Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NL MFA) International Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) 2023

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NL MFA) launched the Youth at Heart Strategy in 2020, putting young people at the heart of international policymaking, and investing in education and youth employment. . This strategy aims to improve the prospects of young people in the Sahel region, Horn of Africa, Middle East, and North Africa, as these focus regions have very young populations

The International Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) will contribute to achieving the ambitions outlined in the strategy and ensure that NL MFA policies are better geared to match the reality of young people in the focus regions and beyond. The committee works with the ministry on several different themes. Every few months they will cooperate with the ministry on different themes, ranging from youth entrepreneurship to sexual health education, to policies related to digitalisation.

The Committee also functions as an interactive platform between youth and staff of the NL MFA. Young people from both the Netherlands and the focus regions will be part of the advisory committee. Being part of the YAC is also a learning process where room is given to ask questions and receive feedback.

The YAC's pilot phase ran from November 2021 to January 2023. Many important lessons were learned during this period, which has been helpful in ensuring a strong and robust second cohort. In the past year and a half, the YAC has been working extensively with the ministry on themes like Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and skills and jobs programs. In addition to this, the YAC has contributed to the Policy Note for Foreign Trade & Development Cooperation and to the Africa Strategy of the ministry. They have spoken on several on- and offline events and record their own podcast ‘Hello, Future Speaking’

About Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BZ) makes our Kingdom safer and more prosperous and works to create a just and sustainable world. BZ also supports Dutch nationals abroad 24/7. We do all this together with our partners at home and abroad. Working for the Netherlands, worldwide.  

International Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)

Aim and Benefits of International Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)

• Monthly remuneration of €158.
• All costs to and from the Netherlands (including visas, flights, and accommodation) will be covered.

Requirements for International Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Qualification

• 18-29 years of age as of March 23rd, 2023.
• English language proficiency at B1 level or above.
• (Online) intercultural communication skills.
• Flexibility and availability to work 10 hours a week and attend online meetings as well as meet-up weeks in the Netherlands.
• Reside in one of the focus regions: the Sahel, Horn of Africa, Middle East, North Africa, and the Netherlands.
• Active in your local community and possess a large network of young people.
• Socially involved and interested in development issues and foreign policy.
• Able to handle perceived hierarchy and age differences.
• Experience in working in a professional context.
• Able to manage expectations, and provide clarity, transparency, and flexibility in the given assignment.
• Growth potential.
• Additional expertise and experience in the field of meaningful youth particpation is seen as a plus, but not a requirement.

Interview date, Process and Venue for International Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)

Selection Procedure

• Round 1: Selection based on CV
• Round 2: Selection based on motivation
• Round 3: Interview

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Please upload your CV and cover letter along with the application form.

Note: only applicants who get invited for the interview will be contacted by April 7th. Interviews will take place between 17-20th of April.

Apply through the Typeform link here

For more details visit the website.