Deadline: July 18th 2026
Call for the YES Advisory Group
The YES Advisory Group (AG) is an independent body that acts as an advisor to the EEE-YFU / Global Office Project Coordinator (PC) and YES Core Teams regarding how to meet the 2035 YES strategic goals (and beyond). The Group also acts as a sounding board for the Project Coordinator to reflect on long-term decisions and helps transition between Project Coordinators in case of staff changes.
Background and position
We are looking for three members to join the Advisory Group in September, one member will serve a two-year term, and two members will serve three-year terms. Being part of the Advisory Group is a volunteer task, so members receive no financial compensation.
All mandates end on August 31st and start on September 1st. The current mandates in the AG are as follows:
Franziska Schade (until 2026)
Melisa Balci (until 2026)
Natalia Wierzbicka (until 2026)
Andreea Madar (until 2027)
Diego Ardouin (until 2027)
Elina Torma (until 2028)
New members to be selected (until 2029)
Open position and length of the mandate
All Advisory Group members commit to attending its online meetings and actively participating in the work of the AG.
The tasks of the AG include:
Maintaining an overview of what is being done and the next steps in implementing the 2035 strategy, together with the PC
Updating strategy-related YES documents (such as the Guiding Principles) and produce updates on the progress to the staff and community
Assisting the PC in drafting calls for the AG selections and the next YES strategy meetings
Storing YFU and YES-related documents and making sure that access to important files and produced work is not lost in transitions.
Safeguarding the knowledge of the YES' history and traditions and work to preserve them in an archive
Supporting the PC with quality assessments of the YES events.
Advising PC and/or the YES Core Teams in their fields of expertise (e.g. consulting, mentoring, fundraising, or even leading projects or initiatives related to the event)
Helping the PC procure funding from different sources (e.g. by planning and writing grant applications or finding sponsorships)
Contributing to the ideation and co-creation of initiatives that enhance the strategic outlook of the YES
The Advisory Group can support the Global Office transition between Project Coordinators in case of staff changes
Attending the YES is not mandatory, as the role of the AG is not directly about that ongoing edition of the YES, but it is recommended.
Role and responsibilities of the YES Advisory Group
To give a clearer picture of what work in the AG entails, here are a few examples of the work done in the current cycle:
Code of Conduct: A working group in the AG worked on creating the Code of Conduct, which is now mandatory to sign for each volunteer participating at the YES.
New YES Team structure: Based on feedback from the community, a working group has defined a new Leadership structure at the YES, which was implemented starting with the YES 2025.
New strategy (continues): Given the substantial changes in the world since the 2020 creation of the 2030 strategy, in 2023 the Advisory Group has undertaken the task of redefining our goals and developing a long-term strategy for 2035, with a strong connection to current and former YFU Global Strategies and all strategic work that has been done specifically for the YES so far.
Take a look at the 2023/2024 Evaluation Report to discover how we are driving a more inclusive, impactful, and sustainable future for the YES community!
Examples of work done in 2023-2026
Here are just a few reasons why you should apply to join the YES Advisory Group.
Help improve YES, the biggest event in YFU, and help YES thrive for another 30 years!
Get an opportunity to work consistently on a strategic level and implement, define, and monitor long-term goals
Increase and challenge your skills in different areas (marketing, developing educational content, strategic thinking, event planning, fundraising, etc.)
Get a chance to put some of your boldest ideas forward and potentially make them a reality
Gain experience in working with YFU on an international level.
Why apply to be part of the Advisory Group?
Workload
As an AG Member, you can expect to dedicate approximately 1–2 hours per week to your volunteering role. If selected, we ask that you commit to attending monthly meetings, actively participate in at least one (or more) working groups and attend related meetings.
Our current working groups focus on:
Developing the new YES educational framework
Finalising the YES 2035 strategy
Securing an alternative YES venue in case the current venue is unavailable
Strengthening collaboration with YFU Member Organisations
Improving the visibility of YES and the YES AG
Improving motivation and accessibility for students and volunteers to attend the YES from non-European countries
In the coming months, we aim to expand our focus to additional key topics, and we look forward to your contributions in shaping these discussions!
You do not have to be a pro-consultant to become part of the YES Advisory Group, but there are a few requirements:
You’re fluent in English, which is the working language of the AG
You possess a high level of independent working and project management skills
You can commit to the full term of the position and the tasks outlined above
You have a high level of motivation, responsibility, and dedication for YFU and the YES
You fulfill one (or more) of these requirements:
have been at the YES as a volunteer within the previous five years
have been at the YES as a volunteer more than five years ago AND are still active in a Member Organisation
are active in a Member Organisation and have the specific and relevant experience needed by the Advisory Group (e.g. educational design, leadership, strategic planning, marketing, or fundraising)
are a staff member of a YFU organisation who works with the YES.
The selection committee specifically calls for candidates with specific competencies critical for the Advisory Group. Being able to demonstrate skills and work experience in these areas will give you an advantage:
Strategy Development
Marketing and Communication
Knowledge Management
Fundraising and Partnerships
Desired profile of applicants
Process and deadline
The deadline for the application is July 18th, 2026. All candidates are asked to submit a motivation letter, and while optional, a recommendation letter is highly encouraged. Applications are received through this online form which will include the motivation letter. The recommendation letter can be submitted via the same form or sent to yes.ag@yfu-yes.org within the application period.
The selection committee for the new members will be composed of: the Project Coordinator for the YES (Elisabeth Markert) and the Advisory Group members. There may be other staff members of the Global Office who will support in the selection. The Project Coordinator or other selection committee members cannot write recommendation letters because of their role in the selection process.