The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
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The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
03.03.2021
Are you inspired by global development and promoting education internationally? Are you concerned about climate change? Are you a persistent communicator, good at forming networks, or know a lot about funding? Do you want to put some of your knowledge to the use of the rest of the world?
We are looking for people with lots of ideas who are committed and motivated to join the Advisory Board for Development Cooperation (KENKKU) of SYL. The National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) represents 15 member organisations and 135,000 university students. The development cooperation advisory board advises SYL’s executive board on development cooperation, and administers SYL’s development cooperation projects together with the Development Policy Adviser.
However, we don't expect you to be a development policy professional – it's enough if you have motivation and the desire to learn about development cooperation and global education. We expect KENKKU members to commit to their tasks and be motivated but KENKKU is also meant for developing your personal expertise. KENKKU members are expected to participate actively in the meetings during their term.
KENKKU members for the period 2021–2022 can participate in the administration of the Ethiopia project, or contribute to the planning of possible new projects or the development of various activities, such as private sector cooperation. The term of office will begin in in March 2021 and end in May 2022. A maximum of 15 members will be selected for the Advisory Board, some of whom will continue from the previous term. The Advisory Board meets around about once a month in Helsinki, aside from in the summer months, and engages in remote work as required. Lunch is provided as part of meetings held in Helsinki and the travel expenses of attendees are reimbursed in accordance with SYL's travel rules.
KENKKU members are divided into small teams. A person in charge is chosen from each team to ensure that teamwork goes smoothly. We are looking for people with different skills for the advisory board:
The communications team will ensure that our development cooperation work is visible on social media, create content and come up with ideas for developing our communication. The team will assist with development policy advocacy, for example by participating in public discussions of topical issues.
Team members will manage the Ethiopian development cooperation project, familiarising themselves with material such as annual reports and plans and contacting local partners. This task requires an interest in project administration, the ability to work independently, project management skills and the ability to work in English. The four-year Ethiopia project began this year.
Members of this team will participate in the search for new partnerships and the planning of fundraising. For example, team members will be able to plan how to carry out fundraising in practice and cooperation on sustainable development.
However, not all KENKKU work has to be done within the teams. Everyone can participate in social media communications, for example, and individual members can take responsibility for our stand at the World Village festival.
SYL asks the student unions to submit proposals of a maximum of three candidates for the Advisory Board for Development Cooperation. We do not require student unions to have local development cooperation activities and welcome applicants from various background. Applications should include a résumé and a cover letter. Applicants are also requested to state what they would like to learn during their term on KENKKU and how they would contact development cooperation actors within their student union. Applicants are invited to express their interest in teamsand in acting as chairperson of the teams. Similarly, we ask applicants to mention plans that could prevent them from attending several meetings (e.g. studying abroad).
Applications via ISYY are kindly requested to send specialist of interest advocacy Mikko Aaltonen koso@isyy.fi till 15th of March. In our operations, we emphasize diversity and equal opportunities. We hope to receive applications from persons from diverse backgrounds and genders.
Syl.fi, opens in new tab: Development cooperation
Saara Tenhovuori, SYL’s Board Member, saara.tenhovuori(at)syl.fi, tel. +358 44 906 5004