USAID Center on Children in Adversity International Youth Digital Leadership Council

Application Deadline: January 22, 2021. 

The International Youth Digital Leadership Council or “Digital Youth Council” is a 12-member council of young leaders between the ages of 16 and 24 years who are working on issues related to digital platforms and safety, and who are interested in reducing digital harm for children and youth.  

Members will work together to advise, inform, and advocate for greater protection from digital harm as the US Agency for International Development (USAID) rolls out its Digital Strategy, thereby strengthening the next generation of digital changemakers and advocates. 

Digital Council members are expected to start in March 2021 and serve for one year with the possibility of extension for a second year. The Council is supported by YouthPower2: Learning and Evaluation (YP2LE), a USAID-funded activity focused on building and disseminating the evidence on Positive Youth Development (PYD). 

Digital Council Member Roles & Responsibilities 

With guidance from USAID, Council members will bring their personal and professional experiences working on digital platforms and safety to advise on key topics related to digital engagement and the prevention of digital harm to young people.  

The Digital Council will not only serve as an important voice in helping to guide the implementation of USAID’s Digital Strategy, but young people will also help to raise awareness of digital harm in their countries, and influence national leaders, the private sector, civil society, their community, and other youth on how best to keep safe while learning, playing, and exploring in the digital world. 

Required activities for Digital Youth Council members  

The Digital Youth Council will meet monthly (virtually) to discuss and plan ideas and build their capacity as youth ambassadors on digital harm. The meetings will follow an agenda focused on assorted topics (e.g., digital harm, digital assets, gender, digital literacy), starting with an initial kick-off designed to connect members with one another allowing them to share their experiences online and interests in preventing digital harm. A full onboarding process will orient members to the role of the Digital Youth Council and expected outcomes of the group. Each member will undertake an individual or group project on a topic related to the prevention of digital harm and present their project findings in the final two meetings of the Digital Youth Council.  

All Digital Youth Council members will:  

• Take part in 12 monthly virtual Council meetings on key topics of discussion for USAID and the young leaders. 

• Present on their project at the end-of-the year session. 
• Develop a tailored social media awareness raising campaign for their specific geographic region. 
• Form part of an ongoing community of practice on youth leadership on YouthLead.org. 
• Respond in a timely manner to emails and communication from USAID requesting input.  
• Serve a one-year term based on active participation, with the possibility of extension for a second year. 

Digital Youth Council Member Qualifications 

Council members will work directly with Mattito Watson, Senior Technical Advisor, Children and Adversity, USAID DCHA/DRG, Children in Adversity Division. Additional member support will be provided by Sarah Sladen, Senior Youth Engagement Advisor, YP2LE, Making Cents International.  

Based on the goals and objectives of the Digital Youth Council, members will be expected to meet the following requirements:  

• Aged 16 to 24 years as of January 1, 2021. 
• Have promoted or engaged in digital literacy, prevention of digital harm, or similar issues at a local, national, or international level and/or have a good understanding of digital harm and how youth are accessing digital platforms and the internet in their region. 

• Have a strong peer network and social media presence and can reach large numbers of young followers in their region. 
• Have a proven ability to inspire and a reputation for inclusive, innovative leadership. 
• Have working ability in English (both written and spoken).  
• Are from a low- and middle-income country and/or very well acquainted with low- and middle-income country contexts and digital harm issues. 
• Can engage in regular Digital Youth Council meetings using platforms such as Zoom or Google Hangout. 

How to Apply  

Interested candidates should submit their completed applications using the online application form here: https://forms.gle/JGFDPrfZhxTexwe28

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until January 22, 2021. 

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the USAID Center on Children in Adversity International Youth Digital Leadership Council