Discovering an opportunity is only the beginning. KIR Foundation is committed to connecting young people with opportunities and practical tools to pursue them. Download our sample CVs and motivation statements, select the guide that fits your goal, and customise it with your genuine achievements before applying

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Choose your opportunity and prepare your application. 

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OPPORTUNITY MONDAY

KIR Foundation | Four Tailored CVs and Motivation Statements

A practical application resource for young Nigerians seeking leadership fellowships, institutional internships, humanitarian careers and remote nonprofit experience.

How to use this toolkit

·         Choose the sample aligned with your target opportunity; do not send one generic CV to all four organisations.

·         Replace bracketed text and sample impact statements with truthful evidence, figures and dates.

·         Use a single-column CV with standard headings, consistent dates and no photographs, text boxes, icons or graphics.

·         Check the official application form: some programmes request essays, references, project plans or profile fields rather than a CV or cover letter.

·         These are illustrative templates, not official requirements or promises of selection. 

Current openings and deadlines must be checked on the official websites.

Official opportunity pages: dalailamafellows.com/apply/  |  au.int/en/internships  |  careers.au.int  |  jobs.unicef.org  |  culturalsurvival.org/about/internships

SAMPLE ATS-FRIENDLY CV

[APPLICANT FULL NAME]

[City, Nigeria]  |  [Professional email]  |  [+234 phone]  |  [LinkedIn / portfolio URL]

TARGET: Dalai Lama Fellows 2027 — social impact and values-led leadership

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Emerging community leader with [X years/months] of experience designing and coordinating [education, inclusion or community development] initiatives. Seeking to deepen reflective, compassionate leadership and scale a clearly defined community project. Skilled in participatory engagement, partnership building and outcome tracking.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Community leadership  |  Project planning  |  Stakeholder engagement  |  Facilitation  |  Monitoring and evaluation  |  Reflective practice

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Community Project Lead | [Organisation or initiative] | [Month Year–Present]

·         Identified [specific community problem] through discussions with [number] residents, learners or stakeholders.

·         Co-designed [project name], reaching [verified number] participants and tracking [specific outcome].

·         Coordinated [number] volunteers or partners and documented feedback to improve delivery.

Volunteer Facilitator | [Community organisation] | [Month Year–Month Year]

·         Facilitated [number] sessions on [topic] for [target group].

·         Used participant feedback to revise [activity] and improve [measured result].

EDUCATION

[Degree or qualification], [Institution], [Year] (or relevant non-formal learning)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

·         Social change project: [one-sentence problem, proposed solution and current stage].

·         Languages: [list].

·         Community recognition or training: [only if genuine].

SAMPLE ONLY: Replace every bracketed field and example achievement with accurate, verifiable information. Remove any experience you do not have.

TAILORED MOTIVATION STATEMENT

Opportunity: Dalai Lama Fellows 2027

Applicant: [Full name]  |  [Email]  |  [Date]

Dear Selection Committee,

I am applying to Dalai Lama Fellows because I want to develop the inner capacities and practical leadership needed to sustain meaningful social change. My work with [community or organisation] has shown me that lasting solutions require listening, humility and shared ownership, not simply well-intentioned activities.

In [year], I became involved in [specific challenge]. After speaking with [stakeholders], I helped to [action]. The initiative has so far [verified result], while also revealing a continuing challenge: [specific unresolved need]. This experience strengthened my commitment to collaborative, compassionate leadership.

My proposed project, [project title], will address [defined issue] among [target population] by [practical intervention]. Over [period], I intend to [two or three achievable milestones] and measure progress through [specific indicators]. I would bring to the fellowship an existing commitment to action, openness to reflection and a willingness to learn from peers whose contexts differ from mine.

I hope to use the fellowship’s mentoring and global community to test my assumptions, strengthen the project’s sustainability and become a leader who serves with integrity. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute my community experience while learning how to make my work more inclusive and effective.

Yours faithfully,

[Full name]

ADAPTATION NOTE: This is a model statement, not a claim about your own background. Replace examples with your genuine work, outcomes and motivation. Observe the official word limit and prompts.

