Call for Applications: UNDP Cybersecurity Training for Youth in West and Central Africa 2025 – YOA

Deadline: April 17, 2025

Applications are open for the UNDP Cybersecurity Training for Youth in West and Central Africa 2025. The Give1Project, Concordia University, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are looking out for 150 younger individuals from throughout West and Central Africa to affix the second cohort of the Regional Cybersecurity Training programme.

The initiative, first launched in 2023 with a pilot group of twenty-two younger individuals—a lot of whom at the moment are employed or main digital initiatives—is now increasing to coach 150 new cybersecurity fans in 2025.

The coaching will probably be delivered in a cohort format, combining digital theoretical classes with in-person sensible classes (the place relevant). Structures in sure communities will probably be geared up to permit younger individuals from rural and underserved areas to entry computer systems and the web and absolutely take part in digital coaching and teaching classes. Five youth will even be chosen as future trainers in every nation to help peer-to-peer studying and capability constructing in their communities.

Benefits

• Practical expertise in cybersecurity and entry to mentorship
• Exposure to trade specialists and networking alternatives
• Certification upon profitable completion
• Pathways to internships, employment, and entrepreneurship in the digital financial system
• OPPORTUNITY to turn out to be a coach and neighborhood ambassador

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, candidates should:

• Be between 18 and 35 years outdated.
• Be a nationwide of one of many 24 international locations in West and Central Africa.
• Be at the moment enrolled in or have graduated from a college or technical establishment.
• Demonstrate curiosity and foundational data in cybersecurity and the potential to develop professionally or as an entrepreneur in the sector.
• Be proficient in English or French.
• Have a sound identification doc or passport.

Selection Criteria

• First-Level Screening: Candidates who meet the minimal necessities of the programme will probably be shortlisted for the following part. The scoring breakdown will probably be as follows:
  • Motivation (Weight: 25%): Assess for real curiosity and enthusiasm.
  • Skills (Weight: 35%): Focus on IT, programming, and cybersecurity data.
  • Experience (Weight: 15%): Any palms-on cybersecurity expertise or related competitions.
  • Education Level (Weight: 10%): Preference for candidates with technical training in IT.
  • Extra-curricular (Weight: 15%): Bonus factors for management and participation in occasions.
• Second-Level Screening: Technical Assessment: Candidates who go the primary screening stage will endure a deeper technical analysis following a notification from the technical analysis committee.
• Third-Stage Screening: Interviews: Following the profitable completion of the primary and second levels, candidates with the best scores will probably be invited for a spherical of interviews earlier than being notified of the ultimate choice.

Application

All functions have to be submitted on or earlier than 17 April 2025.

Click here to apply

For extra data, go to Cybersecurity Training.