Deadline: 20-May-2026
UNICEF is seeking applications to support vulnerable adolescents and young people in Brazil, especially in Mato Grosso and Goiás, through education, employability training, and access to jobs. The initiative targets youth aged 14 to 29 years and focuses on inclusion, skills development, internships, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, and decent work.
The programme aims to connect young people with employers and public institutions while helping organisations adopt more inclusive recruitment, retention, and career development practices.
What Is the UNICEF Brazil Youth Employability Programme?
This UNICEF initiative is designed to improve pathways from education to employment for young people facing social or economic exclusion.
The programme combines:
- Skills training
- Employment access
- Youth empowerment
- Organisational inclusion reform
- Public-private collaboration
- Long-term workforce integration
Geographic Focus
Implemented in Brazil, specifically in:
- Mato Grosso
- Goiás
Target Group
The programme focuses on adolescents and youth aged:
- 14 to 29 years
Priority is given to young people in vulnerable situations, including those facing barriers related to poverty, exclusion, violence, discrimination, or limited opportunity.
Main Objectives
The initiative seeks to:
- Increase access to employment opportunities
- Improve youth readiness for work
- Promote inclusive hiring systems
- Support entrepreneurship and income generation
- Strengthen transition from school to work
- Build confidence and life skills
- Reduce exclusion from labour markets
- Encourage active citizenship
Key Focus Areas
1. Education and Employability
Support for training aligned with labour market needs.
Examples:
- Career readiness
- Job search preparation
- Soft skills
- Workplace behaviour
- Vocational orientation
2. Internships, Apprenticeships and Jobs
Connecting youth with:
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
- Formal employment
- Entry-level opportunities
3. Entrepreneurship and Income Generation
Helping youth build livelihoods through:
- Small business training
- Self-employment pathways
- Income opportunities
- Innovation support
4. Digital and Transferable Skills
Training may include:
- Digital literacy
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Leadership
- Adaptability
5. Inclusion in the Workplace
Supporting employers to improve:
- Inclusive recruitment
- Fair selection systems
- Retention practices
- Youth development culture
- Mentorship systems
6. Protection and Support Systems
Special attention includes support for youth affected by:
- Violence
- Rights violations
- Social vulnerability
- Exclusion risks
Why This Programme Matters
Many young people face a gap between education and real job access.
This initiative helps close that gap by combining employer demand with youth support.
Wider Benefits
- Lower youth unemployment
- Better income prospects
- Stronger local economies
- Greater social inclusion
- Reduced inequality
- Skilled future workforce
Organisational Change Component
The programme also works with companies and institutions to create youth-friendly workplaces.
Expected Changes
- Youth inclusion policies
- Welcoming workplace culture
- Mentorship structures
- Career progression systems
- Diversity and equity practices
Expected Outputs
The initiative expects to deliver:
- Updated training content for 2025 and 2026
- Educational guides
- Youth success stories
- Videos and learning materials
- Information resources
- Monitoring and evaluation reports
- Evidence on retention and inclusion outcomes
Who May Apply?
Likely relevant applicants may include:
- NGOs
- Training providers
- Youth-serving organisations
- Education institutions
- Workforce development groups
- Social enterprises
- Employment service organisations
- Multi-stakeholder partnerships
(Exact eligibility depends on official UNICEF application terms.)
How to Apply
Step 1: Review Official UNICEF Notice
Confirm eligibility, deadlines, and required documents.
Step 2: Build a Strong Concept
Show how your organisation can help youth gain employment or skills.
Step 3: Demonstrate Inclusion Capacity
Explain experience with vulnerable youth populations.
Step 4: Include Partnerships
Show collaboration with employers, schools, or government bodies.
Step 5: Submit Complete Proposal
Provide technical approach, budget, timeline, and measurable outcomes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Proposal Errors
- Generic training with no employment pathway
- No employer partnerships
- Weak inclusion strategy
- No measurable results
- Ignoring vulnerable youth needs
Operational Errors
- Unrealistic scale
- Weak safeguarding systems
- No follow-up after training
Tips for a Strong Application
- Show real employer connections
- Include placement targets
- Use practical job-readiness methods
- Demonstrate youth engagement experience
- Include retention support plans
- Measure long-term outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who runs this programme?
UNICEF
2. Where is it implemented?
In Brazil, especially Mato Grosso and Goiás.
3. What ages are targeted?
Young people aged 14 to 29 years.
4. What opportunities are included?
Training, internships, apprenticeships, employment, entrepreneurship, and income generation.
5. Does it focus on vulnerable youth?
Yes, this is a core priority.
6. Are employers involved?
Yes, public and private sector collaboration is a key component.
7. What skills are emphasized?
Digital, transferable, employability, and workplace skills.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Brazil Youth Employability Programme 2026 is a high-impact opportunity to support vulnerable young people in transitioning from exclusion to education, income, and meaningful work. By combining skills training, employer engagement, and inclusive systems reform, the initiative aims to create lasting economic and social outcomes.
Strong applicants should combine youth expertise, employer partnerships, and measurable job placement results.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.