Inclusive Development Associate - Youth and Sport

Host entity: UNESCO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Project management, programme development, strategy, Youth

Application deadline: 15/10/2026

Mission and objectives

UNESCO fundamental humanist mission is to support people in facing contemporary challenges, understanding each other, and working together to build lasting peace. UNESCO also helps to enable people to create and use knowledge for just, inclusive, resilient, and democratic societies.
UNESCO is a multi-thematic, Specialized Agency of the United Nations whose areas of competence centre on activities and projects across five Major Programmes, namely: Education, Natural Sciences, Social & Human Sciences, Culture and Communication & Information. In addition to these five Programmatic areas, UNESCO also has two established Global Priorities which include Africa and Gender Equality. The Organization has a rich Programmatic mandate which it pursues on a Global scale through its headquarters located in Paris, France and a network of over 53 Field Offices and Institutes.

Assignment context

UNESCO leverages the contributions of Social and Human Sciences to build inclusive and sustainable economies and societies. This is done through the management of social transformations and strengthening the science-policy nexus; through the ethical governance of emerging technologies, particularly of artificial intelligence, neurotechnology and climate engineering; and through fostering trust in science and the safety of scientists. It is also done by addressing racism and discrimination and forging intercultural dialogue and empowering youth and women. Priority areas or areas of work:

• Sport

UNESCO recognizes sport as a catalyst for inclusion, equity, innovation, and sustainable development. The UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo will built on the results of the Fit for Life flagship initiative, as a foundation for an integrated action to develop the implementation of key international UNESCO sport-related instruments and policy platforms, including:

- CIGEPS (Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport), which strengthens inclusive, rights-based national sport policies;
- MINEPS (Ministerial Conference on Physical Education and Sport), facilitating global policy dialogue around sport’s contribution to development;
- The International Convention Against Doping in Sport, which advances ethical and safe environments for youth and athletes.

Benefited from the Fit for Life UNESCO's sport-based experience our intention is to develop an integrated strategy on sports that will continue supporting inclusive and integrated policymaking, and enhancing the wellbeing of youth around the world, while expanding the target to reach a policy-driven action in Egypt

To support this work, UNESCO is initiating a fundraising strategy to build partnerships with the private sector, clubs, and associations, as well as innovation and social impact investors. This approach aims to enhance the sustainability and reach of inclusive sport initiatives across the region.


• Youth

The United Nations System-Wide Action Plan on Youth acknowledges the critical role of young people in fostering creative and innovative solutions to current challenges, and in driving positive social change. UNESCO works with young people and is committed to accompanying them to work together, participate fully in the development of their societies, eradicate poverty and inequality, and foster a culture of peace.  The UNESCO Regional office for Egypt and Sudan works on empowering youth by collaborating with the Government of Egypt to organize National Youth Hackathon. This initiative will bring together creative minds to ideate and develop green solutions that align with global sustainability standards. The hackathon will provide youth with a platform to showcase their innovative ideas, receive mentorship, and gain access to resources and support.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of Social and Human Sciences Programme Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

- Sports:

• Support the implementation of UNESCO’s sport-related frameworks, including CIGEPS, MINEPS, and the Anti-Doping Convention.
• Coordinate with national stakeholders, sport federations, and clubs to promote inclusive, ethical, and rights-based sport practices.
• Assist in planning and delivering activities under the Fit for Life initiative in Egypt, with emphasis on anti-racism, gender equality, violence prevention, and disability inclusion.
• Collaborate in the preparation of a fundraising strategy targeting private sector, sport associations, and tech actors to expand sport-for-inclusion programming.

- Youth:

• Facilitate youth participation in policy dialogues, workshops, and consultations, ensuring meaningful engagement of diverse youth, including marginalized groups.
• Strengthen partnerships with universities, youth organizations, NGOs, and UN agencies to amplify the impact of youth initiatives.
• Support the development of capacity-building materials, knowledge products, and communication materials targeting youth empowerment.
• Support in the preparation and implementation of the Third National Youth Hackathon under the theme of “inclusion of disability”.
• Contribute to the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of youth-centered initiatives

- Others:

• Support the preparation of project proposals, donor briefs, and partnership-building efforts to mobilize resources for youth-related programming.
• Draft communication materials, social media content, and public information to promote youth projects and social inclusion efforts.
• Assist in the coordination of events, training, and workshops, including logistical planning and procurement processes in line with UNESCO rules.
• Liaise with other UNESCO sectors such as Education, Culture, and Natural Sciences, to promote youth engagement across thematic areas.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest and/or experience:

• Youth engagement, community development, social innovation, or policy research.
• Experience working with international organizations, UN agencies, or civil society on youth-related programming is an asset
• Experience/interest in Social Sciences, Human Development, Inclusion programmes, Sport, Disabilities, Youth
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded

Skills in:

• Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office software.
• Excellent organizational and coordination skills.
• Ability to work in a team in an international and multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and oral expression in English

Competencies and values

​​☒​ Accountability
​​☒​ Adaptability and Flexibility
​​☒​ Building Trust
​​☒​ Client Orientation
​​☒​ Commitment and Motivation
​​☒​ Commitment to Continuous Learning
​​☒​ Communication
​​☒​ Creativity
​​☒​ Empowering Others
​​☒​ Ethics and Values
​​☒​ Integrity
​​☒​ Judgement and Decision-making
​​☒​ Knowledge Sharing
​​☒​ Leadership
​​☒​ Managing Performance
​​☒​ Planning and Organizing
​​☒​ Professionalism
​​☒​ Respect for Diversity
​​☒​ Vision
​​☒​ Working in Teams

Living conditions

The UNV will be based in Cairo which is a family duty station (level A) with a wide range of services (health, education and leisure) and good living conditions. There are a variety of options in regard to type of housing and neighbourhoods in Cairo. The Country office is located in the neighbourhood of Downtown, close to Zamalek and Garden City, which offers a large international community, several restaurants, cafes, and recreation possibilities. Cairo international airport is well connected to the region, Europe and Africa, and Asia.

International UN Associate Volunteer gets the following package:
• Volunteer Living Allowance USD 2025/Month
• Entry Lump-Sum = USD 3500
• Exit Lump-Sum = USD 225 for each month served, paid on completion of contract
• Medical and life Insurance premium/Cigna (100%) and dependents policy
• Access to UNV E-Campus for training and learning including access to LinkedIn learning
You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.