Call for YouthACT Fellowship Program
About Organisation
Youth Ki Awaaz (YKA) is India’s leading citizen-driven media platform, dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people. With a vibrant network of over 200,000 contributors and millions of monthly readers, YKA offers a space for the youth to share their views on issues ranging from personal experiences to global concerns. The platform empowers contributors to spark meaningful conversations, challenge dominant narratives, and engage with pressing social, political, and environmental matters.
YKA believes in the power of storytelling and dialogue to foster change. It supports youth participation in public discourse, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to write and report on topics that affect their communities. By doing so, it helps shape inclusive and action-oriented narratives that influence policy and public opinion. YKA also runs several issue-based campaigns and fellowships that focus on civic engagement, climate change, gender rights, and governance. Through these initiatives, it seeks to build leadership, enhance awareness, and facilitate direct impact. The organisation stands as a bridge between young citizens and decision-makers, promoting participatory governance and sustainable development across urban and rural landscapes in India.
About the Grant
The YouthACT Fellowship is a strategic initiative under the ACT Indore: Adolescents for Climate Transformation project, led by Youth Ki Awaaz in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and the Indore Municipal Corporation. The fellowship aims to embed young professionals into urban governance institutions to strengthen adolescent participation in climate resilience and urban planning processes.
Over a 12-month period, selected Policy Fellows will support the development of the YouthACT Framework — a policy guideline designed to institutionalize youth voices in city governance. Their responsibilities will include climate-related policy research, stakeholder engagement, framework drafting, and supporting adolescent fellows in contributing to the city’s policy design. Fellows will also collaborate with local authorities to mainstream adolescent engagement in municipal programs and facilitate policy consultations with key stakeholders.
This initiative is focused on driving systemic change in how cities include young people in their governance processes. Fellows will also work on documentation, reporting, and knowledge-sharing, aiming to deliver practical and impactful policy tools. The Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to contribute to climate governance at the city level and influence long-term sustainable development outcomes with youth at the centre of the planning and implementation process.
Who can Apply?
The YouthACT Fellowship invites applications from individuals who are passionate about youth participation, urban development, and climate action. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in policy-making, participatory governance, and the integration of youth perspectives into climate resilience planning.
Eligible candidates must have 2 to 5 years of relevant experience in areas such as climate change, urban development, public policy, governance, social impact, or program management. A solid foundation in policy research and documentation is essential, along with the ability to translate community-level insights into structured recommendations. Candidates must also possess excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, particularly with government institutions, youth networks, and civil society organizations.
Applicants with prior experience working with municipal bodies, urban planning departments, or policy think tanks will be preferred. Exposure to storytelling, climate communication, or community engagement initiatives is a valuable addition. A demonstrated commitment to youth-led development and a willingness to travel within Indore or to project-related events is also necessary.
This opportunity is ideal for candidates seeking to make a tangible policy impact at the city level while working collaboratively with local governance structures to amplify adolescent voices in urban climate action.
.
How to Apply?
Interested candidates should email their resume (PDF format) and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) detailing why they are a good fit for the position to careers@youthkiawaaz.com. The subject line must read: “Application for Policy Fellow – City Name – [Your Name]”. Ensure your application showcases relevant experience in youth engagement, policy research, and climate governance.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted within the stipulated timeline mentioned by Youth Ki Awaaz. Late entries will not be considered for the Fellowship selection process.
Last Date to Apply
Please ensure your application reaches the YKA team before the official deadline, which will be updated by the organizers. Early applications are encouraged for better chances of consideration.
Grant Amount
The grant amount or fellowship stipend will be disclosed during the selection process or upon inquiry. Selected Fellows will receive financial support as part of their engagement in the 12-month program.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
