2019 UNICEF Funding Opportunity for Tech Startups

The UNICEF Innovation Fund is looking to make USD 50-90,000 equity-free investments to provide early stage (seed) finance to for-profit technology start-ups that have the potential to benefit humanity.

UNICEF’s Innovation (Venture) Fund is a newly established, non-thematic, pooled fund which has been specifically designed to finance early stage, open-source technology that can benefit children. The core motivation of the Innovation Fund is to identify “clusters” or portfolios of initiatives around emerging technology – so that UNICEF can both shape markets and also learn about and guide these technologies to benefit children. They invest in solutions that can impact the lives of the most vulnerable children. They find these solutions clustered around $100 billion industries in frontier technology spaces, such as: blockchain, UAVs, virtual and augmented reality, machine learning, quantum computing, genetic engineering, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, nano-satellites and human dynamics.

The IF has been designed to fund open source solutions from early-stage technology startups. This funding can go either to UNICEF Country Offices or to private sector companies in UNICEF programme countries. Through its investments, the Innovation Fund is generating value by strengthening communities of problem solvers, increasing open source intellectual property and growing solutions that bring results for children. The Fund also invests in early-stage “knowledge products” – operations research that is published in the public domain and supports investment strategies and decisions.

Eligibilities:

• Applicants must be registered as a private company in a UNICEF program country.
• Be working on open source technology solutions or willing to be open-source under the following licenses or their equivalent: BSD (software), CERN (hardware), or CC-BY (content).
• Must have an existing prototype of the solution with promising results from initial pilots.
• Applicants’ solution should have the potential to positively impact the lives of children.

Eligible Regions: Open for all.

YALI Online Course: Community Organizing for Action

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. Nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60 percent of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35. Former President Obama launched YALI in 2010 to support young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Sub-Saharan Africa.

YALI provides a variety of online courses including one that focuses on Community Organizing for Action. This four part course will teach participants best practices on how to inspire and engage volunteers to be proactive in their communities and organize grassroots campaigns. 

KAUST Research Internship Program in Saudi Arabia

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is currently offering internships under Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP). KAUST VSRP is an exciting opportunity for highly qualified international students in their baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate studies to be engaged in research with faculty mentors in selected areas of research. Each internship typically lasts from three to six months.

VSRP interns may participate in the program through one of the University’s three academic divisions: Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering; Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering; or Physical Science and Engineering.

The VSRP opportunity:

1. Actively participate in curiosity-driven and applied research
2. Potentially co-publish with faculty mentor
3. Collaborate in a diverse laboratory environment
4. Access to KAUST core laboratories and major facilities

Eligibilities:

• 3rd Year Baccalaureate or Masters Students
• GPA 3.5/4 or 14/20 (ECTS B)
• Strong verbal and written English Skills Recommended levels, minimum TOEFL score of 79 on the IBT (Internet Based Test) or 6.0 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

Eligible Regions: Open for All

United Nations Global Pulse

Global Pulse is a flagship innovation initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General on big data. Its vision is a future in which big data is harnessed safely and responsibly as a public good. Its mission is to accelerate discovery, development and scaled adoption of big data innovation for sustainable development and humanitarian action. 

Current Vacancies at Global Pulse

PULSE LAB KAMPALA INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

Pulse Lab Kampala is pleased to announce new internship opportunities!   We invite you to explore the opportunities of working with our Lab in Kampala. Please click here for more details and information on how to apply. 

PULSE LAB JAKARTA INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

Pulse Lab Jakarta is pleased to announce an exciting new Internship Programme! The internship aimed at Indonesian nationals, but a small number of international interns are also accepted. Please click here for more details and information on how to apply.

RESEARCH FELLOWS

Global Pulse has a Fellowship Program for current Masters, PhD students or postdoctoral researchers to work with us on their own research question. Global Pulse hosts fellows in New York. The Pulse Labs in Kampala and Jakarta also host fellows. We actively open Fellowship vacancies a few times a year, but you can submit a research question and CV for consideration to [email protected] with the subject line "Research Fellow Inquiry."

UN VOLUNTEERS

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development by mobilizing volunteers who serve on-site or online, advocating for volunteerism globally and encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming. Sign-up on UNV Online Volunteering service to support Global Pulse or other UN agencies and NGOs over the Internet. You can follow UNV on Twitter @unvolunteers or create an alert to receive a notification when an online volunteering opportunity matching your interest is available. Data scientists, data privacy professionals and data engineers are highly encouraged to do so as demand for such expertise is rapidly growing. Should you wish to volunteer on-site, you can also register your profile in UNV’s roster that is used to fill UN agencies volunteer requests.

