specifically excludes previous SOYO Cohort I fellows.
5. Leadership Potential and Commitment to Community Service
Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to community service, and an interest in UNFPA’s mandate.
These qualities help establish whether a candidate is motivated to contribute to the programme’s objectives.
Candidates can prepare by identifying real examples that demonstrate:
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Participation in community service or volunteering.
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Leadership or initiative in academic, professional, or community activities.
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A genuine interest in development work and the issues addressed by UNFPA.
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A willingness to learn, collaborate, and take responsibility for assigned tasks.
Applicants should use specific examples from their own experiences rather than relying on general statements about their motivation.
6. Availability for a Full-Time, 12-Month Assignment
Candidates must be available to undertake a full-time assignment lasting 12 months and participate in workplace learning activities.
This requirement means applicants should consider whether they can commit to the programme for the full duration.
Those with existing employment, education, or other significant commitments should assess whether they can meet the assignment’s working arrangements before applying.
7. Valid National Identification Document
A valid national identification document is also required.
Applicants should consult the official instructions to confirm the accepted identification documents and any submission requirements.
Because the announcement does not specify the complete documentation process, candidates should not assume that a particular document format or alternative form of identification will be accepted without confirmation.
How to Apply for the UNFPA Somalia SOYO Fellowship Cohort II
Interested applicants should apply through the official link provided in the announcement.
Follow these steps to prepare your application.
Step 1: Open the official application page.
Visit the UNFPA Somalia SOYO Fellowship Cohort II page to access the available assignments and application information.
Step 2: Review the available Descriptions of Assignment.
Read the DOA for each position that interests you. Pay attention to the academic field required, duties, qualifications, and any additional selection criteria.
Step 3: Confirm your eligibility.
Ensure that you are a Somali national aged 18–30, have completed a relevant bachelor’s degree, were not a SOYO Cohort I fellow, and can commit to the full-time, 12-month assignment.
Step 4: Prepare your supporting information.
Gather the information and documents requested in the relevant DOA and application process. This includes being prepared to demonstrate your academic qualifications, leadership potential, commitment to community service, and interest in UNFPA’s mandate.
Ensure that you have a valid national identification document and check whether any additional documents are required.
Step 5: Submit your application.
Follow the instructions on the official portal and submit your application for the appropriate assignment.
Review your information carefully before submitting, ensuring that the details match your qualifications and experience.
Step 6: Check the official deadline.
The supplied announcement does not state a closing date. Check the official application page for the current deadline and any updates before submitting your application.
How to Prepare a Strong Fellowship Application
Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria is only one part of preparing an application. Candidates should also explain why they are suitable for their chosen assignments.
Highlight Relevant Academic Qualifications
Show how your completed bachelor’s degree relates to the specific assignment.
For example, a candidate applying for a role that requires a background in public health should clearly present their relevant academic qualification and any related experience, where applicable.
The degree requirements must be taken from the relevant DOA rather than assumed to be the same across all positions.
Demonstrate Leadership With Examples
Use specific examples to explain how you have taken initiative, worked with others, or contributed to an activity.
Examples might come from student organisations, volunteer work, community projects, previous employment, or other relevant activities.
Where possible, describe your responsibilities and what you accomplished. Be truthful about your role and avoid exaggerating your contribution.
Explain Your Commitment to Community Service
Describe why community service matters to you and how your previous activities reflect that interest.
Applicants without extensive volunteering experience can still explain relevant contributions they have made through their studies, local initiatives, or other responsibilities, provided these examples are genuine and relevant.
Show Your Interest in UNFPA’s Mandate
Candidates should familiarise themselves with UNFPA’s work and explain how their interests relate to the relevant assignment.
A strong application should show that the candidate understands the purpose of the position and is prepared to contribute to its responsibilities.
Apply for an Assignment That Matches Your Background
Because the programme uses individual Descriptions of Assignment, candidates should choose positions that fit their qualifications and experience.
Submitting an application for an assignment without the required academic background or availability could reduce the likelihood of meeting the stated criteria.
Application Deadline and Official Link
The supplied announcement does not provide a specific application deadline. Applicants should check the official portal to confirm the closing date and any changes to the application requirements.
Official application link: https://unf.pa/4eu87Rn
The announcement states that UNFPA Somalia is recruiting 22 fellows for Cohort II. Interested candidates should review the available assignments and follow the published instructions.
For more fellowship programs visit: https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/category/fellowship/
Conclusion
The Somali Youth Fellowship Programme Cohort II offers young Somali graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience, develop their professional skills, and contribute to sustainable development in Somalia through UNFPA-related assignments.
With 22 fellowship positions available, the programme is aimed at candidates who have completed a relevant bachelor’s degree, demonstrate leadership potential, are committed to community service, and are ready to undertake a full-time assignment for 12 months.
The inclusion of eligible Somali nationals living in Somalia and members of the diaspora broadens the opportunity for young Somalis interested in contributing to development in their country. The programme also promotes gender balance and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Eligible candidates should carefully review the individual Descriptions of Assignment, confirm that they meet the requirements, and prepare their applications using the official UNFPA link. Since the supplied announcement does not specify a closing date, applicants should consult the portal for the latest deadline and instructions.
