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?
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 and
global education. 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.
KENKKU members for the period 2022–2023 can participate in the administration of
the Ethiopia project, or contribute to the planning of possible new projects or the
development of various activities, such as private sector cooperation. The term of
office will begin in in August 2022 and end in July 2023. 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.
KENKKU members are divided into small teams. A person in charge is chosen from
each team to ensure that teamwork goes smoothly. We are looking for people with
different skills for the advisory board:
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
Team members will manage the Ethiopian development cooperation project,
familiarising themselves with material such as annual reports and plans, and
contacting local partners. This task requires an interest in project administration, the
ability to work independently, project management skills and the ability to work in
English. The four-year Ethiopia project began this year.
3. 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.
In addition, we are looking for a chairman for KENKKU to lead the activities and
meetings of the advisory board. The chairman also reports on the activities to SYL’s
Board.
How to apply?
Applications should be sent by the 4th of May 2022 to JYY’s Board Member Liina
Korkiamäki (liina.korkiamaki@jyy.fi), who is in charge of JYY’s development
cooperation. JYY will then submit proposals of candidates for the Advisory Board for
Development Cooperation.
Applications should include a résumé and a cover letter. Applicants are also requested
to state what they would like to learn during their term on KENKKU and how they
would contact development cooperation actors within their student union. Applicants
are invited to express their interest in teams and in acting as chairperson of the
teams. 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.
Contact details:
https://syl.fi/en/syl/kehitysyhteistyo/
SYL’s Board Member Suvituuli Lundmark
suvituuli.lundmark@syl.fi
+358 44 906 5003
JYY’s Board Member Liina Korkiamäki
liina.korkiamaki@jyy.fi
+358 400 435 581