An exciting opportunity awaits! Youth Business International (YBI), in collaboration with Generation Unlimited (GenU), is on the hunt for a talented individual or consultancy team to spearhead a groundbreaking global report on youth necessity entrepreneurship. This report aims to revolutionize our understanding of necessity entrepreneurship, showcasing it as a powerful driver of inclusive economic transformation, rather than just a survival mechanism.
The chosen consultant will play a pivotal role in developing this flagship report, which will be a game-changer in the field. But here's where it gets controversial: despite its massive scale, necessity entrepreneurship has been overlooked in policy and financing. This report aims to change that, and you could be a part of this transformative journey.
Role Purpose:
Global labor markets are evolving rapidly, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where the demand for formal jobs far outstrips supply. As a result, necessity entrepreneurship, characterized by small, informal ventures, has become a significant employment system. However, its potential remains untapped.
This report will reframe necessity entrepreneurship as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods and job creation, highlighting its role in driving inclusive economic growth. By combining rigorous analysis with youth-generated evidence, the report will provide valuable insights for policymakers and ecosystem actors, influencing global discourse on a large scale.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the end-to-end development of the report, from inception to launch.
- Define the analytical framework and structure, ensuring alignment with YBI and GenU's strategic priorities.
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review and synthesize global data on youth necessity entrepreneurship, identifying gaps and trends.
- Integrate youth-generated evidence, ensuring an authentic representation of entrepreneurial experiences.
- Work with YBI and GenU networks to source case studies and analyze implementation insights from diverse regions.
- Produce high-quality drafts, incorporating feedback, and ensuring alignment with thought leadership standards.
- Deliver a final report ready for global dissemination, supporting its positioning for policy and ecosystem impact.
Ideal Consultant Profile:
YBI is seeking a consultant with a proven track record of leading high-level thought leadership or policy reports, strong analytical and writing skills, and experience in youth employment, entrepreneurship, or economic development. The ability to integrate research with lived experiences and case studies is crucial, as is a collaborative approach to working across global partnerships.
Experience engaging with multilateral initiatives or large networks is highly advantageous.
Submission Requirements:
To apply, download and review the full Terms of Reference, and submit your proposal in English by 10:00 am (GMT) on 23 February 2026. Your proposal should include a Curriculum Vitae (CV), a short cover letter outlining your approach, relevant experience, and proposed fee, and links or samples of similar reports or thought leadership work.
Shortlisting and interviews will be conducted jointly by YBI and GenU, with the final selection agreed upon collaboratively between both organizations.
Send your applications to Miranda Page, Director of Strategic Communication at Youth Business International.
About Youth Business International:
YBI is a global network dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs. Through partnerships and advocacy, YBI ensures young people have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. By commissioning this report, YBI aims to shape global narratives and bring about systemic change in how youth necessity entrepreneurship is perceived and supported.
This consultancy is a unique chance to influence global policy and contribute to more inclusive economic systems. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a real impact!
