Apply for the NL youth advisory committee

Position: Member of the International Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Employer: Dutch National Youth Council (NJR)
Location: Remote from your country of residence
Availability: Approximately 10 hours per week, excluding physical attendance to the ‘meet-up’ weeks in the Kingdom of the Netherlands twice a year
Vacancy open: March 27, 2024, at 12:00 CET
Vacancy closure: April 10, 2024, at 12:00 CET, note: (applications will close once the limit is reached, so apply early!)
Duration: One year with the possibility of extension for an additional year starting June/July 2024

About us:

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NL MFA) launched the Youth at Heart Strategy in 2020, with a focus on empowering youth in international policymaking, especially in areas like education and youth employment. As part of this initiative, the International Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) was established to ensure that NL MFA policies align with the realities and needs of young people in focus regions such as the Sahel, Horn of Africa, Middle East, and North Africa.

YAC Cohort II Experience

The YAC's second cohort, operational from May 2023 to March 2024, comprised 5 members from the pilot phase and 5 new members. Throughout this period, the committee gained valuable insights and experiences that have contributed to the strength and resilience of the second cohort.

Over the past year, the YAC has actively collaborated with the Ministry on various significant themes, including Digitalisation, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, and skills and jobs programs. This collaboration has facilitated meaningful contributions to policy discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing key youth-related issues on an international scale.

Furthermore, the YAC had the opportunity to participate in two immersive meet-up weeks held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. During these weeks, members engaged closely with NL MFA policy officers, interacted with senior officials, and took part in sessions with international organizations and knowledge institutions. These experiences have not only enriched the committee's understanding but have also fostered valuable connections and partnerships crucial for advancing its objectives effectively.

The YAC meeting Pascalle Grotenhuis, the Director General for International Cooperation of the NL MFA

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Attendance at Meet-up Weeks: Attend the bi-annual 'meet-up weeks' held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where collaborative goals and plans are formulated together with NL MFA representatives. These weeks serve as key moments for aligning objectives and fostering partnerships between the YAC and NL MFA, getting to know each other in person, and getting to know other (youth) organisations in the Kingdom of the Netherlands!
• Collaboration with NL MFA Policy Officers: Liaise closely with NL MFA policy officers to set-out collaboration strategies related to selected themes and policy areas, with a primary focus on youth, education, and employment. Active contribution of insights and recommendations to inform policy development and implementation processes is key.
• Engagement with Stakeholders: Initiate and nurture dialogues with young people and relevant stakeholders within your country, region, and beyond. Facilitate participatory processes to ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives and inputs in policy discussions and decision-making processes.
• Thematic Policy and Programme Engagement: Participate in thematic "tracks" and "sprints" by conducting research, producing content (e.g., podcasts), and offering inputs on youth-centric international policy advice.
  • Track: Engage in long-term projects involving structured meetings with NL MFA policy officers to delve deeper into specific thematic areas.
  • Sprint: Contribute to short-term, one-time activities such as brainstorming sessions or events aimed at generating innovative ideas and solutions.
• Professional Conduct and Ownership: Fulfill your role as a YAC member with professionalism, confidence, proactiveness, and adaptability. Ensure clear understanding of tasks, objectives, and timelines, taking ownership of processes and outcomes while fostering equal task distribution among track members. Attending mandatory weekly online meetings and maintain regular communication through online platforms.
• Creative Problem-Solving and Advocacy: Demonstrate creativity and flexibility in achieving agreed-upon results or products, leveraging diverse methodologies and approaches as deemed necessary. Serve as an advocate for meaningful youth participation in policy processes, representing a diverse range of youth voices through your expertise, experiences, and background.
• External Representation and Engagement: Be prepared to participate in public events and engagements, both online and offline, to promote the objectives and outcomes of the YAC. Embrace opportunities to engage with diverse audiences and stakeholders, contributing to increased visibility and impact of youth perspectives in policy arenas.
• Advocacy for Youth Participation: Advocate for meaningful youth participation in policy processes, representing diverse perspectives and experiences.
  • Collaborate with fellow members to facilitate track and sprint activities, ensure effective internal communication, identify policy gaps, and assess progress within the YAC.

