UNICEF Yutopia Intrapreneur Fellowship Programme 2026: A Six-Month Leadership Opportunity for Young HR Professionals
Overview
The UNICEF Yutopia Intrapreneur Fellowship Programme is a six-month, workplace-based initiative spanning six months. It is designed to empower emerging human resources professionals to strengthen youth engagement, collaborative leadership, and intergenerational collaboration within their organisations. The programme combines structured learning, mentorship, and practical application, enabling participants to develop and pilot initiatives that make organisations more responsive to younger employees.
Who can apply
Eligible candidates must be under thirty years old and work in a human resources, people management, learning and development, or leadership-related function. Applicants must have at least six to twelve months of tenure within their organisation, access to colleagues for consultation, and the ability to collaborate with a senior organisational sponsor. Candidates must also obtain explicit support from their line manager and the nominating human resources leader. Organisations participate by nominating an eligible fellow with line-manager approval, appointing a senior HR sponsor, approving consultation scopes and data-handling arrangements, and supporting the final approval of the proposed initiative.
What you get
Fellows receive leadership training consisting of three workshops, which include two in-person sessions and one virtual session covering collaborative leadership, consultation practices, and translating evidence into action. Participants also receive mentorship and advisory support, including check-ins, office hours, and troubleshooting support between workshops. Fellows undertake a company-supported workplace assignment culminating in a pilot-ready initiative designed to improve youth engagement and intergenerational collaboration. Final certification is awarded by UNICEF YuWaah to fellows who complete the assignment, subject to validation by the organisation's senior HR sponsor. There is no programme fee or required financial contribution.
Requirements
Fellows are expected to commit approximately five workshop days and an additional twelve to fourteen hours distributed across the six-month programme. Participants must conduct company-approved, voluntary, and anonymised workplace consultations to understand young employees' experiences of existing workplace policies and practices. All findings must be aggregated, handled securely, and reviewed and approved by the participating organisation prior to sharing.
How to apply
Interested organisations should nominate an eligible emerging human resources professional and secure the required managerial and senior human resources support. For nomination enquiries and further information, contact ngogoi@unicef.org.
Key dates
The nomination deadline is 30 October 2026.