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Open Call: Strengthening Youth Employability and Self-Employment Opportunities (Tajikistan)

Deadline: 26-Feb-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Tajikistan invites grant applications to train and create employment opportunities for youth in the digital and outsourcing sectors. The 5-month project (April–August 2026) targets 200 young individuals aged 19–30 across four regions, aiming to improve skills, employability, and self-employment opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young women and girls.

About the Project

The UNDP project is designed to enhance youth engagement and employment in innovative economic sectors. By focusing on the digital and outsourcing industries, the initiative seeks to:

  • Promote market-relevant knowledge and skills for youth

  • Expand employment and self-employment opportunities

  • Increase access to innovative financing, knowledge exchange, and business connectivity

  • Empower vulnerable groups, particularly young women and girls, to participate in emerging labor markets

The program also addresses Tajikistan’s low participation in freelancing, aiming to diversify employment pathways and reduce dependence on labor migration.

Project Duration and Budget

  • Duration: April 2026 – August 2026 (5 months)

  • Total Budget: USD 80,000

  • Funding Range for Proposals: USD 70,000–80,000

  • Funding is intended for direct interventions in target districts, including training, workshops, and employment facilitation activities.

Target Beneficiaries

  • Primary: Youth aged 19–30 across four regions: Khatlon, GBAO, Sughd, and Dushanbe

  • Focus: Vulnerable populations, particularly young girls and women

  • Expected beneficiaries: At least 200 participants receiving specialized training tailored to outsourcing and digital sector needs

Key Activities

  1. Specialized Training Programs

    • Market-demanded skills for outsourcing, freelancing, and digital jobs

    • Employment and self-employment pathways

    • Region-specific training sessions

  2. Youth Employment Facilitation

    • Engagement with local service-providing companies

    • Promotion of outsourcing and freelancing opportunities

    • Support for internships, mentorship, and job placements

  3. Knowledge Exchange and Business Connectivity

    • Linkages to digital economy stakeholders

    • Training in innovative financing and entrepreneurship

    • Peer and mentor networks for career support

Eligibility Criteria for NGOs

To apply for funding, organizations must:

  • Be legally registered in Tajikistan

  • Have prior experience working with international organizations or UN agencies

  • Demonstrate financial stability and proper accounting procedures with a dedicated bank account

  • Have an appropriate organizational structure to manage the project

  • Show a track record in youth digital skills development or similar programs

Expected Outcomes

  • At least 200 youth trained in market-relevant digital and outsourcing skills

  • Increased youth participation in freelancing and employment within Tajikistan

  • Enhanced capacity for NGOs to deliver high-quality digital skills programs

  • Strengthened regional and local connections for youth employment opportunities

Application Guidelines

  • Submit proposals aligned with project objectives and budget range (USD 70,000–80,000)

  • Demonstrate experience in youth skills development and project management

  • Include a clear plan for training delivery, monitoring, and evaluation

FAQ

1. Who is eligible to apply? Legally registered NGOs in Tajikistan with experience in digital skills or youth development.
2. What is the project duration? 5 months (April–August 2026).
3. How many youth will be trained? At least 200 participants aged 19–30.
4. Which regions are targeted? Khatlon, GBAO, Sughd, and Dushanbe.
5. Can organizations without prior UN experience apply? Only NGOs with prior experience with international or UN-related projects are eligible.
6. What funding range is allowed? Proposals should request between USD 70,000 and USD 80,000.
7. Are individual applicants eligible? No, only registered NGOs meeting the criteria can apply.

Conclusion

The UNDP Youth Digital and Outsourcing Skills Project 2026 in Tajikistan offers a unique opportunity for NGOs to strengthen youth employability, self-employment, and market-relevant skills in the digital economy. With a focus on vulnerable youth, the program fosters inclusive economic participation, empowerment, and sustainable employment pathways across the four priority regions.

For more information, visit the UNDP.