CFAs: Waste Smart Fellowship Grant Program (Nepal)

Deadline: 25-Dec-2025

The Waste Smart Fellowship – Third Cohort offers Nepali youth under 30 the opportunity to work with local governments in Ichchhakamana, Khadak, and Tilottama on inclusive, technology-driven waste management solutions. Fellows receive a grant of NPR 350,000, hands-on municipal experience, training on circular economy and GESI principles, and professional mentorship over seven months. The program develops skills in GIS, open-data tools, and community engagement while promoting sustainable municipal waste systems.

Overview

The Waste Smart Fellowship engages Nepali youth in designing and implementing data-driven, inclusive, and technology-enabled waste management solutions in collaboration with local governments. The program strengthens municipal systems, fosters a circular economy, and promotes gender equality and social inclusion (GESI).

Objectives and Focus Areas

• Strengthen municipal solid waste management systems

• Promote a circular economy and sustainable practices

• Enhance gender equality and social inclusion (GESI)

• Develop youth leadership, technical skills, and community engagement capacities

Fellowship Benefits

• Waste Smart Fellowship Grant: NPR 350,000 (includes monthly stipend, accidental insurance, travel, and communication costs)

• Training on:

  • Plastic waste management

  • Circular and green economy principles

  • Climate change and emission reduction

• Hands-on exposure working with Mayors, administrative officers, environment and sanitation officials, and IT teams

• Participation in workshops, seminars, and municipal trainings

• Graduation certificate and potential job placements with YI-Lab, consortium partners, or related organizations

Duration

The Fellowship runs for seven months, combining practical fieldwork with capacity-building and mentorship.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be Nepali citizens aged 29 or below

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in Environment, Climate Change, Engineering, Development Studies, or related fields

• Preferably reside near Ichchhakamana, Khadak, or Tilottama, or be willing to relocate

• Have knowledge of solid waste management, GIS, OSM, MS Office, and mobile/web applications

• Be fluent in Nepali and English

• Demonstrate passion for GESI, teamwork, and community engagement

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assess existing municipal waste management capacities (financial, infrastructure, technical, and technological)

• Conduct stakeholder analyses using participatory methods

• Engage youth groups in waste data collection and advocacy via mobile applications

• Map waste hotspots, landfill sites, scrap centers, transfer stations, plastic industries, and recycling facilities

• Analyze collected data and produce waste action plan reports

• Collaborate with local governments to implement tech-enabled and inclusive waste solutions

How to Apply

Online Application Requirements

• Personal details: contact information, educational and professional background

• Passport-size photograph (≤2 MB)

• Written Section:

  • Motivation letter (max 300 words)

  • CV or résumé (max 2 pages)

  • Academic or workplace recommendation letter

Submission Process

1. Prepare motivation letter, CV, and recommendation letter

2. Complete personal and educational details online

3. Upload a passport-sized photograph

4. Submit the application through the official online portal

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Waste Smart Fellowship equips youth with practical municipal governance experience, strengthens local waste systems, and promotes sustainable and inclusive practices. Participants develop technical, analytical, and leadership skills while contributing to Nepal’s environmental resilience and circular economy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a CV longer than two pages

• Exceeding the 300-word limit for motivation letters

• Missing the recommendation letter

• Providing incomplete or incorrect personal details

• Failing to demonstrate technical skills or interest in GESI and community engagement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the fellowship?

Nepali citizens aged 29 or below with relevant educational backgrounds in environmental or development fields.

2. Is prior GIS experience required?

Yes. Familiarity with GIS, OSM, and MS Office is preferred.

3. What does the grant cover?

The NPR 350,000 fellowship grant includes monthly stipend, accidental insurance, travel, and communication costs.

4. Are applicants required to relocate?

Preferably, yes, if not already residing near project municipalities: Ichchhakamana, Khadak, or Tilottama.

5. How long is the fellowship?

The program runs for seven months, including fieldwork, training, and mentorship.

6. What deliverables are expected?

Fellows must produce waste action plan reports, stakeholder analyses, mapping studies, and participate in community engagement activities.

7. Is the application process online?

Yes, all applications must be submitted digitally through the official portal with supporting documents and a passport photo.

Conclusion

The Waste Smart Fellowship – Third Cohort offers a unique opportunity for Nepali youth to gain hands-on experience in municipal waste management, strengthen technical and leadership skills, and contribute to inclusive, technology-driven, and sustainable solutions for local communities. This Fellowship prepares participants to become future leaders in environmental governance and circular economy initiatives.

For more information, visit Youth Innovation Lab.