HerStart International Fellowships

HerStart International Fellowships

Join HerStart for a professional fellowship, advancing global gender equality, climate action, and social impact. Receive a comprehensive benefits package to travel and collaborate with YCI staff, partners and women entrepreneurs in Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda.

Length of Placements: 3 months

Start Dates: January 2026

Time Commitment: Full-time

Location: Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025 (positions are offered on a rolling basis – apply early)

About Youth Challenge International (YCI)

YCI is a leading global youth development organization that promotes youth innovation to drive positive change. Together with our partners we create market ready solutions that catapult youth around the world to succeed and prosper; we are driven by youth and their potential to affect positive change in the world. Our solutions are focused – always keeping the young people we are designing for and with at the center of the conversation. For over 35 years we have designed inclusive programs that help overcome gender barriers and support the economic empowerment and community leadership of young women.

About the HerStart Program

YCI’s HerStart Innovate the Future program aims to provide 10,000 women and local partner organizations in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda with access to social entrepreneurship training, resources and networks to successfully launch or grow their businesses. To achieve this, the HerStart program leverages the passion and skills of Canadian volunteers through the International Fellowship program.

HerStart Fellows complete 3-month placements that meaningfully contribute to the goals of HerStart, while gaining hands-on professional international development experience, expanding their impact-driven networks, and learning from subject matter experts in critical global topics. International Fellows receive a holistic benefits package including round-trip airfare, visas, health insurance, a monthly stipend and much more.

3-month fellowship opportunities include:

• Program & Partnerships Fellow
• Communications & Marketing Fellow
• Research & Learning Fellow
• Social Entrepreneurship Fellow

A focus on Gender Equality, Climate Action, Innovation or Human Rights may be integrated into the above positions depending on the needs of the project and your skills/interests.

Eligibility Requirements

Full requirements and desired qualifications for HerStart Fellows are listed within each position on the HerStart Opportunities page. The key eligibility must-haves for all positions include:

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Fluent or professional level English skills (written and verbal)
• Interest in the fields of international development, gender equality, climate action and/or social entrepreneurship
• Enrolled in or graduated from a post-secondary institution (or equivalent work experience)
• Access to a personal computer for duration of placement
• Ability to commit to full length of placement on a full-time basis, including a week of pre-departure training online
• Contribute to the HerStart Catalyst Fund by reaching the fundraising goal before departure with support from the YCI team
• Note that individuals from all age, gender, academic and professional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply

Why become a HerStart Fellow?

• Gain professional global experience: Engage in a high-quality international volunteer program with YCI – an organization with over 35 years of experience. The Fellowship program includes comprehensive pre-departure training before you go, as well as ongoing health and safety and reintegration support.
• Contribute to women’s economic empowerment: Connect and collaborate with young women, communities and global partners, meaningfully contributing your time to help grow the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda.
• Amplify your personal and professional growth: Participate in unique opportunities to boost your CV and build transferable skills, such as effective cross-cultural communication, project management, research and more.
• Access high quality training and resources: Learn from our staff and global partners who are subject matter experts in their fields, including gender equality, social enterprise, and climate action.
• Be part of an international network: Connect with like-minded, passionate Canadians, organizations and entrepreneurs around the globe. Joining this network will include first access to future YCI opportunities, domestically and internationally.

For more information about the HerStart International Fellowship program, benefits and support package, including the expenses covered by YCI, please review the fellowship FAQ page here!

YCI’s HerStart Innovate the Future program is funded through Global Affairs Canada’s Volunteer Cooperation Program, providing skilled Canadians opportunities to volunteer abroad with global partners and advance Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.

For more information on the program and all available positions for HerStart Fellowships please visit: yci.org/herstart/fellowships