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 at 'meeting weeks' in the Netherlands twice a year.
Open positions:  27th March 2024, 12:00 CET
Closure of vacancies : 10 April 2024, at 12:00 CET,  note: (registration will close as soon as the limit is reached, so register early!)
Duration : One year with the possibility of an extension for a further year from June/July 2024

About us:

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

YAC Cohort II Experience

The second cohort of the YAC, operational from May 2023 to March 2024, consisted of 5 members from the pilot phase and 5 new members. Throughout this period, the committee gained valuable knowledge and experience that contributed to the strength and resilience of the second group.

Over the past year, YAC has actively collaborated with the Ministry on a number of important topics, including digitalisation, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and skills and employment programmes. This collaboration has facilitated significant contributions to policy discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing key youth issues on an international scale.

In addition, the YAC had the opportunity to take part in two immersive meeting weeks held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. During these weeks, members collaborated closely with policymakers from the Dutch MFA, interacted with senior officials and participated in sessions with international organisations and knowledge institutions. These experiences not only enriched the committee's understanding, but also fostered valuable connections and partnerships crucial to the effective promotion of its objectives.

YAC meeting with Pascalle Grotenhuis, Director General for International Cooperation at the Netherlands MFA

Main responsibilities and duties

• Participation in meeting weeks:  Take part in the biannual 'meeting weeks' held in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where collaborative goals and plans are formulated together with representatives of the NL MFA. These weeks serve as key moments to align goals and promote partnerships between the YAC and the NL MFA, getting to know each other personally and meeting other (youth) organisations in the Kingdom of the Netherlands!
• Collaboration with the political leaders of the MFA in the Netherlands:  Liaise closely with Dutch MFA policymakers to define collaborative strategies related to selected themes and policy areas, with a primary focus on youth, education and employment. The active contribution of knowledge and recommendations to inform policy development and implementation processes is key.
• Involvement with stakeholders:  Initiate and promote dialogues with young people and relevant stakeholders in your country, region and beyond. Facilitate participatory processes to ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives and contributions in political discussions and decision-making processes.
• Thematic Policy and Programme Involvement:  Participate in thematic "tracks" and "sprints" by conducting research, producing content (e.g. podcasts) and offering input on youth-centred international policy advice.
  • Follow-up: Engage in long-term projects that involve structured meetings with Dutch MFA policymakers to delve into specific thematic areas.
  • Sprint: Contribute to one-off short-term activities such as brainstorming sessions or events aimed at generating innovative ideas and solutions.
• Professional Conduct and Propriety:  Fulfil your role as a YAC member with professionalism, confidence, proactivity and adaptability. Ensure a clear understanding of tasks, objectives and timelines, taking responsibility for processes and results while promoting equal distribution of tasks among course members. Attend mandatory weekly online meetings and maintain regular communication via online platforms.
• Creative problem-solving and defence of rights:  Demonstrate creativity and flexibility in achieving agreed outcomes or outputs, drawing on diverse methodologies and approaches as deemed necessary. Serve as an advocate for meaningful youth participation in political processes, representing a diverse range of youth voices through their knowledge, experiences and backgrounds.
• External representation and involvement:  Be prepared to participate in public events and engagements, both online and offline, to promote the YAC's objectives and results. Embrace opportunities to engage with diverse audiences and stakeholders, helping to increase the visibility and impact of young people's perspectives in political arenas.
• Defence of Youth Participation:  Defend the meaningful participation of young people in political processes, representing diverse perspectives and experiences.
  • Collaborate with other members to facilitate track and sprint activities, ensure effective internal communication, identify policy gaps and evaluate progress within the YAC.

Qualifications and skills

• Age requirement:  be between 18 and 29 years old on 27 March 2024.
• Language proficiency:  Proficiency in English (B1 level or higher) to communicate thoughts and ideas effectively and confidently, with an emphasis on clarity rather than perfection of language.
• Intercultural Competence:  Ability to engage in intercultural communication (online), facilitating effective interaction and collaboration with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Technical requirements:  Access to a stable Internet connection, with the ability to participate in online meetings with camera and microphone enabled.
• Flexibility and availability:  Be flexible and available to devote an average of 10 hours a week to YAC-related activities, including attending meetings and online events. This commitment excludes time spent during the meeting weeks in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
• Nationality and residence:  Have nationality in one of the countries in the regions in focus: Benin, Burundi, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Uganda, Palestinian Territories, Senegal, Chad, The Kingdom of the Netherlands, Tunisia, South Africa, South Sudan, Yemen. Membership has already been 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 involvement:  Demonstrate active involvement in your local community and have a substantial network of diverse young people. This involvement reflects a genuine interest in social issues and a commitment to promoting positive change.
• Interest and experience:  Demonstrated interest in global issues, foreign policy and meaningful youth participation. Previous experience in a professional context is desirable, demonstrating the ability to navigate professional environments and engage in collaborative projects effectively.
• Analytical and critical thinking:  Show the ability to interpret and provide qualitative and innovative feedback on policy documents and issues, contributing valuable information to discussions and decision-making processes of the MFA of the Netherlands.
• Communication and Collaboration:  Manage expectations effectively, maintaining clarity, transparency and flexibility in the fulfilment of assigned tasks. Possess strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate productively in a diverse team environment.
• Advocacy and representation:  Advocate for the meaningful participation of young people in political processes, demonstrating the ability to go beyond personal interests and represent a diverse range of young people. This includes drawing on knowledge, experience and background to effectively amplify young people's voices and perspectives.
• Adaptability and Growth Potential:  Show a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances and take advantage of 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 main point of contact. Collaborating closely with the Netherlands MFA's Youth, Education and Work (YEW) team, 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. The YEW Team and, where possible, the Dutch embassies, offer support and facilitate links with Dutch MFA strategies and programmes. Communication efforts are coordinated internally within the YAC and externally in partnership with the NJR to amplify the impact of the YAC's commitments.

Renumbering:  YAC members receive a monthly stipend of €158 and all costs associated with travelling 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 selected candidates.

Notes and disclaimers

The International Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) functions as an independent advisory body within the Dutch National Youth Council (NJR), offering non-political guidance rooted in diverse youth perspectives. Collaborating closely with the MFA of the Netherlands, the YAC ensures that policies and programmes are aligned with the needs of young people, prioritising transparency, effectiveness and relevance. It is essential that applicants recognise that joining the YAC may entail certain security considerations, such as affiliation with a foreign government, the nature of the topics advised or the need for physical security measures. Candidates are expected to be mindful of these potential risks, as the NJR prioritises security in its broadest sense.

Application deadline:
Sign up via  from this link  until 10 April 2024, 12h CET.
Please apply as soon as possible! Once the limit is reached, it will no longer be possible to apply.

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

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