Qualifications and Skills

• Age Requirement: be between 18 and 29 years of age as of March 27, 2024.
• Language proficiency: Proficiency in English (B1 level or above) to effectively and confidently communicate thoughts and ideas, with an emphasis on clarity rather than perfection of the language.
• Intercultural Competence: Ability to engage in (online) intercultural communication, facilitating effective interaction and collaboration with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Technical Requirements: Access to a stable internet connection, with the capability to attend online meetings with camera and microphone enabled.
• Flexibility and availability: Be flexible and available to dedicate an average of 10 hours per week to YAC-related activities, including attendance at online meetings and events. This commitment excludes the time spent during meet-up weeks in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
• Nationality and Residence: Hold nationality in one of the countries within the focus regions: Benin, Burundi, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Uganda, Palestinian Territories, Senegal, Chad, The Kingdom of the Nederlands, Tunisia, South Africa, South Sudan, Yemen. Membership is already established for individuals from Kenya, Tanzania, Iraq, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria (current members). Applications from these countries will not be accepted for Cohort 3.
• Community Engagement: Demonstrate active involvement in your local community and possess a substantial network of diverse young people. This engagement reflects a genuine interest in social issues and a commitment to fostering positive change.
• Interest and Experience: Demonstrated interest in global issues, foreign policy, and meaningful youth participation. Previous experience in a professional context is desirable, showcasing the ability to navigate professional environments and engage in collaborative projects effectively.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking: Display the capacity to interpret and provide qualitative and innovative feedback on policy documents and questions, contributing valuable insights to discussions and decision-making processes of the NL MFA.
• Communication and Collaboration: Manage expectations effectively, maintaining clarity, transparency, and flexibility in fulfilling assigned tasks. Possess strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate productively within a diverse team environment.
• Advocacy and Representation: Advocate for meaningful youth participation in policy processes, demonstrating the ability to step beyond personal interests and represent a diverse range of young people. This includes leveraging knowledge, experience, and backgrounds to amplify youth voices and perspectives effectively.
• Adaptability and Growth Potential: Show willingness to adapt to evolving circumstances and embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Structure and Support

The International Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) operates under the coordination of the Dutch National Youth Council (NJR), with the NJR Project Leader serving as the primary point of contact. Collaborating closely with the NL MFA's Youth, Education, and Work (YEW) team, the YAC engages in policy development and advocacy efforts, contributing diverse perspectives to shape initiatives related to youth empowerment and international cooperation. NJR provides day-to-day coordination and guidance to YAC members. Team YEW, and where possible the Dutch embassies, offer support and facilitate connections with strategies and programs of the NL MFA. Communication efforts are coordinated internally within the YAC and externally in partnership with NJR to amplify the impact of YAC engagements.

Renumeration: YAC members receive a monthly stipend of €158, and all costs associated with travel to and from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including visas, flights, and accommodation, are covered.

Selection Process:

• Round 1: Initial selection based on CV and motivation questions.
• Round 2: Group selection round to assess teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Round 3: Individual follow-up interviews for shortlisted candidates.

Notes and disclaimer

The International Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) operates as an independent advisory body within the Dutch National Youth Council (NJR), offering non-political policy guidance rooted in diverse youth perspectives. Collaborating closely with the NL MFA, YAC ensures policies and programs align with the needs of young people, prioritizing transparency, effectiveness, and relevance. It's essential for applicants to recognize that YAC membership may entail certain safety considerations, such as affiliation with a foreign government, the nature of advised topics, or the need for physical safety measures. Applicants are expected to be mindful of these potential risks, as the NJR prioritizes safety in its broadest sense.

Application Deadline:
Apply through this link by April 10, 2024, 12:00 CET.
Please apply as soon as possible! Once the limit has been reached it will no longer be possible to apply.

Note: only applications who are invited to the second round will be contacted by mid May. Group interviews will take place mid-May and individual interviews will take place in the week of June 3.

Want to know more about the YAC? Have a look here.

Apply for the NL youth advisory committee