Deadline: 21 September 2025, 10:00 PM (UK time)

Are you passionate about children’s rights and making a difference in your community? UNICEF UK is inviting applications for its next Youth Advisory Board (YAB). This is an exciting two-year opportunity for young people aged 14–18, living and studying in the UK, to become directly involved in shaping UNICEF UK’s work.

What is the UNICEF UK Youth Advisory Board?

The Youth Advisory Board is a team of young people who work closely with UNICEF UK to:

• Act as a voice on children’s rights in the UK and globally

• Provide insight to help UNICEF UK develop new ideas and projects

• Raise awareness through their networks to help other young people understand UNICEF’s mission

UNICEF UK has signed the Power of Youth Charter, and the YAB plays a central role in turning that commitment into action. Members meet regularly through video calls and in-person sessions.

Benefits of Joining the Youth Advisory Board

• Travel and accommodation covered, including for a parent or carer when needed

• Accessibility support provided, such as costs for a personal assistant, interpreter, or translator

• Opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and advocacy skills

• A chance to influence UNICEF UK’s campaigns and programmes for children’s rights

“Being part of the YAB, it’s honestly great knowing that regardless of your background… you can still contribute to making a significant change.” – Sam, YAB Member 2021–2023

Who Can Apply?

To apply, you must:

• Be 14–18 years old

• Live and study in the UK

• Commit to a two-year term (2025–2027)

UNICEF UK is an inclusive organisation and actively encourages applications from young people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from those who are LGBTQIA+, Black, Asian or from another minoritised ethnicity, disabled, young carers, refugees, and from low-income backgrounds.

Key Dates to Remember

• Application deadline: 21 September 2025, 10:00 PM

• Applications reviewed: Week of 22 September 2025

• Interview invitations sent: Week of 29 September 2025

• Interviews: Week of 6 October 2025 (via Microsoft Teams)

• Final decisions: Week of 13 October 2025

• First Youth Advisory Board meeting: 14–16 November 2025 (in London)

Optional “Talk to YAB” Sessions

Interested applicants can attend a Talk to YAB session to hear directly from current members and ask questions about the role, the application process, and their experiences.

• 7 September 2025

• 14 September 2025

Spaces are limited, so early sign-up is recommended.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted in the format that suits you best – written, video, voice note, or presentation.

When applying, you will need to share:

• Your interests, passions, community, and life experiences

• Why you want to join the Youth Advisory Board

• Your interest in children’s rights

• Why youth networks, social action, and community activities matter

Keep written answers to 150 words per question or videos/voice notes under 3 minutes. You will also need to provide your age, gender identity, location, and your parent/carer’s contact details.

Download the Role Description (226 kB)
Download the Recruitment Pack (7743 kB)

What to Expect as a YAB Member

• Attend the first in-person meeting in London, 14–16 November 2025

• Take part in regular online calls and workshops via Microsoft Teams

• Join in-person meetings throughout your term, with dates planned well in advance

• Work as part of a team of young leaders, shaping campaigns, strategies, and policies

Why Apply?

“If you care about the issues affecting young people and are eager to explore children’s rights in a real-life context, apply to join the next generation of the Youth Advisory Board.” – Arthur, YAB Member 2021–2023

This is a chance to make a difference, develop new skills, and be part of a supportive, inspiring team of young leaders.

Apply Now

If you are 14–18 years old, living and studying in the UK, and ready to commit to a two-year term, apply today.

Apply now to join the UNICEF UK Youth Advisory Board – Deadline 21 September 2025, 10:00 PM.

For questions, contact the Youth Voice team at youthvoice@unicef.org.uk.

Source: https://www.unicef.org.uk/working-with-young-people/yab-application/