United Nations Youth Affairs Contractor 2026: Programme Management Role in New York Supporting AI, Innovation and the First UN Youth Townhall
The United Nations Youth Office seeks an individual contractor in New York to support the planning of the inaugural UN Youth Townhall and advance youth participation in technology and artificial intelligence policy.
Overview
The United Nations Youth Office is offering a short-term individual-contractor assignment based in New York, United States, running from September through December 2026. The selected contractor will provide programme management, research, and coordination support to the Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications Section during a period of parental leave. The assignment focuses on two main workstreams: coordinating the inaugural UN Youth Townhall, scheduled for 8 to 10 December 2026 in Heidelberg, Germany, and supporting meaningful youth participation in technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, and digital-cooperation policy processes.
Eligibility
- Education: Must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, public policy, political science, public administration, development studies, innovation, technology policy, or a closely related field. A Bachelor’s degree combined with two additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in place of a Master’s degree.
- Experience: At least two years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, policy, international development, or a related field. Desirable backgrounds include multilateral processes, complex international events, youth policy, digital governance, and monitoring and evaluation.
- Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Proficiency in another official UN language is desirable.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications through Inspira, the United Nations online talent-management platform. Applicants should complete their candidate profiles, detail their relevant work experience, and provide a tailored motivation statement addressing the position's core workstreams before the deadline.
Deadline
The official application deadline is 25 August 2026 at 11:59 p.m. New York time (03:59 UTC on 26 August 2026).