SAMPLE ATS-FRIENDLY CV

[APPLICANT FULL NAME]

[City, Nigeria]  |  [Professional email]  |  [+234 phone]  |  [LinkedIn / portfolio URL]

TARGET: African Union Commission Internship — policy and administration

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Early-career [public policy / international relations / economics / administration] graduate with training in research, document preparation and coordination. Interested in African integration, institutional governance and evidence-informed development. Able to synthesise information, work across teams and handle administrative responsibilities accurately.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Policy research  |  Report writing  |  Data analysis  |  Microsoft Excel  |  Meeting coordination  |  Records management  |  Professional communication

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Research Assistant / Student Researcher | [University or research project] | [Month Year–Month Year]

·         Reviewed [number] publications or policy documents on [African governance topic] and prepared a [length]-page synthesis.

·         Compiled and cleaned [type of data] in Excel to support [report or presentation].

Administrative / Programme Volunteer | [Organisation] | [Month Year–Month Year]

·         Prepared agendas, minutes and action trackers for [number] meetings or events.

·         Maintained confidential records and followed up on assigned actions with [number] team members.

EDUCATION

[Degree], [Institution], [Year]; [final-year status, postgraduate status or graduation date]

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

·         AU Member State nationality: [country].

·         Languages: [English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish or other; actual proficiency only].

·         Availability and mobility: [accurate details].

SAMPLE ONLY: Replace every bracketed field and example achievement with accurate, verifiable information. Remove any experience you do not have.

TAILORED MOTIVATION STATEMENT

Opportunity: African Union Commission Internship Programme

Applicant: [Full name]  |  [Email]  |  [Date]

Dear Selection Committee,

I wish to apply for an internship with the African Union Commission because I am committed to contributing to stronger African institutions and to learning how continental priorities are translated into coordinated action. My academic background in [discipline] has given me a foundation in [relevant subjects], and I am eager to apply that knowledge in a professional, multicultural setting.

During [research project or placement], I examined [policy issue], gathered evidence from [sources] and produced [output]. This work developed my ability to analyse complex material, present findings clearly and meet deadlines. In a separate [volunteer or administrative] role, I supported [task], improving my attention to detail and understanding of effective teamwork.

I am particularly interested in [specific AU department, mandate or policy area], where I hope to contribute through research support, accurate documentation, coordination and thoughtful communication. I understand that an internship involves routine responsibilities as well as substantive learning, and I am prepared to approach both with professionalism and discretion.

The opportunity would deepen my understanding of African governance and help me build a career in [specific field]. I would bring curiosity, reliability and a strong commitment to the African Union’s mission while learning from colleagues across the continent.

Yours faithfully,

[Full name]

ADAPTATION NOTE: This is a model statement, not a claim about your own background. Replace examples with your genuine work, outcomes and motivation. Observe the official word limit and prompts.

SAMPLE ATS-FRIENDLY CV

[APPLICANT FULL NAME]

[City, Nigeria]  |  [Professional email]  |  [+234 phone]  |  [LinkedIn / portfolio URL]

TARGET: UNICEF Nigeria — tailor to an advertised vacancy

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Entry-level programme and communications professional with experience supporting [education, child protection, health or youth] activities. Brings skills in community engagement, data collection, safeguarding awareness and concise reporting. Interested in contributing to child-centred, equitable programme delivery.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Programme support  |  Child rights awareness  |  Community mobilisation  |  Data collection  |  Excel / KoboToolbox [if used]  |  Reporting  |  Safeguarding awareness

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Programme Support Volunteer | [Organisation] | [Month Year–Present]

·         Helped deliver [number] education or youth sessions reaching [verified number] participants.

·         Maintained attendance and feedback records, contributing to [specific reporting output].

·         Escalated participant welfare concerns using [organisation’s established procedure, if applicable].

Communications / Monitoring Assistant | [Organisation] | [Month Year–Month Year]

·         Drafted [number] accurate field updates, beneficiary stories or social posts with appropriate consent.

·         Organised [type of programme data] for periodic monitoring and internal review.

EDUCATION

[Degree], [Institution], [Year]

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

·         Relevant training: [safeguarding, child protection, data privacy or other, if completed].

·         Languages and locations: [actual details].

·         Software: [tools actually used].

SAMPLE ONLY: Replace every bracketed field and example achievement with accurate, verifiable information. Remove any experience you do not have.

TAILORED MOTIVATION STATEMENT

Opportunity: UNICEF Nigeria — adapt to a specific vacancy

Applicant: [Full name]  |  [Email]  |  [Date]

Dear Selection Committee,

I am interested in the [exact vacancy title and reference number] with UNICEF Nigeria because its focus on [specific programme objective] aligns with my experience in [relevant field] and my commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

In my role with [organisation], I supported [specific activity] for [target population]. My responsibilities included [two or three relevant duties], and the work contributed to [verifiable outcome]. I learnt the importance of respectful communication, accurate documentation and designing activities around the needs of participants rather than assumptions about them.

