Deadline: 20-May-2026
The Solar Generation initiative is a UNICEF call for Expression of Interest designed to build green skills and renewable energy employment pathways in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines. It focuses on equipping young people and women with technical skills in solar energy while connecting them to emerging job opportunities. The initiative supports the transition toward a sustainable and climate-resilient energy future.
Purpose and Objectives
The main objective is to expand access to green skills development and employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector. The programme aims to empower adolescents, youth, and women by providing training in solar energy and linking them to real labor market opportunities. It also seeks to strengthen climate resilience and inclusive economic participation in BARMM.
Key Focus Areas
The initiative focuses on WASH and environmental sustainability, renewable energy development, solar energy training, and climate resilience. It also emphasizes green skills development, youth employment pathways, and inclusive economic opportunities. Special attention is given to adolescents, young people, and women from marginalized communities.
Context and Programme Background
The initiative is part of UNICEF’s 9th Country Programme for Children (2024–2028) in the Philippines. It responds to the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters on children and youth. The programme aims to strengthen systems that ensure safe, inclusive access to services and opportunities in education, health, and livelihoods.
Renewable Energy Sector Opportunity
The solar energy sector in the Philippines is expanding rapidly, creating demand for skilled workers in installation, maintenance, and engineering. However, access to training and employment remains uneven, especially in BARMM due to geographic isolation and limited vocational infrastructure. The initiative addresses these gaps by building both skills and employment linkages.
Geographic Focus
The programme is implemented in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with Cotabato City identified as a strategic hub. Cotabato City is selected due to its growing youth population and increasing institutional and energy sector presence. The location supports stronger linkage between training and employment opportunities.
Programme Background and Pilot Learning
The initiative builds on a UNICEF pilot project implemented in Tarlac City and Tawi-Tawi. The pilot demonstrated that solar skills training is effective in building technical capacity among marginalized youth. It also highlighted the importance of strong local industry linkages to ensure sustainable employment outcomes.
Institutional Partnerships
Implementation is supported through collaboration with key BARMM institutions. These include the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE), Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), and Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE). These partners support training delivery, awareness-building, and job placement pathways.
Capacity Building and Training Approach
The programme provides technical training in solar installation, maintenance, and small-scale solar applications. It also promotes awareness of green careers and renewable energy opportunities. Training is aligned with industry standards to ensure employability and practical skill relevance.
Employment and Skills Linkages
A key feature of the initiative is linking trained youth to employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector. The programme works to strengthen connections between training providers and employers in the solar industry. This ensures that skills development leads to real economic opportunities.
Expected Outputs
The initiative is structured around three main outputs. First, increasing awareness among youth about solar energy careers and training opportunities. Second, enhancing technical skills in solar energy aligned with industry requirements. Third, connecting trained individuals to employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Target Groups and Inclusion
The programme targets adolescents, young people, and women, particularly from marginalized and underserved communities in BARMM. It emphasizes inclusive participation in training and employment pathways. Special attention is given to reducing barriers related to geography, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Expected Reach and Impact
The initiative aims to reach approximately 2,500 adolescents and youth through solar skills training focused on small household devices. It also targets 7,000 young people through awareness-raising activities on green careers. The overall goal is to strengthen youth participation in the green economy.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
The programme contributes to climate resilience by promoting renewable energy adoption and environmental sustainability. It supports greener livelihoods while reducing reliance on traditional energy systems. This aligns with broader efforts to address climate change impacts in vulnerable communities.
Why This Programme Matters
The initiative creates pathways for youth employment in a growing renewable energy sector while addressing climate challenges. It strengthens technical skills, improves economic inclusion, and supports sustainable development in BARMM. It also helps bridge the gap between training systems and real labor market needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may be weakened if they focus only on training without linking to employment outcomes. Lack of partnerships with energy sector stakeholders can reduce credibility. Weak understanding of local context in BARMM or insufficient inclusion strategies may also limit effectiveness.
Tips for a Strong Application
Strong applications clearly demonstrate experience in technical vocational training, renewable energy, or youth employment programmes. They should emphasize strong industry linkages, especially with solar energy employers. Clear strategies for inclusion, climate resilience, and job placement significantly strengthen proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the UNICEF Solar Generation initiative?
It is a programme that promotes green skills and renewable energy employment for youth and women in BARMM, Philippines. - Who does it target?
Adolescents, young people, and women, especially from marginalized communities. - What skills are being developed?
Solar energy installation, maintenance, and awareness of green careers. - Where is the programme implemented?
In BARMM, Philippines, with Cotabato City as a key hub. - What are the main outputs?
Awareness building, technical training, and job linkage in renewable energy. - How many people will benefit?
Around 2,500 trained in solar skills and 7,000 reached through awareness activities. - Which institutions are involved?
MBHTE, MENRE, BYC, and MOLE in BARMM.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Solar Generation initiative strengthens green skills development and renewable energy employment pathways for youth and women in BARMM. By combining technical training, industry linkages, and climate resilience goals, it supports inclusive economic growth. The programme empowers young people to participate in the expanding green economy while contributing to sustainable development in the Philippines.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.