Call for Applications
Shaping Future Leaders: UNICEF Leadership Programme for Young Changemakers in Bangladesh
Application start date: 5 March 2025
Application closing date: 30 March 2025
Programme Title: Young Leadership Programme
Date: 4-10 May 2025 (including travel days)
Programme Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh (Residential)
Mode of Delivery: face to face (in English)
Background
Are you a young leader passionate about driving change in your community? Do you want to develop your policy-making skills, enhance your ability to advocate effectively, and learn how to lead with impact? The Young Leadership Programme for aspiring young leaders in Bangladesh is designed to empower young people with the skills needed to navigate today’s complex leadership and governance policy environment.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding on the essential aspects of designing effective public policies in complex environments, the importance of stakeholder engagement during all phases of the policy process, and of gathering data for pro-active decision making during the implementation and evaluation of policies and programmes.
This initiative by UNICEF in collaboration with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), National University of Singapore, is designed to equip young leaders with the knowledge and skills to lead and drive impactful social and policy change.
By combining UNICEF’s expertise in social policy, equity, and child rights with LKYSPP’s strengths in public policy, governance, and leadership, this programme offers a unique learning experience tailored to the challenges and opportunities in Bangladesh’s evolving policy landscape. Through interactive learning, group activities and case studies, participants will explore strategies to build inclusive communities, uphold human rights, and drive sustainable impact. The programme will equip them with the skills to analyze policies, address systemic challenges, and develop innovative solutions for meaningful social change. It will also strengthen leadership and negotiation skills, enabling participants to navigate complex situations and uncertainty with confidence.
By the end of this journey, participants will be equipped to lead with purpose, influence meaningful change, and build a more inclusive future. If you have a track record of community engagement and a vision for change, committed to making a difference, passionate about public policy, and eager to develop leadership skills that create a lasting impact, we invite you to apply for this transformative opportunity.
Eligibility
- Minimum bachelor’s degree from an accredited higher education institution in Bangladesh
- Applicants will be expected to have a fluent level of English.
- A demonstrated commitment to promoting peace and prosperity through professional work, study or community experience
- Age below 30 years
Desirable Qualifications
- Leadership track record in professional, public, and/or personal realms
- Willingness to engage fully in place-based experiential, and transformational leadership development training
- Deep involvement in a specific organization, business or community impact initiative
- Intercultural and diversity exposure
- Demonstrated experience as a change maker at community or national level.
Financial Support
Up to 30 participants will be selected for the programme. Selected participants of the programme are eligible to receive financial support to fully cover the programme cost. The financial aid will cover programme cost, accommodation, food and transportation to/from the programme venue in Gazipur/ any other location adjacent to Dhaka.
Application Submission and Required Documents
Applicants must submit all of the following to be considered:
- A Statement of Purpose (maximum three pages) including:
- What you expect to contribute to and gain from participating in the young leadership programme
- Concrete example(s) of your leadership role and innovation, as defined above
- Demonstrated potential for impact of your leadership within your community
- What change do you want to bring to your community or society?
- How do you think this leadership program will help you achieve your goals?
- Identify an actionable goal for either your organization or community that you wish to work on and outline the role you can or would like to play in achieving that goal.
- Resume/CV (maximum two pages. Please add link of your Linkedin profile, Instagram handle/ social media link)
- Your passport size photo (Jpg file)
- Two Professional Letters of Recommendation describing your suitability for the programme. The letters should be signed and on letterhead.
- Copies of academic certificates
- A Self-Introductory Video in English (Maximum 2 Minutes)
Guideline for the Video:
In your video, please introduce yourself and highlight the following key areas:
Who You Are:
- Your name, university/educational background, and any relevant affiliations.
- Your interests or passion areas related to leadership and community development.
Your Leadership Journey:
- A brief story of what inspired you to become a leader.
- Any leadership roles you have taken (in university, community, or beyond).
- How do you think this leadership program will help you achieve your goals?
Additional Tips for the video:
- Be authentic and speak with confidence.
- Keep it clear and concise—plan your key points in advance.
- You may use a mix of direct talking, or storytelling elements.
- Ensure good lighting, sound, and video quality.
- Applicants must upload their video to online platform, set the link sharing setting to “Anyone with the link can view”, and include the online platform link in the email body.
Send the application package to infobangladesh@unicef.org with subject line Application Young Leaders 2025.
Completed applications must be submitted by 30 March, 2025.
UNICEF strongly encourages applications from women and individuals from minority groups to foster diversity and inclusion.
UNICEF is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its programmes and activities. The organization upholds a strict non-discrimination policy, ensuring that all applicants are considered regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, socioeconomic background, or any other status. This leadership program embraces these values, fostering an inclusive environment where all young leaders can thrive and contribute to positive change in their communities.