UNICEF South Asia is inviting applications for the 2025 cohort of its Young People’s Action Team (YPAT). The YPAT is a regional youth advisory body that ensures children and young people are meaningfully involved in shaping UNICEF’s work across South Asia.
YPAT members play a key role in influencing programs, policies, and advocacy initiatives, while also gaining opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and regional networking.
About the YPAT
The Young People’s Action Team is composed of young leaders aged 10 to 24 who are committed to advancing children’s rights. Members are engaged in the design, implementation, and evaluation of UNICEF’s regional programmes. Through quarterly meetings, digital campaigns, and collaboration with UNICEF staff, YPAT members help ensure that the perspectives of youth are reflected across all areas of UNICEF’s work in South Asia.
Who Can Apply
Young people aged 10 to 24 from South Asia who are passionate about social change and child rights are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should:
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Be actively involved in youth-led or community initiatives
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Have basic communication skills in English
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Be able to commit 8 to 10 hours per month for one to two years
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Be willing to engage with peers, UNICEF staff, and youth networks
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Have interest in one or more areas such as education, health, climate, gender equality, mental health, disability inclusion, employability, or civic engagement
Diverse representation will be prioritized, including youth from marginalized communities, those with disabilities, and youth from rural and underserved areas.
Focus Areas
YPAT members will contribute to key themes including:
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Child Rights and Protection
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Health and Nutrition
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Education and Skills for Decent Work
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Gender Equality and Adolescent Girls
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Violence Prevention and Harmful Practices
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Climate Change, WASH, and Environment
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Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
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Disability Inclusion
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Civic Engagement and Participation
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Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response
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Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation
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Participatory Evidence Generation
What YPAT Members Will Do
YPAT members will:
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Provide input to UNICEF’s regional programmes and strategies
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Participate in quarterly virtual meetings and other working groups
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Contribute to regional and global advocacy campaigns
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Represent diverse youth voices in decision-making processes
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Build partnerships with youth-led organizations and peer networks
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Participate in trainings, mentorship, and skill-building activities
What YPAT Members Gain
Members of the Young People’s Action Team will benefit from:
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Certificates of Participation and recognition from UNICEF
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Involvement in UNICEF-supported forums and regional events
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Opportunities to influence UNICEF’s work and amplify youth voices
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Leadership training and advocacy skill development
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Connection to a diverse network of young changemakers across South Asia
How to Apply
The application deadline is 24 April 2025 at 11:59 PM Kathmandu, Nepal time. Interested candidates can apply through UNICEF Country Offices or respond to open calls shared via UNICEF South Asia’s social media and partner channels.
If you have questions or need additional information, contact: [email protected]
Selection Process
Up to 34 young people from across South Asia will be selected. The process will ensure gender, age, geographic, and socio-economic diversity. Selection will be managed by a committee of UNICEF staff and young professionals, with a focus on inclusion and transparency.
Youth-led organizations across the region are also encouraged to nominate representatives. Special efforts will be made to include voices from marginalized communities including refugees, youth with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ youth.
Tentative Timeline
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April 2025: Nominations and applications open
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April 2025: Selection of YPAT members
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April–May 2025: First YPAT meeting and work planning sessions
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Date TBC: Capacity-building workshop and formal launch
Terms and Commitment
YPAT members will serve for a minimum of one year and up to two years. All members must uphold UNICEF’s Code of Conduct and child safeguarding policies. A co-created Code of Conduct will guide members’ roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards.
YPAT members will be supported by UNICEF through regular communication, training, and mentorship. Country Office focal points will assist with coordination, language support, and linking YPAT activities to national youth priorities.
Contact
For further details or to read the full Terms of Reference, email: [email protected]
Young people are not just future leaders—they are leaders today. Apply to join YPAT and be part of a regional movement shaping a better future for children and youth in South Asia.