The United Nations Youth Office is inviting applications for a Programme Management Contractor (Youth Affairs) position based in New York, United States.
The opportunity is designed for professionals with relevant experience in programme management, youth engagement, technology, innovation and digital cooperation who are interested in contributing to the United Nations’ work with young people.
The position is offered as an Individual Contractor under the UN’s Affiliate Personnel – Consultants/Individual Contractors category. The successful candidate will support the planning and implementation of the inaugural UN Youth Townhall, while helping strengthen meaningful youth participation in technology, innovation and digital cooperation initiatives.
The application deadline is 25 August 2026, making this a time-sensitive opportunity for qualified candidates.
- Position: Programme Management Contractor (Youth Affairs)
- Job Opening ID: 283077
- Organization: United Nations
- Office: United Nations Youth Office
- Job Family: Programme Management
- Recruitment Type: Individual Contractor
- Category: Affiliate Personnel – Consultants/Individual Contractors, CON
- Duty Station: New York, USA
- Posted: 17 August 2026
- Application Deadline: 25 August 2026
About the Assignment
The Programme Management Contractor will contribute to the successful delivery of the inaugural UN Youth Townhall. The assignment focuses on strengthening youth engagement in areas connected to technology, innovation and digital cooperation.
The selected contractor will work to support effective programme planning, coordination and implementation. The role is also expected to contribute to stronger collaboration between UN entities and external partners involved in youth-related initiatives.
Another important component of the assignment will involve improving approaches to measuring the impact of the Youth Townhall. This means the contractor will contribute not only to the organization and delivery of the initiative but also to assessing its outcomes and identifying opportunities to strengthen future youth engagement.
The assignment therefore offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to a high-profile UN initiative focused on creating meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in policy discussions and processes involving technology and innovation.
Responsibilities of the Programme Management Contractor
The successful candidate will support activities related to the planning, coordination and implementation of the UN Youth Townhall.
Key areas of work will include supporting programme management processes, coordinating with relevant UN entities and external stakeholders, and helping ensure that planned activities are delivered effectively.
The contractor will also contribute to approaches for assessing the Townhall’s impact. This may involve supporting monitoring, evaluation, documentation and reporting activities associated with the initiative.
A further focus will be helping create stronger opportunities for young people to engage meaningfully in technology- and innovation-related policy processes. This makes the role particularly relevant to professionals who understand youth participation, stakeholder engagement, programme coordination and digital policy.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity may be particularly suitable for professionals with experience in programme management, youth affairs, stakeholder coordination, policy engagement, technology, innovation or digital cooperation.
Candidates who have worked with international organizations, governments, civil society organizations, youth-led initiatives or development programmes may find the assignment relevant to their professional background.
Strong organizational and coordination abilities are likely to be important for the role because the contractor will support a major initiative involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience working on youth-focused programmes can also be valuable, particularly where this involves creating opportunities for young people to participate in decision-making, policy discussions or international development processes.
Professionals with knowledge of emerging technology, innovation and digital cooperation may also be well positioned to contribute to the objectives of the assignment.
Applicants should carefully review the official vacancy announcement for the complete qualifications, special skills, language requirements and other eligibility criteria before submitting an application.
Why This UN Opportunity Is Important
Youth engagement has become increasingly important across international development, technology and policymaking. Young people are not only beneficiaries of development policies but are increasingly recognized as important contributors to discussions about technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Through the Youth Townhall, the UN Youth Office is seeking to strengthen opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in these policy processes.
For a successful contractor, the assignment could therefore provide valuable experience working within the United Nations system while contributing to an initiative focused on youth participation and global policy dialogue.
The role may also provide exposure to programme coordination involving UN entities and external partners, as well as experience supporting a major international youth engagement initiative.
Application Process
Interested candidates should review the official UN vacancy announcement carefully and ensure that they meet the stated requirements before applying.
Applications are submitted through the UN Careers/UN Inspira recruitment system. Candidates should prepare their application materials carefully and provide accurate information about their professional experience, education, skills and relevant programme management or youth engagement experience.
Because the deadline is 25 August 2026, applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their applications. Early submission can also allow sufficient time to address any technical or documentation issues that may arise during the application process.
How to Apply
The official vacancy and application portal are available through the United Nations Careers website. Applicants should use the official recruitment platform and follow all instructions provided for Job Opening ID 283077.
Final Thoughts
The UN Programme Management Contractor (Youth Affairs) opportunity provides an avenue for qualified professionals to contribute to an important youth-focused initiative within the United Nations Youth Office.
With responsibilities centred on the inaugural UN Youth Townhall, stakeholder coordination, programme implementation, impact measurement and youth participation in technology and innovation policy processes, the assignment could be particularly relevant to professionals seeking to strengthen their international development and programme management experience.
Candidates interested in the opportunity should carefully assess the full requirements and submit their applications before the 25 August 2026 deadline.
Note: This is an individual contractor opportunity, not a permanent UN staff appointment. Applicants should consult the official vacancy announcement for the complete terms, qualifications and conditions of the assignment.
