Request for Proposals: Youth Leadership Program (Malawi)

Part of the Going Beyond Project, this transformative initiative aims to equip young graduates with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to drive social change and foster entrepreneurship in their communities.

As a participant in the Youth Leadership Program, you will be equipped with digital skills and social impact acumen to enhance your ability to influence and contribute to socio-economic development within your community. This program aims to boost your agency and open up new work opportunities, while also building your capacity to implement the Digital Business Program locally.

During the program, you will undergo 2 weeks of extensive training to prepare you for your role as a program facilitator, coach, and changemaker. After training, you will be deployed back to your community for 6 months with a mission to empower your peers and local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owners, 70% women, with essential skills for business growth. This includes soft skills, basic business skills, practical digital skills, and self-confidence.

Benefits

• Receive Comprehensive Training: Enhance your leadership, digital, and entrepreneurial skills through detailed training modules. You will also receive career development training and employment linkages throughout the program.
• Become a Coach and Changemaker: Serve as a role model and coach to your peers, fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in your community.
• Empower Your Community: Help local MSMEs grow by sharing essential business skills and practical digital tools.
• Join the DOTYouth Community: Become part of a vibrant network of over 5,000 young leaders across Africa, gaining access to local and international opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages 18-35
• Must be Malawi nationals or have a local address in Malawi.
• Applicants must be recent university or college graduates from accredited institutions with a certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree. Please note, certificates from credible TEVET programs in relevant subjects may be accepted.
• To qualify as a recent graduate, you must be within 6 months and five years of graduation.
• Applicants must be current residents of Karonga or Mzimba North.
• Applicants must be fully available for the duration of eight (8) months for training and placement period: 1st May 2025 to 31st December 2025.
• Basic knowledge of computer skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and passion for community development and entrepreneurship.
• Applicants should have a history of or passion for community engagement activities.
• No employment experience required
• Applicants should be unemployed or underemployed (underemployment = working part-time or in a job not fully utilizing your skill set)
• Commitment to participate fully in the program
• Deployment requirements: Following their selection, Youth Leaders will participate in program activities within their own communities. Life Concern is committed to supporting local leadership development and does not require relocation.

Application Requirements

• Prepare the following before you start filling out the application form:
  • Your CV/ resume in PDF format.
  • A scanned copy of your higher education certificate in PDF or Image format.
  • A cover letter in PDF format.

For more information, visit Life Concern.