Call for Applications for Training on Mediation and Negotiation for African Youth

Ednah Carrick March 18, 2026

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Closing Date: 26 March 2026

Call for Applications for Training on Mediation and Negotiation for African Youth

Introduction

The International Centre for Peace, Human Rights and Development Africa (IPHRD-Africa), in collaboration with the Clingendael Academy invites young enthusiastic peacebuilders from Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan and Somalia who are passionate about youth inclusivity in conflict mediation initiatives within their countries to register their interest for this training program.

Overview of the Training Program

The Youth and Young Women Leaders Mediation and Regional Advocacy Initiatives project seeks to build and enhance the mediation capacities of young men and women who are in leadership position in Horn of Africa to prepare them to effectively engage in mediation efforts in their communities, at track 1, 2, and 3 levels of mediation. The project will work with youth and especially young women between the ages of 18-30 years. The Mediation and Negotiation Skills for Youth and Intercultural Communication is part of this project with this year’s focus on Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia.

NOTE :

A maximum of 1 representative per organization/network will be able to participate.
IPHRD-Africa value and welcomes your authenticity in the application process, Please do not submit AI generated responses.

By joining this Training on Mediation and Negotiation, selected youth will:

Enhance their negotiation and mediation skills, making them more effective peacebuilders.
Gain hands-on experience in consensus building through case studies and practical exercises.
Connect with like-minded young leaders and peace advocates across the region.
Contribute to national and regional efforts aimed at increasing youth participation in governance and conflict resolution.

About the Call for Applications

The call for applications for the Training on Mediation and Negotiation is for young men and women from selected countries who are implementing peace initiatives at local, national and regional level. The training will be a combination of expert presentations, case studies and interactive simulations to improve Participant’s skills, coupled with sharing experiences and good practices sessions.

Objective

To strengthen the capacities of youth to contribute to Conflict prevention, Mitigation and resolution of conflicts in their communities hence contributing to Sustainable Peace and Development.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this training program, applicants must:

Be nationals of Kenya , Ethiopia, South Sudan ,Sudan and Somalia.
Between 18 – 30 years of age
Have a valid passport and yellow fever card
Possess background knowledge on peacebuilding and peace mediation.
Applicants should demonstrate past and future commitment to working towards peace
Applicants should be interested or working in making change in their community/country
Applicants should have a passion and ability to work cooperatively with peers
Applicants should have high standards of personal and professional conduct (with no criminal record)
Applicants should be fluent in spoken and written English
Applicants should commit and be able to actively participate in all the activities of the project. Besides the training, other aspects of the project include participating in learning and exposure events on mediation and related fields
Applicants must have a demonstrable plan on how to utilize the skills, knowledge gained from the project and mobilize youth voices, and youth issues for Advocacy and Policy engagements.
Applicants should demonstrate ability to work in multicultural groups, and be respectful of Diversity.
Must be working with a peacebuilding organization and leading a peace project in their context.
Must be familiar with peace and conflict context in the area they are working in.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit the following documents in order to be considered for this program:

An updated CV/Resume (No more than 3 pages)
A motivation statement clearly outlining educational background, past experiences, ability and how you plan to mobilize youth voices and youth issues in your country and why you believe you should be selected for this program
Two recommendation letters from people who can speak on your experience, achievements and work ethic.( One from employer and the other from someone who could speak about your work).
Essay 1 on Mediation Maximum of 1000 words
Essay 2 on Youth Leadership , a maximum of 1000 words
Brief Bio about yourself and your most recent photo

Criteria for Selection

A selection committee at IPHRD-Africa will be formed to review the submissions received applications on the following criterion:

Ability to clearly demonstrate track record of engagement in interventions contributing to peace building. (10 marks)
Ability to mobilize the youth and local community in relation to peace processes. (20 marks)
Understanding of the peace processes happening in your country or region.(30Marks)
Ability to engage with policy makers at the National Level and regional level(10 marks)
Platforms/ structures to engage young people beyond IPHRD-Africa support( 30 marks)