Youth Advisory Panel at Plan International Nigeria

The Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) is a youth-owned and youth-led platform established by Plan International Nigeria to ensure meaningful youth participation in decision-making. Through the Youth Advisory Panel, young people are not treated as passive beneficiaries. Instead, they actively serve as co-creators, influencers, and decision-makers shaping policies, programmes, and advocacy efforts that affect their lives and communities.

By joining the Youth Advisory Panel, young people—especially girls and young women—gain a direct voice in national and regional conversations on gender equality, education, governance, and youth development.

What Is the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP)?

The Youth Advisory Panel functions as Plan International Nigeria’s principal structure for youth engagement. Importantly, YAP operates independently while aligning with the organisation’s broader vision and mission.

Moreover, the panel strengthens youth influence within organisational governance, supports programme implementation, and expands engagement with external partners and gender-focused groups. As a result, YAP ensures that youth perspectives inform decisions at every level.

Why the Youth Advisory Panel Matters

Young people face unique challenges related to education, inequality, and social inclusion. Therefore, YAP exists to ensure these realities shape policy and programming.

Through the Youth Advisory Panel, Plan International Nigeria actively:

• Deepens youth participation in governance and accountability
• Amplifies youth voices in advocacy and policy dialogues
• Strengthens gender-responsive and inclusive programming
• Promotes leadership among girls and young women

Consequently, YAP plays a critical role in driving sustainable, youth-informed development outcomes.

Key Responsibilities of the Youth Advisory Panel

Policy and Advocacy

YAP members provide strategic advice on policy and advocacy initiatives that advance Plan International Nigeria’s mission. In addition, they contribute youth perspectives to national and international dialogues on child rights, gender equality, and social inclusion.

Members also support the development and dissemination of policy briefs, position papers, and advocacy messages that reflect young people’s priorities.

Strategy and Governance

YAP members advise on organisational strategic plans and annual work plans. Furthermore, they participate in planning and budgeting processes to strengthen transparency, inclusiveness, gender representation, and accountability.

By contributing lived experiences and youth insights, members help enhance youth engagement across Plan International Nigeria’s governance structures.

Programmes and Campaigns

YAP members provide youth- and girl-informed perspectives to programme design and implementation. As a result, projects become more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.

Members also:

• Advise on youth-focused events and campaigns
• Review youth- and child-centred project proposals
• Define success indicators and feedback mechanisms
• Lead or co-facilitate workshops and community engagements

These contributions directly strengthen organisational learning and impact reporting.

Cross-Cutting Roles

Across all thematic areas, YAP members promote meaningful youth engagement, gender equality, and inclusion. Additionally, they support the creation of youth-friendly, gender-responsive communication materials, tools, and learning resources.

Members also facilitate capacity-building sessions and collaborate with the Youth Engagement Officer and Gender & Inclusion Lead to monitor and document YAP activities and outcomes.

Participation and Representation

YAP members actively represent youth voices within and beyond the organisation. Responsibilities include:

• Attending bi-annual in-person YAP meetings
• Participating in quarterly state-level meetings
• Nominating representatives to management meetings
• Joining project start-up, review, and close-out meetings
• Engaging in ad hoc virtual consultations as needed

Through these activities, YAP members ensure youth perspectives remain visible and influential.

Important Note on Data Privacy

Submitting the application form does not automatically collect personal details such as name or email address. Applicants must provide these details voluntarily within the form.

How to Apply

Young people interested in influencing policies, programmes, and advocacy at national and regional levels are encouraged to apply.

👉 Apply here

Early applications are recommended.