Call for Applications: | Join The Youth Café Youth Council And Become A Catalyst For Change

Call for Applications: The Youth Café Youth Council

Introduction

The Youth Café is proud to announce the launch of its Youth Council, a pioneering initiative designed to amplify youth voices, foster leadership, and drive transformative change across Africa and beyond. Inspired by best practices from global youth councils and advisory boards, this programme offers young leaders a platform to influence policy, shape programmes, and champion inclusive development.

Vision and Purpose

The Youth Council will serve as a dynamic body of young leaders committed to advancing innovation, equity, and sustainability. Its purpose is to:

  • Provide strategic input into The Youth Café’s programmes and governance.

  • Strengthen youth participation in decision-making processes.

  • Champion diversity, inclusion, and gender equity.

  • Foster collaboration between youth, governments, civil society, and international partners.

Why Join?

Becoming a member of The Youth Café Youth Council means joining a network of visionary young leaders who are shaping the future. Benefits include:

  • Leadership Development: Access to tailored training, mentorship, and coaching.

  • Global Exposure: Opportunities to engage with international organisations, forums, and networks.

  • Influence: Direct involvement in shaping youth-focused policies and programmes.

  • Capacity Building: Skills in advocacy, facilitation, governance, and innovation.

  • Community Impact: A chance to design and implement initiatives that address pressing social challenges.

Eligibility Criteria

We welcome applications across Africa from diverse backgrounds. Applicants must:

  • Be between 18 and 35 years old.

  • Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to youth empowerment.

  • Have experience in community engagement, advocacy, or innovation.

  • Show willingness to dedicate time and energy to council responsibilities.

  • Embrace values of inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration.

Roles and Responsibilities

Council members will:

  • Participate in quarterly meetings and strategic dialogues.

  • Advise on programme design, implementation, and evaluation.

  • Represent youth perspectives in policy discussions.

  • Lead thematic working groups on innovation, governance, equity, and climate resilience.

  • Act as ambassadors of The Youth Café in their communities and networks.

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, with shortlisted candidates invited for interviews. Final selections will prioritise diversity across geography, gender, and expertise.

Timeline

  • Launch of Call: [19th February, 2026]

  • Deadline for Applications: [19th March,2026]

  • Interviews: [19th March-19th April, 2026]

  • Announcement of Council Members: [30th May,2026]

Commitment

Council members will serve a renewable one-year term. Participation requires dedication to regular meetings, active contribution to working groups, and representation of youth voices with integrity and passion.

Conclusion

The Youth Café Youth Council is more than an advisory body—it is a movement to institutionalise youth leadership in governance and development. By joining, you will be part of a global effort to ensure that young people are not only consulted but are central to shaping the future. We invite passionate, creative, and committed young leaders to apply and help us build a just, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Apply now and be part of the change!

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the form below: