Deadline: 26-May-2023
The National Youth Council of Ireland, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, are delighted to announce the call for applications for the United Nations Youth Delegate Programme for Ireland 2023 – 2024 which will support two young people aged between 18-25 years to join Ireland’s delegation to the United Nations.
Since 2015, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) have partnered to provide the opportunity for young people in Ireland to participate in the UN Youth Delegate Programme.
Aims
- The aims of United Nations Youth Delegate Programme Ireland are:
- To provide a platform for young people from Ireland to be represented at the United Nations;
- To directly involve young people from Ireland in the international diplomacy and foreign policy and decision-making agenda;
- To hear and include the voice of young people on development, human rights, and global citizenship issues at local, national, and international levels;
- To promote development and youth policies among young people in Ireland;
- To familiarise young people in Ireland with global development issues, the Sustainable Development Goals, and opportunities for action;
- To support global citizenship activities and development initiatives in Ireland.
- This Programme will support young people to be agents of change, and to foster active global citizenship through engagement with the UN, contributing to building a world of justice, equity, peace, and dignity.
- Note: The UN Youth Delegates participate in the Programme on an unpaid voluntary basis. Travel and accommodation expenses outside of Ireland, which are part of the United Nations Youth Delegate Programme, are reimbursed.
Eligibility Criteria
- Between the ages of 18 – 25 years (on 23rd June 2023)
- To be resident on the island of Ireland for the duration of the Programme (September 2023 – September 2024)
- A self-starter
- Committed to giving significant time to this Programme
- Experienced in organising events and committed to organising consultations and events with young people/others in Ireland (and possibly other locations) and sharing their experiences with others, through written reports and social media, including videos
- Interested in policy making and writing, capable of digesting lots of information and quickly turning around policy papers/speeches
- Experience in using social media and online communication tools such as Zoom
- Committed to regularly using blog/video/webinar/social media posts
- Experienced public speakers
- Available for online interview – week of June 18th 2023TBC
- Able to travel/participate in UN Youth Delegate meetings (subject to Covid restrictions)
- Curious about the world. Interested in diplomacy, disarmament, public engagement, development education and global citizenship education, and youth issues
- Passionate about solving today’s most pressing problems and working to engage young people in this important agenda
Skills and Qualifications
Essential
- Experience engaging with peers and other young people (e.g. through youth organisations, volunteering, etc.)
- Policy making experience
- Event organising experience
- Media/social media/communications experience
- Knowledge of international current affairs
- Experience in negotiating and in leading out on workshops and training
- Excellent report writing, communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills
- Culturally competent
- Ability to work collaboratively with others – senior NGO reps, young people, youth organisations, DFA, NYCI, etc.
Desired:
- Knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals
- Knowledge of the UN Youth Strategy
- Knowledge of development policies in Ireland and at UN level
- Knowledge of Development Education / Global Citizenship Education
What you must commit to if you are chosen as a UN Youth Delegate
- Attend intergovernmental conferences in person/online (and subject to Covid restrictions): United Nations General Assembly (September/October 2023 TBC), the ECOSOC Youth Forum (March/April 2024 TBC), Human Rights Council (June/July 2024 TBC), and the High-Level Political Forum (July 2024 TBC). Note that some countries may require proof of COVID vaccination and/or recovery for non-citizens.
- Participate in training at EU level.
- Regular reporting to/meeting with NYCI and DFA on activities, actions, and consultations.
- Consultation/visits/participation in events with young people, youth organisations, educational institutions and NGOs in Ireland to increase awareness among young people in Ireland on global issues and promote UN values.
- Regular participation in UN Youth Delegate support meetings (NYCI/European Youth Forum/DFA).
- Meet with DFA/NYCI/Irish Mission in New York and Geneva (in-person/online).
- Organise side events in New York and Ireland (TBC).
- Work with Irish Missions on UN policy issues, planning meetings, networking and supporting the team (as appropriate).
- Work with UN Youth Delegates from other countries on policy issues, planning meetings, events, social media, and networking.
- Complete a report when term of office is complete.
- Workshops/Consultations/Meetings with young people and organisations around Ireland on development/Sustainable Development Goals issues in Ireland and the world with a special emphasis on Youth, Peace and Security and Youth Rights (in-person/online).
- Publication of blogs/videos/articles on specific topics regarding youth issues at a local and global level.
- Hand over meeting with future delegates.
- PR and social media (as negotiated with DFA/NYCI) throughout your term of office, particularly using social media/blogs/photos/video when travelling in Youth Delegate capacity.
For more information, visit National Youth Council of Ireland.