Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
UNICEF has launched a Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) under the MAHARATI initiative in Iraq to strengthen youth innovation, skills development, and learning-to-earning pathways. The programme focuses on durable solutions, reintegration, social policy, and youth development systems, especially for vulnerable adolescents and youth in areas such as Duhok, Erbil, and Ninawa.
Overview
The UNICEF MAHARATI initiative is a new funding and partnership opportunity in Iraq aimed at institutionalising youth skills development, innovation, and pathways from education to employment.
Under this call, selected partners will design and implement a Youth and Adolescent Development Programme Model called Maharati (“My Skills”), with a focus on long-term sustainability and integration into national systems.
Programme Focus
The initiative supports youth development through two main areas:
- Durable Solutions through integration and reintegration
- Social Policy and Advocacy, including policy engagement to strengthen youth systems
It is designed to help young people move more effectively from learning to earning, while improving access to skills, opportunities, and inclusion.
Why This Matters
Iraq has a large youth population, creating strong potential for economic recovery and social cohesion.
However, many young people still face major barriers such as:
- High unemployment
- Limited private-sector opportunities
- Weak transition from education to employment
- Limited access to vocational training and career guidance
- Displacement and fragile service systems
- Climate-related stress in affected areas
These challenges are especially significant in:
- Duhok
- Erbil
- Ninawa
Geographic Focus
The programme is particularly relevant for vulnerable youth in:
- Duhok
- Erbil
- Ninawa
It targets both:
- Displaced communities
- Host communities
What the Initiative Will Support
Selected partners will be expected to help build a standardised and sustainable youth development model.
Key areas of support include:
- Youth innovation and entrepreneurship
- Skills development
- Learning-to-earning pathways
- Technical and vocational education support
- Career guidance services
- Youth participation in decision-making
- Inclusive economic development
- Institutional integration with government systems
Partnership Context
The initiative is aligned with the PROSPECTS Partnership, which is:
- Supported by the Government of the Netherlands
- Implemented jointly by multiple international agencies
The broader goal is to improve opportunities for:
- Vulnerable adolescents and youth
- Displaced young people
- Youth from host communities
Who Should Apply?
This is a Call for Expression of Interest, so it is mainly aimed at organisations capable of designing and implementing youth development programmes in Iraq.
Likely suitable partners include:
- National and international NGOs
- Civil society organisations
- Youth development organisations
- Skills training and TVET-focused organisations
- Organisations working on:
- Youth employment
- Reintegration
- Social cohesion
- Education-to-work transitions
- Policy advocacy
- Community-based youth services
How to Apply
To prepare a strong expression of interest:
- Confirm your organisation has experience in youth development in Iraq
- Show capacity to work in Duhok, Erbil, and/or Ninawa
- Demonstrate experience in skills, employability, TVET, reintegration, or youth systems
- Explain how your approach supports learning-to-earning pathways
- Show ability to work with government partners for long-term integration
- Highlight experience with displaced and host communities
- Submit the EOI as per UNICEF’s official requirements and timeline
FAQs
What is the UNICEF MAHARATI initiative?
It is a UNICEF programme in Iraq focused on youth innovation, skills development, and learning-to-earning pathways for adolescents and young people.
What does MAHARATI mean?
Maharati means “My Skills.”
What is the main goal of this call?
The goal is to select partners that can design and implement a standardised Youth and Adolescent Development Programme Model that can be integrated into national systems.
Which areas are targeted?
The initiative highlights Duhok, Erbil, and Ninawa as key governorates.
Who are the main beneficiaries?
The programme focuses on vulnerable adolescents and youth, especially from displaced and host communities.
Conclusion
The UNICEF MAHARATI Call for Expression of Interest is an important opportunity for organisations working on youth development, employability, reintegration, and social policy in Iraq.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
