Daphine Gitonga

Young people on a guided tour of Ngangao forest, located in Taita Hills in Kenya. Photo: Felix Odhiambo/AFF

Call for Applications: Youth Advisory Council Members for the AfricanYouth4Forests Project

Are you passionate about the role and contribution of young people in the conservation and management of Africa’s forests and tree resources? The AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) project partners’ are looking for a diverse group of passionate young leaders to guide its work for the next two years. If you’re between 18-30 years old and have a personal or professional connection to forests, this is your chance to contribute to the project’s understanding of the needs and evolving priorities of young people in Africa.

About the Project

AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) represents a dynamic intersection between Africa’s verdant forests and its youth. It seeks to empower young Africans (aged 18–30) to transform their environmental aspirations into actionable realities. Marrying ancestral wisdom with contemporary tools, the project focuses on scientific knowledge, and empowerment, fostering a generation that is rooted in its heritage yet forward-thinking in its approach to sustainable forestry.

Forests are Africa’s green canvases, covering one-third of the continent, guarding against climate change, sheltering rich biodiversity, and anchoring countless livelihoods. Yet, their whispers grow fainter with each fallen tree, each patch cleared, and each fire that rages.

AY4F aims to cultivate a space where young people can embrace scientific knowledge about Africa’s forests to understand their own role in shaping the future governance of forests, share their concerns with experts and society, and seize opportunities from an evolving bioeconomy. It focuses on Kenya and Cameroon but will also– through digital media, networks and collaborations – reach young people across the continent.

The project is jointly implemented by the African Forest Forum (AFF), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), through SLU-Global and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI). It contributes to the African Agenda 2063 and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).

Role of the Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) will provide oversight and guidance on cross-cutting issues affecting youth in the forestry. Made up of four (4) members from each African sub-region, it will constitute knowledgeable and dynamic young women and men with broad experience of challenges and opportunities facing the environment and African forestry youth stakeholders. The YAC will be instrumental in guiding the project partners’ with youth perspectives.

As a member of the Youth Advisory Group, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Provide valuable insights and feedback on the project design, implementation and evaluation.
  • Help define outcomes that are relevant to young peoples’ needs.
  • Act as ambassadors for the project within your community.
  • Strengthen your use of scientific knowledge critical to the sustainable management and wise use of forests.
  • Enhance your leadership and advocacy skills.
  • Participate in the policy dialogue on forests and sustainable development.

Eligibility Criteria

We welcome applicants who:

  1. Have a keen interest in environmental issues, particularly forestry and conservation.
  2. Must be in a tertiary institution.
  3. Are involved in community service, advocacy, or youth leadership
  4. Are engaged with youth organizations, networks or entrepreneurial groups in forestry, or other related areas such as climate change, gender equality, or environmental sustainability.
  5. Are able to participate in conversations in English. In addition, they should be able to write and read (fluently) in English and/or French.
  6. Have internet access
  7. Can commit to biennial Youth Advisory Group meetings and activities.

Term and Participation

Membership term: 24 months.

Participation:

  • Remote with (i) two meetings per year; (ii) two Communities of Practice (CoP) anticipated
  • In-person with one possible forest policy meeting

N/B Participation is voluntary, and no salary will be provided.

 Application Process

To apply, please submit your application to d.gitonga@cifor-icraf.org  with a copy to d.mutta@cifor-icraf.org and exec.sec@afforum.org by e-mail with the subject line: Expression of Interest: Youth Advisory Council Member for the AfricanYouth4Forests Project

Your application should contain:

  1. Your CV: Highlight your experience and involvement in environmental or community initiatives.
  2. Motivation Letter or two-minute video: Explain why you want to join the Youth Advisory Council and how you can contribute.
  3. Recommendation Letter: Provide at least one reference from someone who can speak to your commitment and experience.

 Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 28 October 2024. Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.

To download the Call, click on the link below: