Out of the Commonwealth’s 2.5 billion population, more than 60% are under 30 years of age – making young people vital to securing, bright, and prosperous future for all Commonwealth citizens.
For over 40 years the Commonwealth Secretariat, through the Commonwealth Youth Programme, has endeavoured to support young people through various Youth Networks; empowering them to make their voices heard and giving them opportunities to shape the future they want to see.
Two Commonwealth Youth Networks are now each seeking candidates to serve as coordinators for a 12-month term.
The networks comprise of young people aged 18-29 from across the Commonwealth’s 54 nations, who are driving advocacy and action strategies to combat issues concerning the environment, human rights, peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, education, health and sport.
The successful applicants will support the Executive Committees and the network towards delivering the Commonwealth’s youth’s priorities including advocating on youth’s perspectives on global issues, and advancing youth empowerment, participation and engagement.
Applications are open for roles on the Commonwealth Youth for Sustainable Urbanisation (CYSU) Network and the Commonwealth Correspondents Network.
The Commonwealth Correspondents are a pioneering network of young and aspiring journalists and social commentators who publish articles, interviews and comment pieces on issues of mutual concern across a range of media including the yourcommonwealth.org website.
By sharing their work, these young writers have helped the website – first established in 2010 – grow in readership. It now attracts over 6,000 unique visitors a month.
The purpose of the CYSU is to empower Commonwealth Youth to support, contribute to, and advocate for sustainable urbanisation in the Commonwealth and to look at ways in which built and natural environments can better reflect the needs of young people.
Commonwealth brimming with young talent
Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at the Secretariat, said: “Time and time again the Commonwealth’s young people have impressed with their ideas and breadth of talent – demonstrating that the Commonwealth has a bright future indeed.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for two outstanding young candidates to use their talents to serve the wider Commonwealth and to connect with other youth leaders to work towards the common goal of a more sustainable and equitable future for all who live in the Commonwealth.”
How to apply and eligibility
Commonwealth Youth for Sustainable Urbanisation (CYSU) Network Coordinator
Applicants should apply for the position by 23:59 GMT on 22 May 2022, through the respective links.
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen from a Commonwealth country and aged 18 to 29 years at the time of applying;
- Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area (International Development, Planning, Sustainability, International Relations or Environmental Studies);
- Have evidence of strong experience in managing a diverse, regional and/or international network;
- Have experience and evidence of managing, developing and implementing a communications strategy, content creation and management of a network;
- Have strong writing and reporting skills and excellent communication and project management skills;
- Dedicate a minimum 20 hours weekly.
Commonwealth Correspondents Network Coordinator
Applicants should apply for the position by 23:59 GMT on 30 May 2022, through the respective links.
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen from a Commonwealth country and aged 18 to 29 years at the time of applying;
- Have a strong commitment to the networks’s vision and mission;
- Have experience in journalism, (social) media and/or youth-led initiatives;
- Be available to commit 14 hours per week to network activities.
Both selected candidates will work remotely and will receive a monthly stipend.
The Youth Networks are supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat. For enquiries, please email the Commonwealth Youth Programme at [email protected]
Media contact
- Amy Coles Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
