Call for Applications – Youth Leadership Program 2026 – 2027

Applications for the 2026 Going Beyond Youth Leadership program are now open.

Join the movement!  Emerge Livelihoods in collaboration with Digital Opportunity Trust, and the Mastercard Foundation is proud to announce that applications are now open for the Youth Leadership Program 2026-2027.

Part of the Going Beyond Project, this transformative initiative aims to equip young graduates with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to drive social change and foster entrepreneurship in their communities.

About the program

The Going Beyond – Partnering for a Youth-Led Future project is a partnership between DOT and the Mastercard Foundation that aims to scale DOT’s evidence – based, peer-to-peer model and will be executed in four African countries – Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. Over five years, and with the support of DOT regional hubs in Africa, the Going Beyond project will progressively transfer the responsibility for delivering DOT’s programs and equip youth as leaders of the future.
 

Step Into Leadership: Why Join the Program

Receive Comprehensive Training

Enhance your leadership, digital, and entrepreneurial skills through detailed training modules.

Become a Coach and Changemaker

Serve as a role model and coach to your peers, fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in your community.

Empower Your Community

Help local MSMEs grow by sharing essential business skills and practical digital tools.


Join the DOTYouth Community

Become part of a vibrant network of over 5,000 young leaders across Africa, gaining access to local and international opportunities.

who can apply?

  • A Malawian National or legal resident of Malawi, aged between 18-35 and current residents of Mzimba (in T/A’s Mzukuzuku, Mmbelwa and Chindi), Mzuzu (in Kholongo Ward, Kazando Ward, Masasa Ward, Sonda Ward, Mchengautuwa Ward, Zolozolo West and East, Chibavi and Katoto Ward), Kasungu (in T/A’s Lukwa, Kaomba, Chilowamatambe and Nyanja-Nkhamenya) and Chitipa (in T/A’s Mwaulambiya, Mwenemisuka and Mwenewenya.)
  • Applicants must be recent university or college graduates from accredited institutions with a certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree.  Please note, certificates from credible Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in relevant subjects may be accepted.
  • To qualify as a recent graduate, you must be within 6 months and five years of graduation.
  • Applicants must be fully available for the duration of eight (8) months for training and placement period April to December 2026.
  • Have access to a basic smartphone or laptop and possess basic computer skill and able to communicate fluently, both orally and in writing, in the local language
  • Demonstrated leadership and passion for community development and entrepreneurship.
  • Applicants should have a history of or passion for community engagement activities.
  • No employment experience required
  • Applicants should be unemployed or underemployed (underemployment = working part-time or in a job not fully utilizing your skill set)
  • Commitment to participate fully in the program
  • Deployment requirements: Following their selection, Youth Leaders will participate in program activities within their own communities. Emerge Livelihoods is committed to supporting local leadership development and does not require relocation

Timeline for recruitment, election and deployment of Community Leaders.

1. Call for Applications
30th March to 12th April 2026  

2. Deadline for Application
13th April 2026

3. Announcement of finalists
27th April 2026

4. Induction and Training of Trainers:
4th May to 15th May 2026

7. Placement end date:
December 2026

5. Contracting and official deployment:
25th to 29th May 2026

6. Placement start date
1st June 2026

Support Measures
  • Non-graduates, those still in academic training and on currently full-time or part-time employment will not be considered.
  • Going Beyond is committed to ensuring the meaningful inclusion of young women, and other marginalized groups of young people, including youth with disabilities, young people from rural areas and/or living in poverty, and displaced young people. Young women, and other youth from these marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
  • Going Beyond is committed to supporting youth leaders to manage their child care responsibilities, and will be providing on-site childcare for participants that have a demonstrated need
How to Apply

Prepare the following before you start filling out the application form:

  • Your CV/ resume in PDF format.

  • A scanned copy of your higher education certificate in PDF or Image format.
  • A cover letter in PDF format.

Click the application link and fill the form with all required details.

selection process


Selection will include the following stages:


STAGE 1: Youth will be selected to attend the 2 Weeks training in Mzuzu.

STAGE 2: Youth will be selected to proceed to the 6 months contracting and deployment to their communities. 

STAGE 3: Youth Leaders to receive career development training and support from Emerge Livelihoods and associated local and international partners.
 
In order to ensure this is a fair and accessible selection process, please connect with us should you require any accommodations throughout the process (e.g. interview, information sessions)

Got some questions?
Read this FAQ sheet below and if you still can’t find your answers contact: tamandani@emergelivelihoods.org

FAQs

Join the program now!

APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM
  

Safeguarding and Code of Conduct Information.


We at Emerge Livelihoods and our partners are a safe and inclusive community and this opportunity is completely free. If you have been asked to pay or provide anything outside of what has been communicated here, or encounter any other incidents related to your lack of safety during this process please contact us at 
safeguarding@emergelivelihoods.org