The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) 2026 launched by World University Service of Canada is a high-impact youth leadership initiative under the DREEM 2.0 program. This opportunity is designed to place young people—especially refugees, displaced persons, and host community youth—at the center of decision-making processes that shape development programs affecting their lives.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen youth leadership, improve access to dignified work, and promote inclusive education and economic systems across Africa. Selected members will play a key governance role, influencing program design, implementation, and evaluation while receiving leadership training, mentorship, and financial support.
This is a rare opportunity for young leaders with lived experience of displacement to directly shape continental development policies and programs.
About the Organization and Program Context
World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is a Canadian development organization operating in over 28 countries. It focuses on education, employment, and empowerment of young people, particularly women and displaced populations.
The Youth Advisory Board is part of the DREEM 2.0 initiative, a five-year program that aims to:
- Strengthen refugee and displaced youth inclusion in economic systems
- Improve access to dignified and fulfilling work
- Support refugee-led organizations
- Enhance higher education inclusion
- Promote youth leadership in governance and policy spaces
Through this initiative, young leaders are not only consulted but actively integrated into decision-making structures.
Position Overview: Youth Advisory Board Member
Selected applicants will serve as Youth Advisory Board Members for a renewable term of two years, with the possibility of extension.
Key Responsibilities
Board members will be expected to contribute actively to strategic discussions and program design through the following roles:
1. Strategic Advisory Role
- Provide recommendations on program direction and priorities
- Ensure alignment with refugee and displaced persons frameworks
- Contribute to policy and program development processes
2. Program Design and Implementation Input
- Advise on access to dignified employment initiatives
- Support design of higher education inclusion strategies
- Provide feedback on refugee-led organization engagement
3. Advocacy and Representation
- Represent the DREEM initiative at events and forums
- Act as ambassadors within youth and community networks
- Promote inclusion and awareness of program objectives
4. Knowledge Sharing and Networking
- Connect with youth networks across Africa
- Share best practices and community insights
- Support dissemination of program information
5. Board Participation Duties
- Dedicate 10–15 hours per month
- Attend bi-monthly virtual meetings
- Participate in two annual in-person week-long meetings
- Review program documents and provide feedback
Composition of the Youth Advisory Board
The board will consist of:
- 15 youth members aged 18–35
- Individuals with lived experience of displacement
- Representation from across African countries
- Minimum 60% representation of young women
- Inclusion of persons with disabilities prioritized
Two members will be elected as coordinators to serve as liaison points between the board and program management.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a voluntary leadership role, but it includes structured support and financial recognition:
Monthly Support
- USD 150 monthly honorarium (or local equivalent)
- Communications and participation stipend
Additional Leadership Roles
- Coordinators receive an additional USD 75 per month
Additional Benefits
- Access to Youth Advisory Board Community Fund (up to USD 10,000)
- Full coverage of travel and accommodation for meetings
- Leadership and governance training
- Professional development opportunities
- Advocacy and public speaking exposure
- Mentorship and networking with international stakeholders
Term and Commitment
- Initial term: 2 years
- Renewable: up to 4 years based on agreement
- Expected workload: 10–15 hours per month
- Meetings: Virtual + in-person annual gatherings
Members are expected to actively engage, collaborate, and contribute to decision-making processes throughout their mandate.
Key Areas of Focus
The Advisory Board will primarily influence three key areas:
1. Refugee-Led Organization Engagement
- Access to funding
- Organizational strengthening
- Inclusion in development systems
2. Economic Opportunities
- Employment pathways
- Skills development
- Entrepreneurship support
3. Education Inclusion
- Higher education access
- Training and capacity building
- Learning innovation for displaced youth
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
Mandatory Requirements
- Have lived experience of forced displacement (refugee, asylum seeker, IDP, returnee, or stateless person)
- Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application
- Demonstrate leadership experience in their community
- Be able to contribute constructively in group settings
- Show commitment to youth empowerment and community development
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience with refugee-led organizations
- Knowledge of grant-making or development programs
- Experience in education or employment initiatives
- Strong advocacy or community engagement background
- Language skills in French or Arabic (an advantage)
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
- Updated CV
- Letter of interest explaining:
- Personal background and experience
- Motivation for joining the Youth Advisory Board
- Leadership experience
- Expected contributions to the board
- Future aspirations
Applications must be submitted before the deadline via the official portal.
Deadline
Application deadline: July 5, 2026
Start date: August 2026
Official Application Link
https://wusc.bamboohr.com/careers/340
Conclusion
The Youth Advisory Board 2026 represents a powerful platform for displaced and refugee youth in Africa to influence international development programs directly. Through leadership, advocacy, and structured governance participation, selected members will help shape inclusive systems that respond to real community needs while building their own leadership capacity for the future.
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
