The UNOPS Youth Engagement Platform — motto “30 below 30, to get 2030” — is an advisory group established by the Executive Director of UNOPS, the United Nations Office for Project Services. It brings a global youth perspective to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, advising UNOPS on emerging challenges and practical solutions. Each cohort has 30 members below the age of 30: 15 drawn from UNOPS personnel and 15 selected externally, all serving a one-year term that is renewable at UNOPS’ decision. Members act as ambassadors for UNOPS, provide input on youth engagement and sustainable development, and collaborate with UNOPS teams on innovative approaches to the SDGs.
Benefits & funding
- Pro-bono advisory role — members volunteer their time and expertise; there is no salary or stipend.
- UNOPS covers travel and accommodation for the annual in-person meeting, in line with its policies.
- Direct engagement with UNOPS leadership and teams on global sustainable-development work.
- A platform to represent youth perspectives at external events and engagements as a UNOPS ambassador.
- One-year term, renewable at UNOPS’ decision.
Eligibility
- Young leaders aged 17 to 29 (below 30 at selection).
- Open to all nationalities and backgrounds; UNOPS particularly welcomes candidates from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities.
- A demonstrated passion for sustainable development, shown through academic, professional, research, volunteer, or community experience.
- Expertise in infrastructure, procurement, project management, or grants management is desirable but not mandatory.
- Note: 15 of the 30 seats are reserved for existing UNOPS personnel; 15 are open to external applicants.
Can you apply?
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Age requirement
17–29 yrs
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Application process
- 1Watch for the external call for applications, posted on the UNOPS careers marketplace (careers.unops.org) when a new cohort opens.
- 2Prepare the application materials specified in the live call — typically a CV and a statement of your commitment to sustainable development.
- 3Submit through the official UNOPS channel before the stated deadline; external members are then selected to form a balanced, diverse cohort.
Program timeline
Terms of reference published; platform established by the UNOPS Executive Director
2024-08
Inaugural meeting held in Copenhagen, ahead of the Summit of the Future
2024-09
annual full-day in-person meeting at a designated location
Spring (May)
virtual meeting, approximately 3 hours
Fall (November)
Deadline for the most recent (2025–2026) external cohort
Dec 31, 2025