Deadline:
May 22, 2026
Location(s)
United States of America
This position requires a commitment of approximately 8-10 hours a week and travel to New York City, Washington D.C. and internationally multiple times a year. As a nongovernmental organization, UNA-USA has special consultative status with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, that enables a youth observer to participate in various UN forums.
Overview
The UNA-USA Youth Observer to the UN elevates youth voices in the global policy dialogue around international issues. For a one-year term, an American between the ages of 18-25 is selected to engage and connect young people in the U.S. to the work of the United Nations. The Youth Observer travels throughout the United States to discover the issues important to young Americans and participates as a UNA-USA delegate at UN conferences.
Details
UNA-USA’s Youth Observer also attends UN briefings, organizes events, and participates in coalitions to support a strong U.S.-UN partnership. The most critical role of the Youth Observer is to engage young Americans in the work of the UN, empowering them to be active participants to foster a greater global impact.
We’re looking for a poised, internationally-engaged young American to fill this role for the 2026-2027 year. In order to apply, you must be an active UNA-USA Member for at least 1 year, OR have been an active member of the following like-minded organizations:
- Black Professionals in International Affairs
- Women of Color Advancing Peace & Security
- Young Professionals in Foreign Policy
- Citizens for Global Solutions
- Global Citizen
- Lions Clubs International
- Rotary International
- USA for UNHCR
- USA for UNFPA
- USA for IOM
- UNICEF USA
- UNRWA USA
- World Food Program USA
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Qualified individuals are:
- Passionate and entrepreneurial about civic engagement, youth issues, and the United Nations
- Experienced advocates with a track record of grassroots outreach and motivating others to take action
- Talented writers and communicators, capable of digesting complicated information and quickly turning around blog posts and social media posts to inform other youth about important UN initiatives and global issues
- Social media savvy individuals with creative ideas for digital engagement
- Intellectually curious, poised and able to have meaningful conversations with high-level individuals
- Experienced public speakers who are enthusiastic about engaging with young Americans
- Dedicated to making the world a better place
Dates
Deadline: May 22, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
