Are you inspired by global development and promoting education internationally? Are you
concerned about climate change? Are you a persistent communicator, good at forming networks,
or know a lot about funding? Do you want to put some of your knowledge to the use of the rest of
the world or get to know students from other universities?
We are looking for people with lots of ideas who are committed and motivated to join the Advisory
Board for Development Cooperation (KENKKU) of SYL. The National Union of University Students
in Finland (SYL) represents 15 member organisations and 135,000 university students. The
development cooperation advisory board advises SYL’s executive board on development
cooperation, and administers SYL’s development cooperation projects together with the
Development Policy Adviser.
However, we don’t expect you to be a development policy professional – it’s enough if you have
motivation and the desire to learn about development cooperation, global education and human
rights. We expect KENKKU members to commit to their tasks and be motivated but KENKKU is
also meant for developing your personal expertise. KENKKU members are expected to participate
actively in the meetings during their term. Meetings are held once a month and can also be
attended remotely.
KENKKU members are involved in the management of the Ethiopia and Zambia project, in
fundraising development in particular. The term of office will begin in August 2023 and end in July
2024. A maximum of 15 members will be selected for the Advisory Board, some of whom will
continue from the previous term. The Advisory Board meets around about once a month in
Helsinki, aside from in the summer months, and engages in remote work as required. Lunch is
provided as part of meetings held in Helsinki and the travel expenses of attendees are reimbursed
in accordance with SYL’s travel rules.
The KENKKU members of SYL are divided into small groups, each of which elects a chairperson
to ensure that the team works smoothly. For the 2023–2024 period, there is a particular need for
members who are interested in fundraising.
1. Communications and advocacy team
The communications team will ensure that our development cooperation work is visible on social
media, create content and come up with ideas for developing our communication. The team will
assist with development policy advocacy, for example by participating in public discussions of
topical issues.
2. Ethiopian project administration team
The team is responsible for managing a development cooperation project in Ethiopia to support
university students with disabilities, including compiling annual reports and plans, and working with
local partners. The role requires an interest in project management, the ability to work
independently, project management skills, and the ability to work in English.
3. Zambia project management team
The team will be responsible for managing a development project in Zambia to support university
students with disabilities. The team members will familiarise themselves with example annual
reports and plans and work with local partners. The role requires an interest in project
management, the ability to work independently, project management skills, and the ability to work
in English.
4. Partnerships and fundraising team
Members of this team will participate in the search for new partnerships and the planning of
fundraising. For example, team members will be able to plan how to carry out fundraising in
practice and cooperation on sustainable development.
However, not all KENKKU work has to be done within the teams. Everyone can participate in social
media communications, for example, and individual members can take responsibility for our stand
at the World Village festival. Teams also need members who would be interested in coordinating
the work of the team, that is, acting as team chairs.
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In addition, we are looking for a chairperson for KENKKU to lead the activities and meetings of the
advisory board. The chairperson also reports on the activities to SYL’s Board.
How to apply?
Applications should be submitted to JYY’s Specialist in International Affairs (kv-asiantuntija@jyy.fi) latest on 28 April at 12:00. JYY will then submit proposals of candidates to the Advisory Board for Development Cooperation.
A cover letter will serve as the application. Applicants are requested to state what they would like to learn during their term on KENKKU and how they would stay in contact with their development cooperation sector of JYY. Applicants are invited to express their interest in teams and in chairing teams – or the whole KENKKU. Similarly, we ask applicants to mention plans that could prevent them from attending several meetings (e.g. studying abroad).
In SYL’s operations, we emphasize diversity and equal opportunities. We hope to receive applications from persons from diverse backgrounds and genders. The selection takes into account the applicant’s motivation, experience and the fact that the advisory board has representatives from different student unions.
Additional information:
https://syl.fi/kehitysyhteistyo/
Specialist in International Affairs of JYY Ville Härsilä
kv-asiantuntija@jyy.fi
Board Member of SYL responsible for Development Policy Sonja Naalisvaara
sonja.naalisvaara@syl.fi