JISSER Internship Platform

The JISSER Internship Platform was started by YES alumni from Oman, who are addressing the issue of youth employment. It is a platform that shares summer internship opportunities for youth in Oman. All internship opportunities are unpaid and open to all regions. Learn more about the JISSER platform here! 

Current Openings

Business Development Intern:

Responsibilities include:

• Set appointments with companies to visit and introduce them to JISSER’s services
• Post internships on our platform that are available at other firms
• Find opportunities to create new sustainable partnerships
• Prepare announcements for recruiting volunteers to assist with your roles
• Find business networking events and attend them

Qualifications:

• Arabic and English language skills
• Bachelor’s Degree or working
• Background in Marketing

Website Development and Marketing Intern:

Responsibilities Include:

• Maintain the website and make changes based on the program needs
• Maintain all social media pages (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube)
• Continuously suggest and apply new ways to improve the functions of the website
• Design posters for digital marketing for every internship opening
• Create short videos of all our activities to be shared on our social media
• Other tasks related to online marketing, advertisement and web-development.

Qualifications:

• Arabic and English language skills
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Background in Marketing and Design

Student Outreach Intern

Responsibilities Include:

• Set appointments with colleges to visit and introduce JISSER’s services
• Plan a number of free/paid workshop titles that can be conducted in colleges for students or graduates
• Find trainers to conduct the workshops for free and arrange best timings and place for them
• If necessary, run the entire workshop with assistance from other interns and volunteers
• Plan meetings with the volunteers to assist them with required information or tasks to be conducted
• Plan with the colleges a number of introductory sessions with their students to introduce them.
• Gather registrations

Qualifications:

• Arabic and English language skills
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Background in Communication & Journalism and Public Relations

Strategies for Personal Growth and Development Online Course

This innovative online course will help you learn different ways you can develop your business, organization and personal skills! This program is a three part course with lectures on leadership, networking and public speaking. Upon completion, you will receive a YALI certificate.

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. Nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60 percent of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35. Former President Obama launched YALI in 2010 to support young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Young African Leaders Initiative, or YALI, is not just a fellowship, or an online community, or a place to go for regional leadership training. YALI is all three!

Read more about YALI here! 

Agripreneurship: A Path to the Future

This three-part course provides information on the various pathways available to young professionals to strengthen the agricultural economy and provide employment opportunities within their communities. From the benefits of food security and how agripreneurs can make a positive impact on society, to a look at the agricultural value chain and how the use of technology and marketing increases the opportunities available for agripreneurs, to the tools needed to invest and partner with agricultural producers to create an successful enterprise.

Womenpreneur Ambassador

Become a Womenpreneur Ambassador! Womenpreneur Initiative is calling for applications for their Ambassador program.

Since its establishment in 2016, Womenpreneur has reached thousands of women and convened over 20 global events across different countries, providing visibility, social impact, and resources for women in the ecosystem and beyond.

Womenpreneur has been nominated change-making initiative by the World Bank, organized initiatives and events for more than 3000 participants in the last two years, and has representatives in 10 countries.  More info here.

The ambassadors organize and represent Womenpreneur at events, share and promote our messages and take part in social campaigns throughout the year. Womenpreneur provides their ambassador’s media visibility, a global community, networking opportunities and career transformation.

Eligibility:

• Candidates should distinguish themselves for their social engagement, for carrying out actions that empower women in the ecosystem;
• Integrity and morality are key features to us, that is why candidates’ aspirations and values must be compatible with our activities and objectives;
• Having already some experience is valuable to us, but, most of all, we want that candidates stay curious and genuine;
• be communicative, with a good self-control to accept critiques and engage in discussions by bringing reasonable arguments;
• The ability to commit time and effort to the role;
• This position should not be used for commercial purposes or to spread ideologies;
• Open to all regions.

Do you want to be part of the change? 

United Nations Industrial Development Organization Internship

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is now accepting applications for interns. This internship provides current university students with a great opportunity to tackle challenging assignments, utilizing the combination of theoretical knowledge and on-the-job training you will acquire. The program also allows you to attain insight on how attempts are made to solve problems confronting developing economies in the area of industrialization. Internships vary from 3 to 6 months and can be extended up to 9 months.

You can apply for a UNIDO internship at anytime. Doing so, your name will be added to the list of applicants interested in the internship field of your choice. When the need for a new intern in a particular area arises, we will draw on the list of applicants of that respective field. Please note that applications should be submitted no earlier than 6 months before the start of the intended period.

