Apply to become a member of SYL’s advisory board for development cooperation or SYL’s climate network

Apply to become a member of SYL’s advisory board for development cooperation (KENKKU) or SYL’s climate network!

SYL’s advisory board for development cooperation (KENKKU)

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 submit your application via email to tilda.lassila@hyy.fi before 9th of April.

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.

SYL’s climate network

Are you concerned about climate change? Do you want to put some of your knowledge to use for the rest of the world?

We are looking for people with lots of ideas who are committed and motivated to join SYL’s Climate network. The National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) represents 14 member organizations and 135,000 university students. The Climate Network acts as an advisor to SYL’s Board on climate impact and works together with a member of SYL’s Board.

We do not expect you to be a professional – motivation and a desire to learn new things about sustainable development and climate change are enough. We require members of the climate network to commit to their responsibilities. Members of the climate network are expected to attend meetings actively during their term.

The climate network develops the climate impact of SYL and the student unions. The Climate Network is a group of student union actors and students who write blog posts on SYL’s website, represent SYL at various events and events, participate in various rounds of opinions as an advisory body, and devise and develop climate impact for SYL and student unions. Additionally, the network will participate in planning new climate-related projects. The term of office begins in August 2024 and ends in July 2025. A maximum of 15 members will be elected to the climate network. The climate network meets about once a month and generally works
remotely.

We are looking for a chair for the climate network to lead the climate network’s activities and meetings. The chairman also reports on the activities to SYL’s Board of Directors.

SYL asks the student unions to submit proposals of a maximum of three candidates to the Climate network. Applicants from different backgrounds are welcome.

Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation in which the applicant can indicate his or her interest in being a member of the climate network. The applicant is also asked to indicate what they would like to learn during the climate network. In addition, the applicant is invited to express their interest in chairing the Climate Network. Any longer-term barriers to attending meetings (e.g. planned studies abroad) are also requested.

Please send the application directly to your sudent union.

You can submit your application via email to tilda.lassila@hyy.fi before 9th of April.

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.