Call for Youth Researchers 2026 — Join NGYouthSDGs' Youth Voice Naija Project (Nationwide)

If you're a young Nigerian passionate about research, youth participation, and policy processes, this is a legitimate opportunity worth applying for — Nigeria Youth SDGs Network (NGYouthSDGs), one of the country's most established youth-led civil society organizations, is recruiting Youth Researchers nationwide.

Are you passionate about research, youth participation and policy processes? Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) is recruiting Youth Researchers to support field research and one-on-one engagements with young people under the Youth Voice Naija Project. The project seeks to strengthen the participation and leadership of underrepresented young people who are often excluded from policy and decision-making spaces, creating opportunities for them to directly engage in shaping and monitoring the National Youth Policy (2026–2030).

This isn't a cash grant — it's a research fellowship/volunteer opportunity that includes training and hands-on fieldwork experience.

What Is the Youth Voice Naija Project?

NGYouthSDGs is a youth-led and youth-serving civil society organization, launched in 2017, dedicated to localizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria. The organization has worked with bodies including the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the International Labour Organization, and Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, and maintains a presence across all 36 states and the FCT.

Through the Youth Voice Naija Project, the organization is looking for young people who are curious, responsible and willing to help reach youth groups, particularly young people in locations and communities that are often overlooked.

What Will Youth Researchers Do?

Youth Researchers will support:

- Participant outreach

- Data collection

- Interviews

- Documentation of young people's experiences, perspectives and capacity-building needs

Selected researchers will participate in a Research Training to support data collection across selected locations before fieldwork begins.

Is This Paid, a Grant, or Volunteer Work?

The call for applications does not specify stipend or payment details — this should be confirmed directly with NGYouthSDGs once shortlisted. What is confirmed is that selected researchers receive a Research Training as part of the role, gaining real experience in field research and policy engagement.

Who Can Apply?

- Young Nigerians nationwide, particularly those based in locations and communities that are often overlooked or underrepresented

- Individuals who are curious, responsible, and genuinely interested in research, youth participation, and policy processes

- Willingness to conduct outreach, interviews, and documentation work in the field

Specific age brackets and educational requirements were not stated in the call — these are likely clarified within the full application form itself.

What You Need Before Applying

1. A Google/Email Account — Required to access and submit the form.

2. Genuine Interest in Research and Policy — Be ready to explain your motivation and relevant experience or interest.

3. Availability for Training and Fieldwork — Since selected researchers undergo training and conduct field data collection, ensure you can commit to this.

4. Careful, Complete Responses — The organization explicitly asks applicants to complete the form carefully, since shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further assessment or an interview.

How to Apply for the Call for Youth Researchers

Step 1 — Visit the Official Application Form

👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzWD6lqzDInJqM2_QbR8E6xIl7p85uqyJQKmGb2vGWBEn0LA/viewform

Step 2 — Enter Your Email

Provide your email address to begin the application.

Step 3 — Complete the Full Form Carefully

Answer all sections thoughtfully and accurately — NGYouthSDGs specifically notes that shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further assessment or an interview based on their responses.

Step 4 — Submit

Submit your completed application.

Step 5 — Await Shortlisting

If selected, you'll be contacted for further assessment or an interview, followed by Research Training ahead of fieldwork.

Where to Apply

Official Application Form:

👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzWD6lqzDInJqM2_QbR8E6xIl7p85uqyJQKmGb2vGWBEn0LA/viewform

NGYouthSDGs Official Website:

👉 https://nigerianyouthsdgs.org/

Why This One Checks Out

Unlike some opportunities circulating online, NGYouthSDGs is independently verifiable:

- It has a documented history since 2017, including a Wikipedia entry

- It's listed as an official UN SDG Action partner (#SDGAction33816)

- It has named, public leadership (Executive Director, Programme Manager, Programme Associates)

- It maintains an active official website, YouTube channel, and LinkedIn presence

- The application form itself is confirmed as created within the organization's own Google Workspace account

This is one of the more trustworthy opportunities to have come through recently — no payment is requested, and the organization has a real, traceable public track record.

Tips for a Strong Application

Highlight Community Connection — Since the project specifically wants researchers who can reach overlooked and underrepresented youth, mention any ties to specific communities or regions.

Show Genuine Curiosity, Not Just Qualifications — The call explicitly looks for people who are "curious" and "responsible" — reflect this in how you describe your interest.

Be Ready to Talk About Fieldwork Realities — Outreach, interviews, and documentation require patience and people skills — show you understand what the role actually involves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Rushing through the form — NGYouthSDGs explicitly asks applicants to complete it carefully.

- Applying without genuine interest in youth policy and research work.

- Assuming this is a cash grant rather than a research fellowship/volunteer role with training.

- Providing an email address you don't check regularly, since shortlisting communication will go there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NGYouthSDGs a legitimate organization?

Yes. It's a well-established Nigerian civil society organization founded in 2017, with a Wikipedia entry, official UN SDG partnership listing, and a documented history of work with the UN and Nigerian government ministries.

Is this a paid role?

Payment/stipend details were not specified in the call — confirm directly with NGYouthSDGs if shortlisted.

What will I actually do as a Youth Researcher?

Support participant outreach, data collection, interviews, and documentation of young people's experiences and needs, following a Research Training.

Is there a fee to apply?

No. The application is free — be cautious of anyone asking for payment in connection with this opportunity.

Where do I apply?

👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzWD6lqzDInJqM2_QbR8E6xIl7p85uqyJQKmGb2vGWBEn0LA/viewform

Official Links

Application Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzWD6lqzDInJqM2_QbR8E6xIl7p85uqyJQKmGb2vGWBEn0LA/viewform

NGYouthSDGs Website:

https://nigerianyouthsdgs.org/