Applications are open for the UNFPA Somalia Somali Youth Fellowship Programme (SOYO) Cohort II 2026. This fellowship is designed for young Somali graduates and offers 22 opportunities.
Application Deadline:
- 27 October 2026 at 1:00 AM
Tell Me About The Program:
The Somali Youth (SOYO) Fellowship Cohort II is a flagship professional and leadership development initiative by UNFPA Somalia, titled “Dhalinyaro Hoggaaminaysa Isbeddelka” (Youth leading Change). Designed to combine structured workplace experience with continuous learning, mentorship, and leadership development, the program places 22 young Somali fellows across various UNFPA units in Mogadishu (and other duty stations) to contribute to sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, humanitarian response, population data, and youth empowerment.
Which Fields are Eligible:
Bachelor’s degree holders in fields relevant to UNFPA’s core mandate and operational areas:
- Social sciences, development studies, political science, international relations, or peace studies
- Public health, medicine, nursing, midwifery, or health promotion
- Gender studies, social work, or law
- Statistics, demography, economics, or data science
- Communications, journalism, media, marketing, or design
- Environmental sciences or climate studies
- Accounting, finance, business administration, human resources, procurement, logistics, or ICT
Type:
National UN Community Volunteer Fellowship (12-Month Full-Time Assignment on UN Premises)
Who can Apply:
- Nationality: Must be a Somali national living in the country or from the diaspora (or holding legal residency/refugee status in Somalia).
- Age Limit: Must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Academic Requirement: Must hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree in a discipline matching at least one placement area.
- Experience: No prior professional experience required; volunteering, student leadership, and community engagement are highly valued. (Note: Previous SOYO cohort participants are ineligible).
- Language Proficiency: Fluent in both English and Somali (required).
- Availability: Must be available for a full-time, 12-month onsite commitment. Qualified young women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
How are Applicants Selected:
A single centralized recruitment process is conducted for the 22 placements. Successful applicants are matched to specific UNFPA units (e.g., SRH, Gender/GBV, Adolescents & Youth, M&E, Communications, Operations, Climate Change) based on their education, demonstrated competencies, interests, technical skills, and operational needs.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Somalia (Open to Somali nationals and diaspora).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Mogadishu, Garowe, and Hargeisa, Somalia (Onsite on UN premises).
How Many Fellows:
22 Fellows / UN Volunteers across multiple departmental tracks.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Financial Support: Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) provided under UNV Community Volunteer Conditions of Service to cover basic living expenses.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, life, and disability insurance coverage.
- Leave & Development: Access to annual leave, sick leave, learning leave, and professional development opportunities within UNV.
- Mentorship & Career Growth: Structured workplace supervision, continuous learning modules, and leadership coaching.
How Long Will it Last:
12 months (Full-time fixed term).
How to Apply:
- Register or log in to the UNV Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP) / candidate portal.
- Ensure your profile is fully updated with your academic qualifications, language skills, and background details.
- Search for the UNFPA Somali Youth (SOYO) Fellowship Cohort II assignment.
- Submit your online application before the deadline on 27 October 2026 at 1:00 AM.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
