The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has opened applications for its Youth Engagement Platform (YEP), a 12-month advisory and leadership initiative designed to elevate youth perspectives within global sustainable development. The programme offers young leaders the opportunity to contribute directly to UNOPS decision-making processes while gaining experience in policy analysis, strategic advisory work, advocacy and public engagement. The position is home-based, non-remunerated, and open to candidates aged 17 to 29 from all backgrounds. YEP members will serve as youth advisors to UNOPS senior leadership, bringing grounded insights, innovative thinking and lived experience to organisational strategies and initiatives. The initiative aligns with the motto “30 below 30, to get 2030”, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to ensuring young voices play a central role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Purpose of the Youth Engagement Platform The platform was established by the UNOPS Executive Director to incorporate youth-informed recommendations into the organisation’s mission and operational practice. It functions both as an internal advisory body and an external ambassadorial group, representing UNOPS at selected global forums. Members will work alongside technical experts, senior managers and peers from diverse regions, providing insight on emerging development challenges affecting young people and contributing recommendations that enhance the inclusiveness and effectiveness of UNOPS’ work. The programme seeks 30 members in total—15 internal talents from UNOPS and 15 external applicants. While the internship-style role is not a personnel appointment and does not include salary, compensation will be provided for authorised travel undertaken on behalf of UNOPS. Key Functions and Expected Results 1. Generating Youth-Led Insights on Global Development Trends YEP acts as a youth intelligence hub, offering analysis grounded in real experiences of young people across different contexts. Members will: Identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities related to youth and the SDGs across sectors such as infrastructure, climate action, fragility, procurement and project management. Provide rapid feedback on regional and global developments affecting young people. Contribute youth-informed perspectives to internal analyses, foresight exercises and strategic reviews. These contributions are intended to enrich UNOPS’ strategic planning with diverse viewpoints that reflect the realities of the world’s largest demographic group. 2. Advising UNOPS Leadership on Strategic Initiatives Members will participate in targeted consultations with the Executive Director, senior leadership and relevant units across the organisation. Their tasks include: Reviewing selected policies, strategic frameworks and flagship initiatives through a lens of youth, diversity, equity and intergenerational justice. Proposing actionable recommendations that elevate the relevance, legitimacy and impact of UNOPS’ operations. Co-creating practical solutions that strengthen youth inclusion across UNOPS’ global portfolio. This advisory function ensures that youth voices influence decision-making upstream, shaping the organisation’s short- and long-term priorities. 3. Elevating Youth Representation in Global Forums YEP members will support UNOPS in external engagement by: Representing youth perspectives at selected international and regional events. Contributing to talking points, panel interventions and advocacy messages that reflect youth priorities. Supporting UNOPS participation in system-wide youth initiatives in alignment with the UN Youth Strategy and Youth2030. Through these engagements, the platform strengthens UNOPS’ role as a credible and youth-centered actor in multilateral spaces. 4. Supporting Youth-Inclusive Operational Approaches To enhance youth participation and benefit-sharing across UNOPS programmes, members will: Provide feedback on project design and delivery approaches to improve youth access and engagement. Identify good practices from youth-focused or youth-engaging initiatives and contribute them to corporate tools and guidance. Advise on ethically and safely engaging young people as partners, innovators and beneficiaries. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the following criteria: Aged 17 to 29 at the time of application. High school diploma or equivalent (minimum requirement). Demonstrated youth leadership or community engagement experience. Participation in youth platforms, student organisations, volunteer networks or SDG-related initiatives. Experience representing youth perspectives in forums, dialogues, advocacy activities or community events. Exposure to sustainable development issues through coursework, activism, volunteering or lived experience. Demonstrated collaboration skills across diverse groups. Desired attributes include familiarity with the UN system, global development, policy discussion or youth advocacy. Language Requirements English: Required (intermediate or higher) Spanish: Desirable French: Desirable Application Requirements Applicants must submit one combined PDF containing: A resume/CV A description of a project demonstrating commitment to sustainable development (max. 2,000 characters) A link to a 90-second video explaining motivation and potential contribution to the Platform Applications close 31 December 2025 (CET). 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