UNICEF Leadership Programme for Young Changemakers in Bangladesh

Deadline: 30 March 2025

Are you a young leader passionate about driving change in your community? Do you want to develop your policy-making skills, enhance your ability to advocate effectively, and learn how to lead with impact? The Young Leadership Programme for aspiring young leaders in Bangladesh is designed to empower university students and recent graduates with the skills needed to navigate today’s complex leadership and governance policy environment.

This initiative by UNICEF in collaboration with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), National University of Singapore, is designed to equip young leaders with the knowledge and skills to lead and drive impactful social and policy change.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding on the essential aspects of designing effective public policies in complex environments, the importance of stakeholder engagement during all phases of the policy process, and of gathering data for pro-active decision making during the implementation and evaluation of policies and programmes.

By the end of this journey, participants will be equipped to lead with purpose, influence meaningful change, and build a more inclusive future. If you have a track record of community engagement and a vision for change, committed to making a difference, passionate about public policy, and eager to develop leadership skills that create a lasting impact, they invite you to apply for this transformative opportunity.

Cost Covered

Up to 30 participants will be selected for the programme. Selected participants of the programme are eligible to receive financial support to fully cover the programme cost. The financial aid will cover programme cost, accommodation, food and transportation to/from the programme venue in Gazipur/any other location adjacent to Dhaka.

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum bachelor’s degree from an accredited higher education institution in Bangladesh
Applicants will be expected to have a fluent level of English.
A demonstrated commitment to promoting peace and prosperity through professional work, study or community experience
Age below 30 years
Desirable Qualifications
- Leadership track record in professional, public, and/or personal realms
- Willingness to engage fully in place-based experiential, and transformational leadership development training
- Deep involvement in a specific organization, business or community impact initiative
- Intercultural and diversity exposure
- Demonstrated experience as a change maker at community or national level

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit all of the following to be considered:
- A Statement of Purpose (maximum three pages) including:
  - What you expect to contribute to and gain from participating in the young leadership programme
  - Concrete example(s) of your leadership role and innovation, as defined above
  - Demonstrated potential for impact of your leadership within your community
  - What change do you want to bring to your community or society?
  - How do you think this leadership program will help you achieve your goals?
  - Identify an actionable goal for either your organization or community that you wish to work on and outline the role you can or would like to play in achieving that goal.
- Resume/CV (maximum two pages. Please add link of your Linkedin profile, Instagram handle/social media link)
- Your passport size photo (Jpg file)
- Two Professional Letters of Recommendation describing your suitability for the programme. The letters should be signed and on letterhead.
- Copies of academic certificates
- A Self-Introductory Video in English (Maximum 2 Minutes)
Guideline for the Video:
- In your video, please introduce yourself and highlight the following key areas:
Who You Are:
- Your name, university/educational background, and any relevant affiliations.
- Your interests or passion areas related to leadership and community development.
Your Leadership Journey:
- A brief story of what inspired you to become a leader.
- Any leadership roles you have taken (in university, community, or beyond).
- How do you think this leadership program will help you achieve your goals?
Additional Tips for the video:
- Be authentic and speak with confidence.
- Keep it clear and concise—plan your key points in advance.
- You may use a mix of direct talking, or storytelling elements.
- Ensure good lighting, sound, and video quality.