UNICEF Youth Advisory Group (YAG) – Volunteer Opportunity for Young Changemakers 2025 (Deadline: 25 August, 2025)

UNICEF Evaluation is inviting dynamic and passionate young individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 to apply for a unique volunteer opportunity to join the Youth Advisory Group (YAG). This initiative is part of the ongoing UNICEF Global Evaluation Evidence Synthesis 2023–2024, a global effort to identify what works—and what doesn’t—across UNICEF’s wide-ranging programs aimed at improving the lives of children and young people.

This is a rare and meaningful chance for youth to engage directly in shaping how evidence is gathered, analyzed, and interpreted in global development. The initiative seeks to center youth voices in the evaluation process, particularly those that bring perspectives of equity, inclusion, and community-based insight.

About the Global Evaluation Evidence Synthesis

The UNICEF Global Evaluation Evidence Synthesis 2023–2024 builds upon previous global reviews to assess the impact, effectiveness, and relevance of UNICEF’s work across various thematic areas. These include health, education, protection, water and sanitation, and emergency response, among others.

The synthesis aggregates and distills learning from evaluation reports and findings from across UNICEF country offices, helping inform programming decisions, policy-making, and investment priorities at the global level. This year, the synthesis places a strong emphasis on youth participation and inclusive evaluation methodologies.

The Role of the Youth Advisory Group (YAG)

Members of the Youth Advisory Group will act as collaborators and thought partners in ensuring that the evaluation process integrates youth perspectives and represents diverse voices across different global contexts.

As a YAG member, selected youth will:

• • Review and validate findings from the evidence synthesis to ensure they are relevant, youth-informed, and grounded in real-world perspectives.
  • Contribute to shaping inclusive methodologies, ensuring that evaluation approaches are sensitive to the needs and experiences of young people, especially those in marginalized or underserved communities.

• • Provide insights to enhance equity, impact, and accessibility in the evaluation process.

• Participate in virtual consultations, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative workshops with UNICEF Evaluation experts and peer advisors.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Youth Advisory Group, applicants must:

• • Be between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application.
  • Demonstrate a passion for equity, evidence-based impact, and youth engagement.
  • Have strong communication and collaboration skills, and the ability to work in multicultural and interdisciplinary environments.
  • Show interest or experience in areas such as research, evaluation, policy, advocacy, or youth development.

• • Be comfortable participating in virtual meetings and working remotely across time zones.

• Commit to being actively involved in group activities throughout the evaluation cycle (approximately a few hours per month, from late 2025 into early 2026).

While previous experience in evaluation or youth advisory work is welcome, it is not a requirement. UNICEF encourages applications from individuals with diverse lived experiences, particularly those from underrepresented or marginalized communities.

What Participants Will Gain

Although the Youth Advisory Group is a volunteer-based opportunity, selected members will benefit from:

• Meaningful engagement with a global team of evaluation specialists, youth advocates, and UNICEF leadership.
• A platform to shape global evaluation approaches and ensure they reflect real youth experiences and challenges.
• Opportunities for capacity-building, networking, and mentorship within an international development context.
• A certificate of recognition from UNICEF upon successful completion of the engagement period.
• The potential to influence UNICEF strategies and programs that affect young people worldwide.

This experience is designed to empower young changemakers by providing real-world exposure to international development practices and evaluation frameworks that drive impact.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit the following by 25 August 2025:

• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A brief expression of interest (in Word or PDF format), describing:
  • Why you want to be part of the Youth Advisory Group
  • Your relevant skills or experiences
  • What you hope to contribute to the evaluation process

Please send your application via email to:

• gbianchini@unicef.org
• kvariyava@unicef.org