SDG Youth Programme
With a bachelor's or professional degree in hand, get your first work experience with an international NGO or social enterprise.
Do you often think about how your actions can drive systemic change? Have you ever wondered how international NGOs and social enterprises work to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
In 2023, the SDG Youth Programme is offering five one-year trainee positions, each in a different organisation, partly in Switzerland and partly abroad.
Why this programme
Do all the jobs you apply for require experience, even entry-level ones?
Your difficulties in gaining first work experience are exactly what motivated us, the Mercator Foundation Switzerland and cinfo, to create this programme. We want to offer young people an insight into the professional field of international cooperation, with international NGOs and social enterprises.
Take this opportunity to...
- Develop your expertise and contribute to finding solutions to current and future challenges,
- Discover your own motivation for international cooperation and the SDGs,
- Facilitate your future career in this field,
- Learn from experienced colleagues within the host organisations,
- Transfer newly acquired knowledge and skills back to the Swiss labour market and society,
- Be remunerated for your work (paid traineeship).
Opportunities list - application is now closed
| Position | Host organisation | Location |
|---|---|---|
Agroforestry & Reforestation Trainee
|
First month in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, then 10 months in Toamasina, Madagascar |
|
Trainee Green Skills & Jobs
|
First 2-3 months in Zurich, Switzerland, then 9-10 months in Maputo, Mozambique |
|
Sport & Play Project and SDG Impact Measurement Trainee
|
First in Biel-Bienne, Switzerland, then in Lira, Uganda |
|
Trainee: Change Action Promotion in solid waste management
|
First month in St Gallen, Switzerland, then 6 months in Bogota, Colombia, then 5 months back in St Gallen |
|
Climate Resilience and Energy Management Trainee
|
First 6 months in Lausanne, Switzerland, then 6 months in sub-Saharan Africa |
Minimum requirements
- The SDG Youth Programme is open to Swiss nationals or C permit holders.
- You have a bachelor's degree (university or FH/HES), or an advanced federal diploma of higher education, or a federal diploma of higher education.
- You don't yet have any relevant work experience in international cooperation.
- You have a strong interest and motivation to contribute to the SDGs.
Any questions?
Get in touch