The vacancy calls for [two competencies drawn from the actual job description]. I can demonstrate these through [specific example for competency one] and [specific example for competency two]. I would also bring a strong willingness to follow safeguarding, confidentiality and accountability procedures and to collaborate with colleagues and community partners.

I would value the opportunity to contribute to UNICEF Nigeria’s work in [location or programme] while developing as a responsible professional. Thank you for considering my application; I welcome the opportunity to demonstrate how my skills match this particular role.

Yours faithfully,

[Full name]

ADAPTATION NOTE: This is a model statement, not a claim about your own background. Replace examples with your genuine work, outcomes and motivation. Observe the official word limit and prompts.

SAMPLE ATS-FRIENDLY CV

[APPLICANT FULL NAME]

[City, Nigeria]  |  [Professional email]  |  [+234 phone]  |  [LinkedIn / portfolio URL]

TARGET: Cultural Survival Spring 2027 — remote nonprofit internship

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Organised and culturally sensitive emerging nonprofit professional with experience in [communications, research, grant administration or human resources]. Confident working independently, coordinating online and maintaining clear documentation. Interested in Indigenous rights and ethical, community-led advocacy.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Remote collaboration  |  Research and fact-checking  |  Written communication  |  Spreadsheet management  |  Scheduling  |  Document control  |  Cultural humility

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Communications / Research Volunteer | [Nonprofit or student initiative] | [Month Year–Present]

·         Researched [topic] using credible sources and prepared [number] briefs, articles or content drafts.

·         Collaborated remotely with [number] colleagues using [actual platform] and met [specific deadline].

Administrative Assistant / Volunteer | [Organisation] | [Month Year–Month Year]

·         Maintained [type of tracker] and organised shared documents for [project or team].

·         Supported [grantmaking, HR, outreach or communications task] with careful data handling.

EDUCATION

[Degree or current study], [Institution], [Year / expected year]

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

·         Remote working setup and time-zone availability: [accurate details].

·         Languages: [list].

·         Portfolio or writing samples: [link, if applicable].

SAMPLE ONLY: Replace every bracketed field and example achievement with accurate, verifiable information. Remove any experience you do not have.

TAILORED MOTIVATION STATEMENT

Opportunity: Cultural Survival Spring 2027 Remote Internships

Applicant: [Full name]  |  [Email]  |  [Date]

Dear Selection Committee,

I am applying for the [specific internship stream] because I want to contribute to nonprofit work that respects Indigenous peoples’ rights, knowledge and self-determination. I am drawn to Cultural Survival’s community-centred approach and recognise that responsible support begins with listening and avoiding assumptions about communities whose experiences differ from my own.

My experience with [organisation or project] has equipped me to [relevant task]. For example, I [specific action], producing [verifiable output or result]. I also developed practical skills in [remote tool, research, writing or administration] and learnt to communicate progress clearly when working with people in different locations.

I would be particularly useful in [communications / grantmaking / human resources / administration] because I can contribute [two concrete abilities matched to that stream]. I am comfortable receiving feedback, meeting agreed deadlines, handling sensitive information carefully and asking questions when cultural or contextual understanding is needed.

I hope to learn from Cultural Survival’s team while contributing dependable, thoughtful work. This internship would help me develop the professional judgement and cross-cultural collaboration skills needed for a long-term career in ethical nonprofit practice.

Yours faithfully,

[Full name]

ADAPTATION NOTE: This is a model statement, not a claim about your own background. Replace examples with your genuine work, outcomes and motivation. Observe the official word limit and prompts.

FINAL APPLICATION CHECKLIST

·         Use the exact opportunity title and, where applicable, vacancy reference.

·         Mirror relevant keywords from the official eligibility criteria and role description naturally.

·         Replace every example metric with your own documented achievement; never invent a result.

·         Keep the CV concise, generally one or two pages depending on experience and application guidance.

·         Remove photograph, date of birth, marital status and references unless explicitly requested.

·         Check application-specific essays, word limits, language, document formats and references.

·         Confirm deadlines and active vacancies on the official site before applying.

·         Proofread for UK English, consistency and accessible formatting.