The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a leadership and advisory opportunity established under the Pathways to Scale (P2S) programme, a multi-country initiative implemented by World University Service of Canada in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and supported by Seedstars.
The programme operates across Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda, focusing on strengthening women-owned and women-led enterprises through gender-responsive business support and improved access to finance. The broader goal is to create approximately 93,000 work opportunities for young women, particularly those living in rural communities.
The Youth Advisory Committee is designed to ensure that the lived experiences, perspectives, and priorities of young women remain central to programme implementation and decision-making.
Purpose of the Youth Advisory Committee
The YAC serves as a strategic advisory platform that enables young women to actively contribute to programme evaluation, implementation, and community engagement. The committee ensures that the programme remains inclusive, locally relevant, and responsive to the realities faced by young rural women entrepreneurs.
The primary objectives of the committee include:
- Amplifying the voices and experiences of young women in programme decision-making
- Strengthening youth and gender responsiveness across programme activities
- Supporting inclusive and community-centred implementation approaches
- Promoting meaningful participation of rural women in entrepreneurship initiatives
- Enhancing programme relevance and long-term impact
Through this structure, the programme seeks to embed youth leadership and community participation into every stage of implementation.
Role and Responsibilities of YAC Members
Selected Youth Advisory Committee members will contribute strategic insights and community perspectives to strengthen programme effectiveness.
Core responsibilities include:
- Providing recommendations on programme design and implementation
- Identifying barriers affecting young rural women entrepreneurs
- Proposing practical and community-informed solutions
- Supporting integration of youth and gender perspectives into programme decisions
- Reviewing communication and outreach materials for accessibility and relevance
- Participating in youth engagement activities and knowledge-sharing sessions
- Supporting dissemination of programme information within local communities and networks
Successful applicants will receive a detailed workplan during onboarding and orientation processes.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme seeks applications from dynamic young women leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 from Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old throughout the committee term
- Have experience running or co-managing a business, preferably in a rural setting
- Demonstrate commitment to women’s economic empowerment
- Possess interest and experience in entrepreneurship and youth development
- Show ability to represent peers and advocate effectively
- Demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills
The programme strongly encourages applications from:
- Young rural women
- Women with disabilities
- Refugees and internally displaced young women
- Women from diverse socio-economic and geographic backgrounds
At least 70% of selected members will come from rural communities.
Desired Competencies and Leadership Qualities
Selected members are expected to demonstrate leadership potential, community engagement capacity, and collaborative problem-solving abilities.
Desired competencies include:
- Ability to provide constructive and solution-oriented feedback
- Commitment to gender equality and youth leadership principles
- Strong peer mobilisation and community engagement skills
- Willingness to learn and share knowledge collaboratively
- Basic working knowledge of English (preferred but not mandatory)
The committee values diverse perspectives and prioritises inclusive representation across participating countries.
Duration and Participation Requirements
The Youth Advisory Committee appointment runs for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of renewal based on programme needs and member engagement.
Participation expectations include:
- Commitment of approximately 3–4 hours per month
- Participation in at least four meetings annually
- Engagement in virtual meetings and collaborative sessions
- Occasional participation in reviews, consultations, and programme events
- Potential attendance at one or two in-person meetings where feasible
Most committee activities will be conducted remotely to ensure accessibility across participating countries.
Benefits and Support
Although the committee role is voluntary, members receive support and recognition for their contributions.
Benefits include:
- Modest honorarium and data stipend for participation in virtual meetings
- Opportunity to influence a major multi-country development initiative
- Exposure to regional and international development networks
- Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
- Coverage of travel and accommodation expenses for approved in-person engagements
The programme also provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and participation in broader youth leadership and entrepreneurship discussions.
Organisational and Programme Context
The Pathways to Scale (P2S) initiative reflects a broader commitment by World University Service of Canada and the Mastercard Foundation to strengthen women’s economic inclusion and entrepreneurship ecosystems across Africa.
The programme focuses particularly on supporting young rural women by improving access to:
- Business development services
- Entrepreneurial training and mentorship
- Financial inclusion opportunities
- Community-based support systems
- Economic participation and leadership opportunities
The Youth Advisory Committee ensures that these interventions remain responsive to the needs and aspirations of young women entrepreneurs.
Application Process and Deadline
Interested applicants are required to complete the official application form before the stated deadline.
Application deadline:
- 12 May 2026
The application process is competitive and seeks individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, entrepreneurial experience, and commitment to community impact.
Conclusion
The Youth Advisory Committee under the Pathways to Scale programme provides an important leadership platform for young women entrepreneurs across Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda. Through advisory participation, community engagement, and strategic input, selected members will contribute directly to shaping inclusive entrepreneurship and economic empowerment initiatives.
The initiative reflects a strong commitment to youth leadership, gender inclusion, and community-centred development across Africa.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
