We are looking for people with lots of ideas and motivation to join the Advisory Board for
Development Cooperation (KENKKU) of SYL. The National Union of University Students in
Finland (SYL) represents 14 member organisations and 140,000 university students. The
development cooperation advisory board administers SYL’s development cooperation
projects together with the Development Policy Adviser and the board member. The term of
office will begin in August 2024 and end in July 2025.
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 sustainable development, development
cooperation and human rights. Members are expected to participate actively in the meetings
during their term. Meetings are held once a month and can also be attended remotely. 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.
A maximum of 15 members will be selected for the Advisory Board, some of whom will
continue from the previous term.
The KENKKU members of SYL are divided into small groups, each of which elects a
chairperson to ensure that the team works smoothly.
1. Communications and fundraising team
The communications and fundraising team team will ensure that our development
cooperation work is visible on social media, create content and come up with ideas for
developing our communication. Additionally, the team coordinates student union visits and
project fundraising. The team can also 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 is responsible for managing a development project in Zambia 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.
4. A chairperson
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?
The application is a short motivational letter where
1. motivation and experience are described
2. what one would like to learn during their KENKKU period
3. is stated how one is in contact with possible development cooperation organizations
at their student union is described
4. in addition, one is asked to express interest in teams and in leading teams or the
entire KENKKU. Any long-term obstacles to attending meetings (e.g. studies abroad)
should also be mentioned.
Please send the application directly to your sudent union. You can send the application to
the specialist in International Affairs of JYY Saara Silvennoinen by the 26th of March at
23:59.
In our 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.
Further information:
https://syl.fi/en/development-cooperation/
Specialist in International Affairs of JYY Saara Silvennoinen
kv-asiantuntija@jyy.fi
Board Member of SYL responsible for Development Policy Aino Halinen
044 906 5004
aino.halinen@syl.fi