UN Food Systems Leadership Program 2024

Selected participants will be invited to participate in a 5-day, in-person, leadership building workshop. Our mission is to facilitate connections among promising early-career innovators, practitioners, scientists, and activists from low- and middle-income countries. Together, we will connect policy advocacy with grassroots action to collectively shape a positive future of food.

Program content

Enhance your expertise in:

Governance systems: Negotiations and design of multi-stakeholder processes for food systems governance.

Policy advocacy: Mastering leadership skills for policy advocacy, bridging the gap from global to local and vice versa. Learn how to effectively target policy processes at local, regional, and global levels.

Communication and storytelling for impact: Crafting impactful communication and storytelling strategies, raising awareness, and securing funds for your initiatives.

Science and evidence-based decision-making: Building proposals and forging partnerships based on scientific evidence.

• Table of Content
• About United Nations
• UN Food Systems Leadership Program
• Aim and Benefits of UN Food Systems Leadership Program
• Requirements for UN Food Systems Leadership Program Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for UN Food Systems Leadership Program
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About United Nations

The English language component of the Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP) was established in 1997. It takes place at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland and lasts for 4 weeks, usually coinciding with the annual meeting of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP). The objective of this training programme is to enhance the knowledge of indigenous peoples on existing international human rights instruments and mechanisms, so they can use them to more effectively advocate for the rights of their communities ...... continue reading

UN Food Systems Leadership Program

Aim and Benefits of UN Food Systems Leadership Program

• For candidates who are selected for sponsorship, the Hub will prioritise as many countries as possible with the aim to support at least one candidate per country. Sponsorship will include full coverage of travel, accommodations and meals during the training. 
• Self-funded participants are responsible for covering their travel, accommodation, and additional expenses. There is no workshop participation fee.
• All participants, whether sponsored or self-funded, will receive an invitation letter and, if necessary, a visa support letter to assist with the required travel documentation. Upon the completion of the workshop, all participants will receive a certificate of attendance. 

Requirements for UN Food Systems Leadership Program Qualification

• Age between 18-35 years old (no older than 35 by December 2023)
• Nationals from low and middle-income countries (according to the World Bank classification)
• The program targets early career professionals from all disciplinary backgrounds interested in leading food systems solutions in three regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. 
• Proficiency in English is desirable. Interpretation services will be arranged based on individual needs and availability.

Interview date, Process and Venue for UN Food Systems Leadership Program

Selection Criteria:

• Engagement in Food Systems Transformation: Proven track record in actively participating in food systems transformation innovation, action, and advocacy.
• Knowledge and Expertise: Deep understanding of enablers and challenges within the food and agricultural domain through academic pursuits or practical involvement at the local, regional and/or national levels.
• Vision and Motivation: Demonstrated motivation and leadership vision to drive food systems transformation, evidenced by prior engagement in policy processes, grassroots projects, advocacy, youth empowerment, capacity development, and intergenerational dialogue.
• Commitment to Societal Service: Exhibit a commitment to societal service and a dedication to contributing towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Long-Term Vision: Articulate an ambitious yet realistic long-term vision for food systems transformation within the applicant's region.
• Competencies: Ability to work cooperatively in a team, value diversity, generate creative and practical solutions, take initiative for delivering high-quality work, and communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
• Holistic Approach: Profound understanding of the complex interactions and interdependencies within the food system, coupled with the skill to apply a holistic approach, considering social, economic, environmental, and cultural factors to guide transformative actions.
• Youth Constituencies and Advocacy: Demonstrated engagement and experience in youth constituencies and/or advocacy organizations.
• Stakeholder Involvement: Demonstrates engagement with key stakeholder groups, particularly those representing farmers, Indigenous communities, and women.

Timeline:

• Until 15 January 2024: Submit your application for the program.
• End of January: Participants selected for a scholarship are informed.
• First week of February: Participants have one week to respond to an invitation letter informing them if they accept the invitation and remain available to attend the program.
• End of February: Participants will receive program information, the agenda of the workshop, etc.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details,visit United Nations website