YOUNG LEADERS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE ACTION

To develop and equip the next generation of leaders to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts in Pakistan

 Fellowship Application Form (Google Drive Link to Download Form) 

Peace & Justice Network Pakistan (PJN) in collaboration with the Federal SDGs Unit, Ministry of Planning Development & Special Initiatives (MoP&SI) are pleased to announce the first-ever "National Fellowship Program on Climate Justice Action", a 3 months fellowship program that upscale and provides learning and development opportunities to 20 young champions/small youth-led organizations/social enterprise initiatives working to address climate change effects in their respective communities by equipping them with necessary skills and mentoring support, outreach, connecting with relevant national and international forums, building their government liaison, continuous knowledge and opportunities sharing, and provide them with needed resources to ensure their meaningful engagement to combat climate change and its impacts in Pakistan with a direct contribution in Pakistan's SDG 13 Climate Action 2030 Agenda.

For sustainable engagement, the Fellows will closely be working with the national and international members of PJN’s National Advisory Board on Climate Justice Action and with our partner organization Institute for Social and Youth Development (ISYD).

With the world being in a Climate emergency, Pakistan ranks among the top 10 most vulnerable countries on Climate Risk Index, though contributing less to this havoc as compared to the developed nations. Climate change is a real and undeniable threat to Pakistan's social and economic stability. The effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now. Through education, innovation, and adherence to our climate commitments, we can make the necessary changes to protect Pakistan. In order to do so Youth voices are pivotal to elevating climate ambition and driving systemic change. 

The Fellowship Program will directly be contributing to the promotion and implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 Climate Action around thematic areas:

Selected participants will get to join the three-month Fellowship program that will provide the opportunity to learn climate advocacy and world-class knowledge in climate change and sustainable development, including a certificate, extensive training for Fellowship, and the social action plan including digital advocacy. An Opportunity to develop leadership skills and outreach and explore the network of inspired young leaders from around the country. In addition Rs.50,000 Grant will be provided to the three best social enterprise initiatives on climate change. 

Under the Fellowship Program, PJN will provide three (3) days of residential training as well to the selected young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to effectively address the impacts of climate change in their communities. 

The Fellowship Program will specifically be focusing:

• Strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
• Introducing measures to integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Improving education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
• Promoting mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management including focusing on women, youth, and local and marginalized communities.

These young leaders are expected to implement community-based series of activities in communities addressing the needs, around 6 thematic areas (1) sustainable agriculture and forestry, 2) Clean and affordable energy, 3) Solid and Liquid Waste Management, 4) Water Conservation, 5) Promoting Adaptive Lifestyle, and 6) Technology and Innovation) involving local communities which will further ensure the participation of the community and their sensitization towards the climate crisis.

Time commitment: The selected fellows will work closely with the respective sector leads during this fellowship and will be required to commit up to 5 hours per week 

Benefits and Duration: The fellowship will run for three months from April to June 2023 (In-person 3 days Induction and Development Workshop of selected 20 Fellows in Islamabad 21st - 23rd March, 2023. During the Workshop, we will also be finalizing 3 months Climate Justice Action Fellowship Plan.). PJN and the Federal SDGs Unit will issue certificates after the successful completion of 3 months Fellowship. A monthly stipend of Rs.10,000 will also be given to the Fellows as a monthly stipend for the implementation of the Action Plan.

Who should apply? 

If you’re an early career professional, under 30, with a record of engagement or expertise in one or two of the sectors hosting the fellowship or a history of climate/sustainability advocacy, we highly encourage you to apply.

Eligibility criteria

• Young Activists striving to combat Climate Change
• A commitment to SDG 13 Climate Action Awareness and Advocacy among local communities  
• Youth-led working around Climate Action
• Active in addressing youth leadership and empowerment, climate change and environmental issues.
• Based in Pakistan (Especially flood-affected districts)
• Minimum one year of work experience (this also covers University Project on Climate Action), either in one of the fellowship sectors
• Ability to commit minimum 5 hours a week to the fellowship
• Laptop and reliable internet connectivity

Applications are open!

Each sector has specific skills requirements; therefore, we highly recommend you to please read the fellowship requirements in Application Form thoroughly before applying.

Application deadline: 16^th March 2023