Deadline: Ongoing
Youth Challenge International (YCI) is offering an exciting Social Entrepreneurship Fellow opportunity for 2026. This fellowship, supported by the HerStart Catalyst Fund, is aimed at empowering women-led social enterprises and providing them with the coaching and funding they need to make an impact. If you’re passionate about social entrepreneurship, gender equality, and international development, this is a fantastic chance for you to apply your skills and gain meaningful experience.
Read on for a detailed breakdown of the fellowship, including the responsibilities, benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
What is the Youth Challenge International Social Entrepreneurship Fellow 2026?
The Youth Challenge International Social Entrepreneurship Fellow 2026 programme is a volunteer opportunity designed to provide hands-on experience in the field of social entrepreneurship. As a fellow, you will play a crucial role in supporting women-led businesses across several countries, including Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda. The goal is to empower these entrepreneurs by providing coaching, resources, and financial assistance through the HerStart Catalyst Fund.
Key Responsibilities
As a Social Entrepreneurship Fellow, you will be responsible for:
- Coaching and Mentorship: Providing one-on-one coaching to women social entrepreneurs to help them grow and sustain their businesses.
- Capacity Building: Leading workshops, resource development, and training for women-led enterprises to strengthen their impact and profitability.
- Research and Analysis: Conducting research to understand market trends, challenges, and opportunities for women-led businesses.
- Program Support: Assisting with the planning, monitoring, and reporting of the HerStart Fund activities.
- Ecosystem Development: Identifying gaps in the entrepreneurship support ecosystem and helping fill them with resources, mentoring, and funding opportunities.
- Advocacy: Supporting training in areas like gender equality, human rights, climate action, and social innovation.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The Youth Challenge International Social Entrepreneurship Fellow 2026 comes with several valuable benefits:
- International Volunteer Experience: Gain hands-on experience with a globally recognized NGO (YCI) that has been empowering youth for over 40 years.
- Network Building: Join a network of like-minded social entrepreneurs and gain access to exclusive opportunities for future involvement with YCI.
- Transferable Skills: Develop critical skills such as project management, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability that will serve you well in future roles.
- Training & Development: Access specialized training in areas such as social entrepreneurship, gender equality, and climate action.
- Impactful Work: Contribute directly to women’s economic empowerment, supporting businesses that have the potential to create lasting positive change.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Youth Challenge International Social Entrepreneurship Fellow 2026 role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to apply.
- Fluency in English: Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required.
- Educational Background: You should either be enrolled in or have graduated from a post-secondary institution, or have equivalent work experience in relevant fields.
- Interest in International Development: A strong interest in gender equality, climate action, social entrepreneurship, and international development is essential.
- Commitment: You must be available to commit full-time for the duration of the fellowship, including one week of pre-departure online training.
- Fundraising Contribution: You are required to raise a minimum of CAD 2,500 for the HerStart Catalyst Fund.
- Tech Requirements: You must have access to a personal computer and stable internet connection throughout the fellowship.
Things to Consider Before Applying
Before submitting your application, make sure to clarify the following:
- Location and Travel: The fellowship may require you to be based in Ghana, Tanzania, or Uganda. Ensure you’re comfortable with potential travel and living arrangements.
- Compensation: While the fellowship is a volunteer program, confirm whether there are any stipends or support for travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Workload and Expectations: The fellowship is a full-time commitment. It’s important to understand the weekly hours, expected deliverables, and whether any work can be done remotely.
- Fellowship Duration: Clarify the duration of the fellowship and any flexibility in terms of start and end dates.
How to Apply
Ready to take the next step and become a Youth Challenge International Social Entrepreneurship Fellow 2026? Apply now!
Conclusion
The Youth Challenge International Social Entrepreneurship Fellow 2026 is a unique opportunity for those looking to make an impact in the field of social entrepreneurship, particularly in empowering women-led enterprises. With significant benefits in terms of skills development, international exposure, and the chance to contribute to global change, this fellowship is not to be missed.
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