Deadline: 01-Apr-2026
The UNICEF “Youth in Action” project seeks partner organisations to empower youth and promote gender equality across multiple regions of Burkina Faso. The initiative focuses on youth leadership, participation, and gender-inclusive community development, with special emphasis on engaging young women. Partners must demonstrate operational capacity and technical expertise to implement measurable interventions across the High-Basins, Southwest, Nord, Boucle du Mouhoun, Centre-Nord, and Est regions.
About the Youth in Action Project
The Youth in Action project is a UNICEF initiative designed to strengthen the role of young people in community development and decision-making processes.
Key objectives include:
- Youth empowerment: Provide young people with skills, opportunities, and platforms to participate actively in community life.
- Gender equality: Promote gender-inclusive practices and increase the participation of young women in leadership roles.
- Community development: Foster youth-led initiatives that contribute to sustainable development and social change.
- Cross-sectoral integration: Embed youth participation and gender equality into all project activities across multiple regions.
Geographic Focus
The project will be implemented in the following target regions of Burkina Faso:
- High-Basins
- Southwest
- Nord
- Boucle du Mouhoun
- Centre-Nord
- Est
These regions were selected to maximize youth engagement and community impact, particularly in areas where young women’s participation has been historically limited.
Who Can Partner?
Eligible partner organisations should:
- Have strong operational capacity to manage multi-regional initiatives
- Possess technical expertise in youth programming, gender equality, or community development
- Maintain a strong presence in target regions to ensure effective local implementation
- Be capable of achieving measurable outcomes aligned with UNICEF’s objectives
Key Activities and Focus Areas
- Youth Leadership Development: Training and mentoring youth to take active roles in decision-making processes
- Gender Equality Promotion: Implementing activities that increase the participation of young women and foster inclusive community practices
- Community Engagement: Supporting youth-led initiatives that address local needs and promote social change
- Cross-Sectoral Integration: Aligning youth empowerment with broader development goals, including education, health, and social inclusion
Expected Outcomes
- Increased youth participation in community development initiatives
- Enhanced capacity of young leaders, particularly young women, to influence local decision-making
- Improved gender-inclusive practices in community structures
- Sustainable youth-led initiatives contributing to social and economic development
How to Apply / Express Interest
- Demonstrate Capacity: Showcase operational ability and technical expertise in youth and gender programming
- Provide Regional Presence Evidence: Detail experience and activities in the target regions
- Outline Expected Outcomes: Describe measurable results and indicators aligned with UNICEF objectives
- Submit Proposal: Follow UNICEF’s official submission process for partner selection
Benefits of Partnership
- Collaboration with UNICEF on a high-impact youth and gender equality initiative
- Access to technical guidance, resources, and capacity-building support
- Opportunity to scale youth-led and gender-inclusive solutions across multiple regions
- Contribution to sustainable community development and social change
FAQs
1. What is the focus of the Youth in Action project?
Youth empowerment, leadership development, and gender equality across Burkina Faso.
2. Which regions are included?
High-Basins, Southwest, Nord, Boucle du Mouhoun, Centre-Nord, and Est regions.
3. Who can apply to partner?
Organisations with operational capacity, technical expertise, and a presence in the target regions.
4. What activities are supported?
Youth leadership training, gender equality promotion, youth-led community projects, and cross-sectoral integration.
5. What outcomes are expected?
Increased youth participation, gender-inclusive practices, and sustainable youth-led initiatives contributing to community development.
6. Are young women a specific focus?
Yes, the project emphasizes increasing leadership opportunities and participation for young women.
7. How will partners be selected?
Selection is based on operational capacity, technical expertise, regional presence, and potential to achieve measurable impact.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Youth in Action project in Burkina Faso provides an opportunity for organisations to empower young people, strengthen gender equality, and foster sustainable community development. By partnering with UNICEF, organisations can implement high-impact, multi-regional initiatives that build the capacity of youth—especially young women—to participate in decision-making and social change.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.