NOW OPEN: UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Program For Early Career Professionals

Discover a fresh and inspiring opportunity for early career professionals to make a difference in the Global South’s food systems through the UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Program For Early Career Professionals. Highlights of the program include an exclusive invitation to a 5-day, in-person workshop that focuses on building leadership skills.

During this workshop, you will have the chance to engage in a co-creative environment where you can bridge the gap between data, knowledge, and implementation. Dive into modules that cover negotiations, policy advocacy, strategic communication, and evidence-based decision-making.

Prepare to be inspired as you immerse yourself in presentations by seasoned practitioners, scientists, young global food champions, and influential individuals who are shaping the future of food systems.

But it doesn’t stop there. You will also have the opportunity to co-create a community of practice, sharpen your leadership skills, and develop transformative initiatives for low- and middle-income countries to revolutionize their food systems.

The program content is designed to enhance your expertise in various areas. You will delve into governance systems, learning how to negotiate and design multi-stakeholder processes for food systems governance. Master the art of policy advocacy, gaining leadership skills that can bridge the gap between global and local levels. Additionally, you will learn how to effectively communicate and tell impactful stories that raise awareness and secure funds for your initiatives. Lastly, you will explore the world of science and evidence-based decision-making, building proposals and forging partnerships based on solid scientific evidence.

Eligibility

Are you a young professional passionate about finding solutions for food systems? This program is designed for early career professionals from various backgrounds who are interested in leading the way in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Whether you’re a researcher, a member of civil society, or involved in other food systems activities, this program is for you!

While proficiency in English is desirable, interpretation services will be provided based on individual needs and availability.

To be eligible, you must be between 18 and 35 years old (no older than 35 by December 2023) and a national of a low or middle-income country according to the World Bank classification.

Time Commitment

If selected, you will need to commit an entire week (Monday to Friday) to attend the in-person seminar and travel.

After the workshop, we encourage participants to take the initiative and coordinate activities and projects aligned with the learning outcomes of the event. Active engagement in the regional network is expected, as it fosters collaboration and contributes to implementing national pathways on food systems.

Funding Opportunities

For those selected for sponsorship, we will prioritize as many countries as possible, aiming to support at least one candidate per country. Sponsorship will cover travel, accommodations, and meals during the training.

If you are self-funded, you will be responsible for covering your own travel, accommodation, and additional expenses. There is no workshop participation fee.

Regardless of sponsorship status, all participants will receive an invitation letter and, if necessary, a visa support letter to assist with the required travel documentation. Upon completion of the workshop, all participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

Timeline

• By January 15, 2024: Don’t miss the deadline to submit your application for the program!
• January comes to an end: Exciting news awaits as participants selected for a scholarship will be informed.
• First week of February: An invitation letter will be sent out, giving participants a week to respond and confirm their availability for the program.
• February wraps up: Participants can expect to receive all the necessary program information, including the workshop agenda and more. For
• For details Visit official Website of the UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Program