Apply to become a member of SYL’s development cooperation advisory board!
We’re looking for imaginative and motivated actors for the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) Advisory Board for Development Cooperation (KENKKU). SYL represents 14 member organisations and more than 150,000 university students. The Advisory Board for Development Cooperation manages development cooperation projects together with SYL’s development policy specialist and a member of the board.
The term begins in August 2026 and ends in July 2027.
Please note that we don’t expect you to be a professional – you just need to be motivated and eager to learn about sustainable development, development cooperation and human rights. Members are also expected to actively participate in meetings during their term of office. Meetings are organised once a month, and you may also attend remotely. If a meeting is organised in Helsinki, lunch will be served and the travel expenses of the representatives will be reimbursed according to the SYL travel regulations.
A maximum of 15 members will be elected to the Advisory Board, some of whom will be continuing members from the previous term.
KENKKU members are divided into small groups. A chair is elected for each group. The chair will ensure that teamwork runs smoothly.
1. Communication and fundraising team
The communication and fundraising team ensure the visibility of development cooperation activities on social media, creates communication content and brainstorms ideas for communication development. The team also coordinates student union visits and fundraising activities. The team can also assist with development policy advocacy, for instance by participating in public debates on topical issues.
2. Ethiopian project administration team
The team will manage a development cooperation project in Ethiopia that supports higher education students with disabilities, familiarise themselves with annual reports, plans and more, and liaise 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. Global citizenship education team
The team is responsible for coordinating and developing SYL’s global citizenship education activities in cooperation with SYL’s development policy specialist. The team also coordinates KENKKU’s student union visits and organises SYL’s participation in the World Village Festival and other events. The role requires interest in project work and the ability to work independently and on your own initiative.
4. Chair
We are also seeking a person to lead the KENKKU activities and chair its meetings. The chair also reports to the SYL board.
How to apply
Send your short motivation letter to JYY’s Specialist in International Affairs Emilia Lakka via email to emilia.lakka@jyy.fi by April 30. Please title your email “Hakemus KENKKUn jäseneksi”. All applications will be acknowledged as received. Note: The application period has been continued until May 4th at 11.59pm.
In your motivation letter, you can describe your views and experience related to KENKKU and related activities, what you would like to learn during your KENKKU term, and how you could keep in contact with JYY’s development cooperation actors.
Additionally, we hope you will express your interest in different roles within KENKKU based on the profiles outlined above and describe your language skills. Any long-term obstacles to attending meetings (e.g. studies abroad) should also be mentioned.
JYY will nominate 1-3 candidates for the position, and the selection of nominees will be made at JYY’s board meeting on May 7. The final selection will be made by SYL.
SYL emphasises diversity and equal opportunities in its activities and welcomes applicants from different backgrounds and of different genders. The selection process will take into account the applicants’ motivation, experience, and the fact that the advisory board must include representatives from different student unions.
Further information:
Vice-chairperson of the SYL Board Emilia Enroth (questions related to the position)
emilia.enroth@syl.fi
JYY Specialist in International Affairs Emilia Lakka (questions related to JYY’s application process)
emilia.lakka@jyy.fi