Youth Challenge International (YCI) Program & Partnerships Fellow 2026

Join the YCI team in a cross-cutting role to propel HerStart program activities, partnerships and impact forward. In close collaboration with staff, partners and other fellows, flex your project management, stakeholder coordination and facilitation skill set to deepen HerStart’s impact. This is an opportunity to further strengthen your CV with community development, partner engagement and non-profit program coordination experience. In the process, advance your knowledge on women’s empowerment, climate action and social entrepreneurship – pivotal frameworks that are shaping the future of work and community impact globally.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Supporting YCI and/or HerStart partners with activity design, coordination, outreach, implementation and reporting 
• Contributing to the development and implementation of systems, tools and processes that enhance organizational efficiency, impact and sustainability 
• Advancing resource mobilization efforts, which may include concept notes, grant proposals, partnership development, donor prospect research and fundraising strategies?? 
• Contributing to successful volunteer onboarding, training and ongoing engagement 
• Identifying, designing and delivering needs-based trainings, reports and resources for entrepreneurs, partners, YCI and/or other fellows 
• Ideating and organizing community-building events and learning opportunities within and across program countries to engage and empower HerStart stakeholders? 
• Conducting primary and secondary research on key topics to support organizational learning and development?on themes related to the program 
• Actively engaging in holistic fellowship orientation and training opportunities
• Supporting HerStart’s key themes of gender equality, climate action, innovation and human rights

*Note: Responsibilities for this role will vary for each fellow and country. The above list demonstrates the types of activities this role may be engaged in, depending on the skills of the applicant and the immediate needs of the HerStart team.

Check out our Stories to learn about the experiences of different HerStart International Fellows!

• Table of Content
• About Youth Challenge International
• Youth Challenge International Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of Youth Challenge International Fellowship
• Requirements for Youth Challenge International Fellowship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Youth Challenge International Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of Youth Challenge International Fellowship

• Gain professional global experience: Engage in a high-quality international volunteer program with YCI – an organization with 40+ years of experience. The Fellowship program includes comprehensive pre-departure training before you go, as well as ongoing health and safety and reintegration support.
• Contribute to women’s economic empowerment: Connect and collaborate with young women, communities and partners, meaningfully contributing your time to expand the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda.
• Amplify your personal and professional growth: Participate in unique opportunities to boost your CV and build transferable skills, such as cross-cultural communication, project management, adaptability and more.
• Access in-demand training and resources: Learn from our staff and partners who are subject matter experts in their fields, including gender equality, social innovation and climate action.
• Join a thriving network: Connect with like-minded, passionate people around the globe. Members of our network will also have first access to future YCI opportunities and resources.

For more information about the HerStart International Fellowship program and benefits, including the expenses covered by YCI, please review the fellowship FAQ page here!

Requirements for Youth Challenge International Fellowship Qualification

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident  
• Fluent or professional level English skills (written and verbal)  
• Demonstrated interest in the fields of international development, gender equality, climate action and/or social entrepreneurship  
• Enrolled in or graduated from a post-secondary institution (or have equivalent work experience)  
• Ability to commit to the full length of placement with full-time hours, including a week of pre-departure training online 
• Contribute to the HerStart Catalyst Fund, which provides grants to women-led social enterprises, by reaching the fundraising goal of $2,500 CAD with support from the YCI team 
• Access to a personal computer for duration of placement

Desired Qualifications for this Position

• Strong ability to be flexible and versatile, supporting many different elements of YCI and partner organization programming as needed  
• Knowledge and interest in supporting impact-driven organizations focused on youth engagement, gender equality and social entrepreneurship  
• Experience in designing and facilitating workshops, meetings and/or events 
• Strong research, project management and logistical coordination skill sets  
• Preference for prior experience in one or more of the following areas: project management, facilitation, volunteer engagement, resource mobilization, grant writing, coaching, partnership building or organizational development  
• Tech-savvy with knowledge of diverse platforms and interest in learning new ones (including Canva, Slack, Airtable and Mighty Networks)  
• Passion for learning, facilitation and supporting the knowledge and skill development of others  
• Excellent organization and time management skills, including the ability to work independently  
• Ability to be proactive, creative and take initiative   
• Committed to working with others in an equitable and inclusive manner  
• Ability to effectively collaborate with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes openness to differing opinions and views 

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more information, kindly visit YCI webpage.