UNICEF Jamaica Children & Youth Council

Deadline: June 7, 2025

Description of the Opportunity

UNICEF Jamaica Calls on Young Changemakers to Join the Children and Youth Council. Are you between 13 and 21 years old and passionate about making a difference in Jamaica? UNICEF Jamaica is now accepting applications for the next cohort of the Children and Youth Council. This is your chance to represent your peers, raise your voice, and help shape decisions that affect children and young people across the island.

This is your opportunity to serve alongside UNICEF and have a platform to take an active role in addressing the challenges that young Jamaicans face by contributing to policy development, speaking up, and driving real change in your communities across the island. This initiative provides young people with a structured platform to influence policy, participate in national discussions and contribute to significant and impactful change. By engaging directly with UNICEF and other stakeholders, council members will help shape initiatives that address the pressing issues facing Jamaican children and youth today.

The 15-member Council will serve a two-year term, working closely with UNICEF specialists to support initiatives such as U-Report and other youth-led advocacy efforts. Applications are now open, and interested candidates must meet the eligibility criteria, including demonstrating leadership potential, a commitment to child rights, and a passion for community engagement. This is your opportunity to shape Jamaica’s future. The UNICEF Jamaica Children and Youth Council is a platform for passionate young leaders to voice their ideas, lead initiatives, and create real change in their communities. If you are ready to speak up, act boldly, and make a difference, this council is for you.

Children and youth council members will:

• Amplify Youth Voices – Represent their peers and advocate for child rights on national platforms.
• Lead and Inspire – Develop leadership skills, participate in decision-making, and contribute to policy discussions.
• Create Impactful Change – Work on key issues such as education, climate action, health, child protection, and social justice.

Benefits

• Add your voice to decision-making processes that affect children and youth nationwide.
• UNICEF will pair Children and Youth Council members with UNICEF staff or external mentors for guidance in their roles and career development.
• Gain experience in public speaking, project management, and advocacy.
• They will ensure all activities are accessible and inclusive, accommodating members with diverse needs (e.g., language, mobility, digital access).
• They will provide chances to represent UNICEF at local, regional, or international events.
• Receive mentorship and tools to support your personal and professional growth.
• UNICEF will issue a certificate of participation upon completion of your term.
• They will highlight exceptional contributions through a “Children and Youth Spotlight” feature in newsletters or social media.
• They will provide a stipend for travel, mobile data, or related costs, as defined by UNICEF.
• They will cover additional travel or participation costs for specific activities, with clear reimbursement guidelines according to UNICEF’s regulations.

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Be between 13 and 21 years old.
• Residency: Be currently residing in Jamaica.
• Alignment with UNICEF Values: Demonstrate a commitment to the ideals and principles of the United Nations, including peacebuilding, human rights, and sustainable development.
• Leadership Potential: Exhibit strong leadership qualities and the ability to inspire and gain the respect of peers, youth leaders, and community members.
• Advocacy Experience: Be experienced in or open to advocating for marginalized or vulnerable children and youth.
• Commitment: Be willing to serve for a minimum term of two years.
• Community Involvement: Have participated in at least one service-oriented group, club, or project for a minimum of one year.
• Skills and Mindset: Be an effective communicator, team player, and critical thinker with a demonstrated ability to innovate and drive sustainable change.
• Conflict of Interest: Not be directly associated with the UN (e.g., consultants, staff, interns) or related to anyone affiliated with UNICEF.
• Non-Partisan: Not actively involved in any political party or promotes partisan politics.

Application Process

Interested candidates must complete an online application form and submit supporting documents to UNICEF Jamaica.

Required Documents for Submission. Applicants must provide the following:

• Completed Application Form: Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and thoroughly.
• Copy of Identification: A copy of a valid School ID, National ID, or passport.
• Parental/Guardian Consent: For applicants under 18 years of age, a signed permission letter from a parent or legal guardian is required, granting approval for participation in Council activities.

For more information, please visit UNICEF Jamaica Children and Youth Council

Apply here