We’re looking for imaginative and motivated actors for the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) Advisory Board for Development Cooperation (KENKKU). SYL represents 14 member organisations and more than 150,000 university students. The Advisory Board for Development Cooperation manages development cooperation projects together with a development policy specialist and a member of the board. The term begins in August 2026 and ends in July 2027.
Please note that we don’t expect you to be a professional – you just need to be motivated and eager to learn about sustainable development, development cooperation and human rights. Members are also expected to actively participate in meetings during their term of office. Meetings are organised once a month, and you may also attend remotely. If a meeting is organised in Helsinki, lunch will be served and the travel expenses of the representatives will be reimbursed according to the SYL travel regulations.
A maximum of 15 members will be elected to the Advisory Board, some of whom will be continuing members from the previous term.
KENKKU members are divided into small groups. A chair is elected for each group. The chair will ensure that teamwork runs smoothly.
1. Communication and fundraising team
The communication and fundraising team ensure the visibility of development cooperation activities on social media, creates communication content and brainstorms ideas for communication development. The team also coordinates student union visits and fundraising activities. The team can also assist with development policy advocacy, for instance by participating in public debates on topical issues.
2. Ethiopian project administration team
The team will manage a development cooperation project in Ethiopia that supports higher education students with disabilities, familiarise themselves with annual reports, plans and more, and liaise with local partners. The role requires an interest in project management, the ability to work independently, project management skills, and the ability to work in English.
3. Global citizenship education team
The team is responsible for coordinating and developing SYL’s global citizenship education activities in cooperation with SYL’s development policy specialist. The team also coordinates KENKKU’s student union visits and organises SYL’s participation in the World Village Festival and other events. The role requires interest in project work and the ability to work independently and on your own initiative.
4. Chair
We are also seeking a person to lead the KENKKU activities and chair its meetings. The chair also reports to the SYL board.
How to apply?
Apply by sending a brief motivation letter that
1. Explains your motivation and experience
2. Explains what you would like to learn during the KENKKU term
3. Explains how you would contact the potential development cooperation actors of your student union
4. We also request you to notify us of your interest in the teams and if you are interested in chairing a team or all of KENKKU. Any longer-term obstacles to attending meetings (e.g. planned studies abroad) must also be mentioned.
You must submit your application through your student union. You can find the contact details of your student union on the student union’s website. Student unions are listed on this page.
Student unions are invited to nominate members and e-mail their applications no later than 8 May 2026 to Emilia Enroth, the member of the SYL board responsible for development cooperation (emilia.enroth@syl.fi).
SYL emphasises diversity and equal opportunities in its activities. We welcome applicants from different backgrounds and of different genders. The selection process will take into account the applicants’ motivation, experience, and the fact that the advisory board must include representatives from different student unions.
Further information:
Vice-chairperson of the Board Emilia Enroth
emilia.enroth@syl.fi
