Call for Applications: Youth Leadership Program 2026-2027

Location: Community-Based
Application Deadline: Wednesday, 21st January 2026, 05:00 PM GMT+2

Are you a passionate young leader committed to community empowerment and digital inclusion?

Join the movement! Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Rwanda, under the Digital Skills for Employability (DSE) program, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is now accepting applications for the Youth Leadership Program 2026-2027.

About the Digital Skills for Employability (DSE) Program

The DSE program is a four-year transformative initiative contributing to Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) 2024–2029, Vision 2050, and the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy.

Implemented by a consortium led by DOT Rwanda, in partnership with Intango Technical Secondary School (TSS), Igire Rwanda Organization (IRO), Knowledge LAB (kLab), and SOLVIT Africa, the program empowers over 10,000 young people—especially young women, rural youth, persons with disabilities, and refugees—by providing digital and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in Rwanda’s digital economy.

Through Beginner Digital and Business Skills, participants gain:

• Fundamental digital literacy

• Entrepreneurship training

• Skills in financial management and marketing

• Personalized coaching, mentorship, and access to finance

• Supportive business networks

The program prioritizes youth who are not in education or employment, particularly in rural areas, with a focus on empowering young women.

Why Join the Youth Leadership Program?

As a Digital Champion and Business Coach, you will:

• Gain digital skills and social impact expertise

• Boost your agency and access new work opportunities

• Deliver Digital Skills for Business training in your local community

• Empower micro, small, and informal business owners with training in digital tools, entrepreneurship, financial management, and marketing

Program Benefits:

• Comprehensive Training: Leadership, digital, and entrepreneurial skills, plus career development and employment linkages

• Become a Coach and Changemaker: Serve as a role model and mentor to peers

• Empower Your Community: Support local MSMEs in business growth and digital adoption

• Join the #DOTYouth Community: Connect with a vibrant network of young leaders across Rwanda

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be university/college graduates aged 21–35, or secondary school graduates aged 21–35 with at least two years of community engagement

• Be currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET)

• Have basic online collaboration skills (e.g., Google Drive, Zoom)

• Be proficient in written and spoken English and Kinyarwanda

• Have a passion for community empowerment, digital inclusion, and gender equality

• Be residents of and committed to working in one of the following districts for one year: City of Kigali: Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyarugenge
  Southern Province: Gisagara, Muhanga, Nyamagabe, Ruhango, Nyanza
  Eastern Province: Bugesera, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Kirehe, Ngoma
  Northern Province: Burera, Gakenke, Musanze, Rulindo
  Western Province: Karongi, Rutsiro, Nyamasheke, Rubavu

This is a community-based role, requiring work directly in the selected district. Apply only if willing and able to work in that location.

We strongly encourage applications from:

• Young women

• Youth with disabilities

• Refugees

DOT Rwanda alumni from previous internship programs are not eligible.
Non-graduates, current students, and full-time employees will not be considered.

How to Apply

Submit your application by clicking on "APPLY BUTTON at the bottom of the page"

Note: A Gmail account is required to view and upload documents.

DOT Rwanda celebrates diversity and ensures an inclusive environment. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities—please indicate any needs in your application.