Applications Invited for Breaking Barriers Fellowship

About the Organisation

Founded in 2016, Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) aims to increase the participation of young people in the policymaking process and build their capacity to lead change.

Our interventions are designed to equip citizens with a better understanding of the society they live in and the challenges that it confronts. The aim is to help young people broaden their perspective, think critically about their socio-political construct, tap their leadership potential and acquire skills to create long lasting impact.

We currently run programs in different cities in India and Nepal, in addition to undertaking projects in civic engagement and public policy.

About the Fellowship

The Breaking Barriers Fellowship is a one-year, full-time program that places exceptional young professionals within the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and its leading national institutions. Fellows work at the heart of India’s disability rights ecosystem – supporting policy research, program implementation and citizen engagement to strengthen rights-based governance.
 
At its core, the fellowship aims to strengthen state capacity for inclusion and accelerate the realisation of India’s commitments under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 by embedding skilled professionals within government systems. It also seeks to build a cadre of young leaders motivated to advance disability rights and inclusion through sustained engagement with public policy.
 
Launched by Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) and the Nipman Foundation, and supported by the India Autism Center, this fellowship represents a first-of-its-kind effort to connect governance with grassroots leadership. It is both an opportunity for fellows to contribute meaningfully to public policy and a step towards making accessibility a lived reality for every Indian.

Responsibilities

As a full-time Breaking Barriers Fellow (January 2026 – December 2026), you will be embedded within your placement institute, working closely with teams to advance the inclusion agenda through research, program support, and stakeholder engagement.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting policy and program design, monitoring, and evaluation as per the placement institute’s priorities.
• Liaising with government officials, NGOs, practitioners, and community groups to strengthen implementation.
• Drafting reports, briefs, and communication material for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assisting in awareness and sensitisation initiatives.
• Contributing to peer learnings, recommendations, and pathways for disability-inclusive policies.

Eligibility

• Minimum qualification: a Bachelor’s degree (graduates and above are eligible).
• Must be an Indian citizen, and less than 40 years of age.
• Available for full-time, year-long placement in the allocated institute (preferences will be sought during selection).

Desirable:

• Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Prior work/ volunteer experience or strong interest in social impact, policy, governance, disability, law, education, psychology, or related sectors.
• Specific expertise in areas of focus/ work of the DEPwD and allied host institutions.

How to Apply

The application process includes an online submission detailing academic and professional achievements, short essays, and references. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and/or a written task. Final selections will be based on the candidate’s academic and professional background, demonstrated commitment to disability rights, and alignment with the needs of the host institution.
 
Final Deadline: Sunday, 16th November, 2025
 
If you face any difficulty while filling the form, please contact us at office@theylacproject.com

Application Form

For more information please check this Link

 

Tags Disability and Inclusion Leadership Public Policy/ Policy