CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Youth Advisory Council (YAC) – Jowhar, Hirshabelle State of Somalia.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Youth Advisory Council (YAC) – Jowhar, Hirshabelle State of Somalia.

About the YOU-ACT Project.

The YOU-ACT Project funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and jointly implemented by FAO, IOM and Shaqodoon Organization, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Hirshabelle. The project is designed to empower young women and men in Jowhar, Middle Shabelle, to become active agents of peace, social cohesion, and inclusive governance.

At its core, YOU-ACT focuses on strengthening the skills and capacities of young people including young women, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and members of marginalized communities to participate meaningfully in conflict resolution, mediation, and civic engagement. By connecting youth with elders, local authorities, and diaspora networks, the project establishes inclusive platforms where diverse groups can jointly plan, manage, and monitor community development initiatives.

The project addresses resource-based conflicts, particularly those related to land and water, which are major drivers of tension in Jowhar. To tackle these challenges, YOU-ACT employs innovative and participatory approaches such as youth-led digital cadastral mapping to identify land disputes, community-led planning and matching grants to encourage inter-communal collaboration.

Through these efforts, YOU-ACT aims to strengthen youth leadership in governance, enhance their role in community planning, and foster collaboration between youth, elders and local authorities. The project is currently launching a call for applications for Youth Advisory Council Members in Jowhar, to provide an opportunity for young people to actively shape the future of their community and to institutionalize youth participation in local decision-making.

Overview

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is the central youth governance body of the YOU-ACT Project and provides a structured platform for young people to actively participate in shaping the future of their communities. It gives youth the opportunity to represent their communities in district-level planning and decision-making, while also leading and coordinating initiatives that strengthen youth engagement in peacebuilding and development. Through the YAC, young people play a vital role in facilitating dialogue across communities, helping to prevent conflict and promote unity. The Council will bring together representatives from the four target villages of Horseed, Bulo Sheikh, Kulmis, and Hantiwadaag, alongside youth drawn from internally displaced and marginalized communities, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in its composition.

Roles and Responsibilities of YAC Members

• Represent community priorities in the Community Action Plan (CAP)

• Lead youth participation in community-based planning and resource management.
• Organize consultations, focus group discussions and community initiatives.

• Support community engagement to promote peace and social cohesion.

• Participate in early warning systems and conflict mitigation strategies.

• Strengthen communication between youth groups, local authorities and other platforms.
• Advocate for youth inclusion in government decision-making and urban planning.

Eligibility Criteria

• Aged 18–35 years.

• Resident of one of the target villages or IDP communities in Jowhar.

• Demonstrated commitment to peacebuilding, mediation, or community leadership.
• Ability to work inclusively with people of Jawhar.

• At least 40% female representation will be maintained women strongly encouraged to apply.
• Special consideration for persons from minority clans, IDPs, and persons with disabilities.

How to apply:

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

1. Motivation Statement (max 300 words) explaining why you want to join the YAC and how you can contribute.
2. Summary of Relevant Experience (CV)

Submit applications to: jobs@shaqodoon.org cc’ed Dg@moys.hs.so

Deadline for submission: 30th August 2025.

Note: This is a voluntary role with no financial remuneration. YAC members will serve their communities and contribute to lasting peace and inclusive governance in Jowhar.

 

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