Youth Leadership Council - Call for Membership at Global Fund for Children

Youth Leadership Council Call for Membership

This is a volunteer role, with financial support provided to help cover participation costs and other forms of recognition agreed upon with GFC and the Youth Leadership Council. It is not an employment position with Global Fund for Children.

Open Call: June 6, 2025
Close Call: June 23, 2025 at 12:00 AM (UTC+5:45)

Global Fund for Children

Global Fund for Children (GFC) partners to build a world where all children and youth enjoy equal resources and opportunities in society and live free from violence, discrimination, and exploitation. GFC invests in innovative local organizations and individuals, helping them deepen their impact and strengthen their ability to drive social change. Together, GFC and its partners advance the rights of children and youth facing poverty and injustice, equipping them with the tools and skills to reach their full potential.

Since 1997, GFC has invested $51 million in over 900 organizations, reaching more than 11 million children and youth worldwide. For more information, visit www.globalfundforchildren.org.

The Youth Leadership Council

The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) is a global group of young leaders who advise GFC and elevate the voices of youth within the organization’s work. The Council is designed to:

• Challenge GFC to continue shifting power towards a more equitable funding ecosystem, and to advocate for young people’s leadership and autonomy by offering feedback on organizational strategy and decision-making.
• Foster a space for mutual learning and knowledge-sharing between young people and GFC, supporting both personal development and collective care.
• Contribute energy, insight, and creativity across GFC’s areas of work, such as programming, communications, safeguarding, and DEIA, amplifying the rights and agency of children and youth.

YLC members are champions of GFC’s mission and embody the organization’s Core Values: Courage, Passion, Partnership, Learning, Inclusion, and Excellence.

This is a volunteer role, with financial support provided to help cover participation costs and other forms of recognition agreed upon with GFC and the Youth Leadership Council. It is not an employment position with GFC.

How does it work?
The Youth Leadership Council is a self-organized group of young people from diverse regions of the world who work to strengthen GFC’s approach to youth leadership, autonomy, and engagement. GFC facilitators support the group with logistical, technical, and budget-related matters and serve as a bridge between the YLC and the wider GFC team.

Time commitment and meetings

• Bi-monthly YLC meetings: Members will meet as a Council virtually for 1.5 hours every 2 months, on the last Friday of given month (time to be confirmed). This will be a space to share updates, learn from each other and foster connection as a Council.
• Quarterly Youth Board meetings: Members meet with GFC’s senior leadership each quarter to provide feedback and insights on key strategic topics, helping GFC remain accountable to young people globally.

Members commit an average of 5 hours per month, including meeting time and engagement with other GFC areas of work and teams.

Leadership and council structure

Co-Chairs: Two Council members are selected to serve as Co-Chairs. They provide leadership, foster collaboration and accountability, and represent the Youth Leadership Council on GFC’s Board.

Areas of Engagement: Every Council member is expected to engage in at least one area of engagement within GFC according to their personal interest, selected at the beginning of their term. Members will be connected with the designated GFC staff responsible for their chosen area of engagement, who will then facilitate your participation and explore engagement opportunities. Areas of engagement are:

• Ambassadors for GFC: Collaborate with GFC’s Communications and Marketing team to co-create messaging, design campaigns, and promote YLC activities.
• DEIA and safeguarding champions: Work closely with GFC’s DEIA and Safeguarding teams to promote equity, inclusion, and wellbeing, contributing to a culture of care.
• Local and regional advocates: Engage with GFC’s regional teams, programs and partners to support grassroots leadership and youth-led initiatives.

Other engagement opportunities may arise throughout the term, which will be shared by GFC facilitators of the YLC.

For local and regional engagement, preferably the YLC member live in or are from a country where GFC has active partners or programs. For more details, visit: https://globalfundforchildren.org/our-partners/?view=map

Term
The YLC term is two years, with the option to renew. As a volunteer role, flexibility is provided to accommodate academic, professional, or personal commitments that may arise.

Are you the young leader we’re looking for?

We welcome applicants with one or more of the following experiences:

• Leading or mobilizing youth movements or organizations
• Volunteering or working with youth groups or councils
• Advocating on issues that affect children and young people
• Directly working with children and youth
• Demonstrated commitment to youth through academic, community, or professional engagement
• Experience in one or more of GFC’s priority areas: Education, Gender Equity, Safety and Wellbeing, Youth Power, Climate Resistance, and Emergency Solidarity

We also value the following qualities and commitments:

• Age 18–28 at the time of application
• Ability to hold conversations in English
• Access to the internet
• Preferably living in or from a country or region where GFC works
• Willingness to publicly represent GFC and actively participate in the Council’s work
• Commitment to safeguarding, civic engagement, and social justice
• Awareness of the challenges facing children and youth in your local or regional context

We strongly encourage applications from individuals with diverse lived experiences and identities, including women and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, individuals from the Global South and rural communities, people with disabilities, those from socio-economically underrepresented groups, individuals working in the informal economy, academia, or business sectors, non-university-educated individuals, indigenous and other racialized or minority groups.

How to apply
To apply, please complete the online application form by June 23, 2025 at 12:00 AM (UTC+5:45) using the following link: https://global-fund-for-children.breezy.hr/p/ba256587efb1

This is a volunteer role, with financial support provided to help cover participation costs and other forms of recognition agreed upon with GFC and the Youth Leadership Council. It is not an employment position with GFC.

The selection process is collaborative, involving current YLC members and GFC staff. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a conversation, and all candidates will be notified of the outcome.

Selected candidates will begin their term in August 2025.

For any questions, please contact: ylc(at)globalfundforchildren.org

Global Fund for Children is an equal opportunity organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.