Opportunity for Youth Networks in Lebanon to collaborate with UNFPA!

Are you a dynamic, youth-led network making a difference in Lebanon? We are seeking passionate youth organizations to collaborate on exciting opportunities! This is a chance to engage with us on initiatives that align with our mandate. Selected youth networks will have the chance to participate in activities such as conferences, capacity-building workshops, policy consultations, or best practice/knowledge-sharing sessions. Please note that this not a grant nor an employment opportunity. 

Why Collaborate with UNFPA?

This collaboration offers selected youth networks a unique platform to:

• Contribute to meaningful dialogues and initiatives on a wide arrange of topics, such as health, protection, and peacebuilding and civic activities
• Enhance your leadership capacity and skills
• Influence policies and advocate for youth priorities
• Connect with other youth networks and organizations
• Share your expertise and learn from best practices

How is UNFPA engaged in youth work?

UNFPA supports the Government of Lebanon and its priorities and commitments to the Youth under a Country Programme Document (CPD). This cooperation framework sets goals to be reached over three (03) years. These goals focus on UNFPA’s mandate notably around reproductive rights, gender-based violence prevention and response and youth empowerment. The current CPD runs until the end of 2025. Collaboration with youth-led networks is cross-cutting and essential for the successful and impactful implementation of these goals.

UNFPA also assisted the Lebanese Government in establishing the National Youth Policy Action Plan (NYPAP) and is active in supporting its implementation. In addition, UNFPA co-leads the UN Youth Taskforce (UNYTF) with UNICEF. The UNYTF is a coordination mechanism set to enhance the coordination amongst UN agencies, while they deliver youth programs in line with the NYPAP, for youth to reach their full potential.

At the global level, UNFPA is leading the Programme of Action of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). For over 30 years, this action plan has served to focus development on human rights, notably reproductive rights to empower women and girls.

UNFPA was also involved in shaping the Pact of the Future, an agreement between states during the Summit of the Future in 2024. The Pact of the Future covers a broad range of themes, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. It specifically includes a commitment to meaningful youth participation, which UNFPA seeks to follow across all of its programming in Lebanon and beyond. The Pact of the Future, also includes a Declaration on Future Generations which motivates countries to better take the needs and interests of future generations into account in their decision-making processes. 

Selection Criteria

To be considered, your youth network must meet the following criteria:

• Non-Partisan: Be apolitical and non-sectarian/non-confessional in the planning and implementation of activities.
• Location and Regional Representation: Be based in Lebanon and have representation in at least two (02) governorates in Lebanon.
• Youth Leadership: Be youth-led and youth-composed, meaning:

• Both the members AND the head of the network must be between 15 and 29 years old.
• The organization must have a mechanism to elect a new president once the current president reaches 29 years old.

• Gender Equality: Demonstrate a commitment to gender equality. Priority will be given to networks with gender parity in their composition (and/or those that are women-led) and promote women's empowerment.
• Shared Vision: Be clear on your common vision and goal for your network. Areas of expertise may include (but are not limited to) : Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Gender-Based Violence, Youth Empowerment, Education, Climate Change, Technology and Innovation, Peace Building and Civic Education.
• Transparency : Clear governance mechanism, including on internal leadership (and fund distribution in case of previous grants received)
• Inclusivity: Demonstrate a commitment to inclusion in all your work.
• Experience: Have experience working with UN, international, or national organizations (this can include collaboration, even without direct funding).

How to Apply

Interested youth networks should submit their application by filling out the following Google Form: https://shorturl.at/gudHo 

Important considerations

The commitment period for this call is for two (02) years starting from the day of selection. 

Before applying, please ensure that:

• only one (01) representative per youth network completes the form, providing their contact details and comprehensive information about your organization, including your primary areas of focus, date of creation, etc.
• all the information provided in the form is accurate to the best of your knowledge. If any information has been incorrectly provided, contact UNFPA to make the appropriate change in due time.

Disclaimer

• In case of large interest, not all youth networks that meet the above criteria will be selected. UNFPA reserves the right to adapt and adjust those selection criteria at any point during the selection process.
• Your contact information will be stored by UNFPA for an indeterminate amount of time and will be used solely for the purpose of selection of youth networks by UNFPA
• By filing the questionnaire, you commit to being available as a youth network for a period of 01 year for punctual activities with UNFPA (rotation of members participating in the activities will be chosen internally by the youth network to ensure representation and equal access to opportunities)
• If you are selected by UNFPA, you should not expect to receive grants, employment or extra financial compensation for participating in UNFPA youth focused opportunities

Questions?

If you encounter any issues while completing the questionnaire, please contact us at: ksweid@unfpa.org

What's Next?

Selected organizations will be notified. We look forward to receiving your applications and working together to empower youth in Lebanon!