 Internships at UNIDO's Headquarters (Vienna, Austria) are in the current fields:

• Agriculture
• Business and Technology
• Communications and External Relations
• Energy and Environment
• Finance and Accounting
• Gender Mainstreaming
• Human Resources
• Information Technologies
• Law
• Project Management
• Research and Statistics

Afrika Youth Movement - Global Advisory Committee

Afrika Youth Movement (AYM) is a global African community of more than 10,000 organizations, youth activists, scholars, citizens and survivors from more than 40 countries. AYM’s mission is to connect young change-agents around a common vision, empower them with the confidence and capability and mobilize them to organize and execute change in Africa.

The Global Advisory Committee will be a critical component to this group, providing us with trusted and informed guidance on AYM’s work.

AYM is are currently looking for 5-8 committed individuals to serve as AYM Global Advisors. Working on a voluntary basis, you will be a sounding board to AYM, providing much-needed advice on some key growth areas.

Your key working relationships will be with the Power Team who oversee the implementation of all AYM activities, the Founding Chair and the Accountability who provide guidance on governance areas.

Eligibility Requirements:

• A minimum of 3 years demonstrated experience working in one of the following areas: movement building and youth rights in Africa and/or diaspora
• Demonstrated expertise in one of the following areas: Movement building, Global/Regional advocacy, Resource mobilization and partnership development, Strategic planning, and operations management, Youth development, Public Relations
• Functional spoken and written competency in English and another language French/Arabic/Portuguese
• Under the age of 39
• Committed to the vision and mission of Afrika Youth Movement
• Are able to think big, be ambitious, resilient and fearless
• Are committed to being enthusiastic as outlined above
• Able to commit 4-6 hours a month and available to attend quarterly Global Advisory meetings.
• Have reliable access to the Internet

To apply submit your CV and a brief cover letter (maximum 250 words) to [email protected] with ‘AYM Global Advisor Application’ in the subject line.

OGP IRM National Researchers

The Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) is seeking individuals to carry out research at the national level in a variety of countries to assess government progress on implementation of their OGP Action Plans.

The IRM is a key means by which all stakeholders can monitor progress within participating countries. By tracking and publicizing progress, it promotes strong accountability between member governments and citizens.

The IRM works primarily by conducting independent assessments and reporting for each OGP participating government. Each national progress report assesses the development and implementation of action plans, and develops technical recommendations.

Candidates from the following YES countries are invited to apply: Afghanistan, Albania, Indonesia, Liberia, Morocco, Nigeria, and the Philippines. 

Candidates from Kaduna, Nigeria and South Cotabato, Philippines are also encouraged to view the post for local researchers here.

CommonWealth100 Online Leadership Program

Commonwealth100 is a free, online leadership program from Common Purpose that equips the next generation with 21st century leadership skills. The program is held online every month, with the next trainings on August 10 - 31 and September 7 - 28, 2018.

Using an interactive platform, you will work with a diverse group of young leaders from across the Commonwealth to explore Open Source Leadership: a new leadership model co-created with over 1,000 young Commonwealth leaders.

This is your opportunity to gain practical skills for the future. What’s more, everyone who completes Commonwealth100 receives the Open Source Leadership Badge: an online badge you can use to set yourself apart, as a 21st Century leader.

Commonwealth100 Program Outcomes:

• Produce a more socially-conscious generation of leaders
• Create a network of young leaders in touch with each other
• Foster current and future global partnerships between young leaders
• Frame a fresh, bold, principled, networked Commonwealth of the future

Eligibility:

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply
• You must be from a Commonwealth country

Cultural Vistas Train USA Program

The Cultural Vistas Train USA Program provides university students, recent graduates, and professionals from around the world the opportunity to enhance their skills and experience the United States through career-focused internships and training programs lasting up to 12 or 18 months. All applicants must be 18 years old and able to demonstrate recent experience in the field for which they are requesting an internship or training experience in order to participate. Applicants must also have related work or education within the 6 months prior to the program start date. Participation for this opportunity goes from Dec.07.19 to Dec.07.19.

Cultural Vistas Internship Program in Germany

The Cultural Vistas Internship Program in Germany provides the opportunity for students to gain valuable international work skills, improve their German language ability, and experience German life and culture firsthand. Internship placements are available in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, finance, tourism, IT, media/communications, international relations, the nonprofit sector, German studies and economics. Candidates must be 18–30 years of age and enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university for the duration of the program. Two years of post-secondary instruction in German or the equivalent (extra language training is available, if needed) are required. Participation for this opportunity goes from Jun.01.18 to Aug.31.18.

SVSU YES Alumni Scholarship

The SVSU YES Alumni Scholarship is awarded to international undergraduate and graduate students in recognition of exemplary academic achievement and participation in the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. The SVSU YES Alumni Scholarship is a renewable award of $1,500 per year throughout your studies at SVSU. No formal application is required. Participation for this opportunity goes from Jan.01.18 to Apr.30.18.