Calling All Youth Climate and Food System Leaders!
Application Deadline: Monday 11 March 2025
Passionate about climate-resilient cities, entrepreneurship, nutrition, agriculture and a stronger food system? Ready to lead and innovate?
Join the Urban Futures Youth Champions Committee in Chongwe or Kitwe in Zambia, or Bulawayo or Mutare in Zimbabwe! We’re looking for 13 dynamic youths based in the cities mentioned to work with Hivos and local partners to make real impact and help shape the future!
Apply now and be the change!
The Urban Futures project: Focus on 4 Pathways of Change (Long-Term Outcomes)
Pathway 1
Youth Inclusive Policies: Create transparent, participatory food policies supporting youth and gender equality in the decision-making platforms around food systems and climate issues.
Pathway 2
Youth Narratives: Develop sustainable, healthy consumption and minimize Food Loss/ Waste through youth-driven, climate-resilient city narratives.
Pathway 3
Sustainable Practices: Implement regenerative, climate-resilient practices in agri-food systems.
Pathway 4
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Boost resources and opportunities for an inclusive, climate-adapted entrepreneurial ecosystem supporting youth and women. Promoting green enterprises and initiatives.
Role of Youth Champions Committee in City of Implementation
- Policy Advocacy: Engage in lobbying and advocacy on climate change and food system issues.
- Inclusivity Programs: Promote gender and youth inclusivity in the food and climate sectors.
- Youth Empowerment: Create safe spaces for youth to share ideas, propose solutions, promote wellness and growth.
- Innovative Solutions: Develop innovative solutions to mitigate climate change and improve the food system.
Duration of Role: 8 Months ( March to October 2025)
Incentives for the Youth Champions Committee
- Capacity Building: Access to workshops on policy, advocacy, agroecology, research, leadership, and more.
- Policy Contribution: Opportunity to contribute to policy governance and promote resilient cities.
- Support and Mentorship: Support in advancing initiatives and businesses, travel allowances, and exposure to high-level meetings.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to give back to the community, access to small grants, leadership development, and network expansion.
- Certifications: Certifications to help advance career development.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a resident in the City applied for (Kitwe/Chongwe in Zambia; Bulawayo/Mutare in Zimbabwe);
- Candidate should be youth aged between 15 and 27;
- Demonstrated and proven commitment to youth climate action and preferred thematic component;
- Strong understanding of the climate change and food systems challenges experienced by young people in the city applied for and the Southern African region areas of the project implementation;
- Demonstrated experience in youth-led and focused climate action initiatives;
- Excellent presentation and negotiation skills and experience.
How to Apply and Deadline
- Link: Fill in the online application (Make sure to indicate which city your based in between Kitwe and Chongwe in Zambia, or Bulawayo and Mutare in Zimbabwe, and which pathway of change you are passionate about).
