Application Deadline: 14th May, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 UNFPA Youth Leaders (YoLe) Fellowship Programme. UNFPA Ghana in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, and in partnership with the University of Ghana School of Continuing & Distance Education at the Centre for Digital Youth Development (UGDYV-CDYD) and United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) invites qualified young people in Ghana to apply for the 8th Cohort of the Heads of State Awards Scheme winning Youth Leaders Fellowship Programme. The Fellowship is open to youth leaders serving with Youth-led, Youth Focused, Youth Serving Organizations, CSOs, NGOs, and Public Institutions.
The YoLe Fellowship is a one-year programme designed to empower young people to be ethically driven transformational leaders. It offers participants the opportunities for professional and career development in leadership at various levels and in different sectors. Fellows also have access to one-on-one high-level mentorship and coaching from high-achieving personalities from different sectors.
The Youth Leaders Fellowship Programme is delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and sits within the Ministry’s agenda for youth development and empowerment. To further enhance the programme, UNFPA Ghana has partnered with the University of Ghana Digital Youth Village and Centre for Digital Youth Development to award the fellows a Masters Degree in Youth Leadership and Development. Successful applicants in addition to completing the Fellowship, will also complete academic requirements leading to the award of this Masters Degree. The Fellowship has also successfully partnered with the United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Programme leading to Fellows acquiring UNV status.
Eligibility
Applicants must be:
- Youth aged between 18 – 30 years and resident in Ghana.
- Youth with qualifications from accredited tertiary institutions.
- Able to commit to the Fellowship Programme and duration fully (one year), on-site at the UNFPA Ghana Country Office and at the University of Ghana Digital Youth Village and Centre for Digital Youth Development, Legon, Accra.
- Proactive and possess strong interpersonal skills.
- Proficient in English (working knowledge of English).
- Passionate about Leadership, Sustainable Development, Peace and Security, Human Rights etc.
- Demonstrate a drive for change in all sectors including Social entrepreneurship, agribusiness, innovation, artificial intelligence; community development and volunteerism.
- Demonstrate interest and dedication to development issues and contribute towards Ghana’s 2030 Agenda.
- Demonstrate affiliation with youth-led organization/network, NGOs/CSOs, community volunteerism, or currently working on youth development projects by Government agencies, related to UN and UNFPA’s mandate.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit:
- A motivation letter (not more than 500 words) which states – your motivation for applying for the Fellowship, your professional goals, what you hope to achieve by participating in the programme.
- C.V./Resume.
- Proof of Identity (Ghana Card or Valid Passport or Birth Certificate).
- Evidence of Health Insurance (National Health Insurance is acceptable)
- All applications should be uploaded through this link: https://forms.gle/BtTDMrV8gRGPG7yA8 no later than 11:59 p.m. on 14th May, 2026 (Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted).
- Females and Persons living with disability are encouraged to apply.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the UNFPA Youth Leaders (YoLe) Fellowship Programme
