United Nations Youth Delegate Programme for Ireland 2022

The National Youth Council of Ireland, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, have announced the call for applications for the United Nations Youth Delegate Programme for Ireland 2022 – 2023 which will support two young people aged between 18-25 years to join Ireland’s delegation to the United Nations.

The aims of United Nations Youth Delegate Programme Ireland are:

To provide a platform for young people from Ireland to be represented at the United Nations;
To directly involve young people from Ireland in the international diplomacy and foreign policy and decision-making agenda;
To hear and include the voice of young people on development, human rights, and global citizenship issues at local, national, and international levels;
To promote development and youth policies among young people in Ireland;
To familiarise young people in Ireland with global development issues, the Sustainable Development Goals, and opportunities for action;
To support global citizenship activities and development initiatives in Ireland.

This Programme will support young people to be agents of change, and to foster active global citizenship through engagement with the UN, contributing to building a world of justice, equity, peace, and dignity.

United Nations Youth Delegate Programme for Ireland 2022 – 2023

Applicants should be:

Between the ages of 18 – 25 years (on 24th June 2022)
Resident on the island of Ireland for the duration of the Programme (September 2022 – September 2023)
A self-starter
Committed to giving significant time to this Programme
Experienced in organising events and committed to organising consultations and events with young people/others in Ireland (and possibly other locations) and sharing their experiences with others, through written reports and social media, including videos
Interested in policy making and writing, capable of digesting lots of information and quickly turning around policy papers/speeches
Experienced in using social media and online communication tools such as Zoom
Committed to regularly using blog/video/webinar/social media posts
Experienced public speakers
Available for online interview – week of July 18th TBC
Able to travel/participate in UN Youth Delegate meetings (subject to Covid restrictions)
Curious about the world; interested in diplomacy, disarmament, public engagement, development education and global citizenship education, and youth issues
Passionate about solving today’s most pressing problems and working to engage young people in this important agenda

Skills and qualifications

Essential:

Experience engaging with peers and other young people (e.g. through youth organisations, volunteering, etc.)
Policy making experience
Event organising experience
Media/social media/communications experience
Knowledge of international current affairs
Experience in negotiating and in leading out on workshops and training
Excellent report writing, communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills
Culturally competent
Ability to work collaboratively with others – senior NGO reps, young people, youth organisations, DFA, NYCI, etc.

Desired:

Knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals
Knowledge of the UN Youth Strategy
Knowledge of development policies in Ireland and at UN level
Knowledge of Development Education / Global Citizenship Education

What you must commit to if you are chosen as a UN Youth Delegate:

Attend intergovernmental conferences in person/online (subject to Covid restrictions): United Nations General Assembly (September/October 2022 TBC), the ECOSOC Youth Forum (January/February 2023 TBC), Human Rights Council (June/July 2023 TBC), and the High-Level Political Forum July 2023 (TBC)
Participate in training at EU level
Regular reporting to/meeting with NYCI and DFA on activities, actions, and consultations
Consultation/visits/participation in events with young people, youth organisations, educational institutions and NGOs in Ireland to increase awareness among young people in Ireland on global issues and promote UN values
Regular participation in UN Youth Delegate support meetings (NYCI/European Youth Forum/DFA)
Meet with DFA/NYCI/Irish Mission in New York and Geneva (in-person/online)
Organise side events in New York and Ireland (TBC)
Work with Irish Missions on UN policy issues, planning meetings, networking and supporting the team (as appropriate)
Work with UN Youth Delegates from other countries on policy issues, planning meetings, events, social media, and networking
Complete a report when term of office is complete
Workshops/Consultations/Meetings with young people and organisations around Ireland on development/Sustainable Development Goals issues in Ireland and the world with a special emphasis on Youth, Peace and Security and Youth Rights (in-person/online)
Publication of blogs/videos/articles on specific topics regarding youth issues at a local and global level
Hand over meeting with future delegates
PR and social media (as negotiated with DFA/NYCI) throughout your term of office, particularly using social media/blogs/photos/video when travelling in Youth Delegate capacity