Aotearoa Youth Declaration 2026 - Coordinator Applications

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE | MŌ TE HUIHUINGA

Aotearoa Youth Declaration (AYD) is one of UN Youth’s flagship civic education conferences, designed to connect rangatahi with policy-making and spark real impact. Taking place in mid-April, AYD helps participants explore their identities, engage deeply with issues affecting their communities, and discover how they can actively shape positive change.

Participants join hands-on workshops, visit inspiring organisations, and hear directly from leaders in various fields. They then collaborate to draft policy recommendations on issues that matter most to them. These recommendations are published together in the Aotearoa Youth Declaration, a living document that amplifies youth voices in national conversations.

AYD is also about Whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships) and introducing young people to new perspectives and opportunities. It offers rangatahi the chance to connect with peers who share their passion and values, discover their potential as leaders and advocates, and build the confidence to make positive change in their communities and beyond. This inclusive space welcomes young people from all backgrounds, especially Māori and Pasifika youth, to celebrate their culture and identity while learning how to navigate the policy and civic environment.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Coordinator leads the conference from start to finish, bringing your vision to life, managing planning and guiding the organising committee. You’ll work closely with the National Executive, set timelines and oversee every aspect of the event: from logistics and finance to education and welfare.

Leading the committee means empowering and supporting its members, helping them stay on track, and fostering a positive, collaborative team culture. You’ll also be responsible for financial planning, reporting to the Board and National Executive, and building relationships with external partners.

This role calls for strong leadership, communication and organisational skills, and while it’s a big commitment, it’s also deeply rewarding.

TERM

The Coordinator role will involve a commitment from appointment to the completion of final reporting after the conference. By this time, conference finances will need to be wound up. This includes submitting all relevant financial documentation, following up on outstanding invoices and seeking approval from the National Finance Officer.

ORGANISING COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Coordinator leads an organising committee (typically around six volunteers). Each committee member holds a portfolio, which includes:

Administration

The committee is responsible for transparent record-keeping, smooth participant registration, and consistent communication before, during and after the conference. You’ll also prepare detailed reports to the National Executive and Board of Directors, sharing successes, challenges and key recommendations for future years.

Education

AYD’s purpose is to create an enriching, high-quality educational experience. The committee will design and deliver workshops, activities and resources that help participants explore complex issues and build critical civic skills.

Equity & Diversity

Ensuring the conference is accessible to young people from all backgrounds is essential. The committee must actively promote AYD to diverse communities and plan creative ways to reduce barriers to participation. This includes considering financial accessibility, cultural inclusivity and representation across Aotearoa’s youth communities.

Welfare

Participant well-being is a top priority. This means designing the conference to care for participants’ physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs from planning to on-the-ground support during the event.

Finance

The committee will draft a comprehensive, realistic budget to be approved by the National Executive. You’ll need to monitor spending closely, ensure proper financial documentation and comply with UN Youth’s audit requirements.

Logistics

The organising committee will be responsible for venue bookings, catering, merchandise, lanyards, transport, training sessions, and anything else needed to bring AYD to life. The committee must be proactive, detail-focused, and flexible in responding to logistical changes.

Relations

Building and maintaining professional relationships is vital. The committee will liaise with external organisations, guest speakers, schools and other stakeholders, always representing AYD and UN Youth in a professional and approachable manner.

Design

All promotional and participant materials should follow UN Youth’s branding guidelines and be visually engaging. Most design work is done on Canva, but more advanced graphics or print-ready files may also be required to deliver a polished conference experience.

Social Media & Marketing

The conference is one of UN Youth’s most high-profile events, and the organising committee will need to be aware of how the opportunity is represented to students. The organising committee may wish to document the conference using videography.

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?

• Professional Development

  Gain practical leadership and project management experience, build highly transferable skills, and work alongside passionate volunteers from across Aotearoa. This role will strengthen your CV and expand your networks.

• Community

  Being part of UN Youth connects you with a passionate and supportive whānau of peers who share your commitment to youth development and social change. Many volunteers return year after year, forging friendships that last a lifetime.

• Fun!

  While it’s a challenging role, it’s also deeply rewarding. Shape your own vision for the event, bring creative ideas to life, and create memories that last well beyond the conference.

• Service

  Give back to an organisation you care about and help empower the next generation of youth leaders to have their voices heard.

• Challenge

  Organising a national conference is a significant undertaking, an opportunity to push your limits, grow your capabilities, and contribute something truly special to the youth community of Aotearoa.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

We warmly encourage applications from rangatahi who demonstrate exceptional ability and passion in the following four key areas:

Passion: A deep and genuine interest in youth development, civics education, and making a difference for young people in Aotearoa.

Leadership: Someone who thrives when leading a collaborative, motivated team and can inspire others to achieve shared goals.

Communication: Strong skills in communicating clearly and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders, from committee members to external partners and participants.

Organisational Skills: The capability to manage a complex project over many months, keeping track of multiple moving parts and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day.

While previous experience with UN Youth is beneficial, it is by no means essential; what matters most is your drive, commitment, and willingness to learn and grow.

ELIGIBILITY

You must:

• Be able to fully commit to the expectations of the role;

• Be no longer attending secondary school and be no older than 25 years old; and

• Have no criminal convictions.

HE KĀKANO AHAU

He Kākano Ahau is the strategic plan developed by Te Kawekawe, UN Youth’s Māori Pasifika Advisory Committee. It sets out the values, goals, and vision of the organisation, with a strong focus on creating safer, more inclusive, and rewarding spaces for Māori and Pasifika youth. We encourage all applicants to read and reflect on He Kākano Ahau and consider how their vision for AYD can contribute to these kaupapa. He Kākano Ahau can be found here.

QUERIES

If you have any questions about the role, the application process, or anything else related to the conference, please feel free to reach out to the National People Officer, Sara Ahmad, at ([email protected]).

HOW TO APPLY

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please complete the online application form available on our website by the deadline.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend interviews with the National Executive. Following this, a recommendation will be made to the UN Youth Board of Directors Appointments Committee for final selection.

The successful Coordinator will be involved in the recruitment and interviewing of the organising committee members, helping to build a strong and capable team.

Please note that UN Youth reserves the right to reopen applications at its discretion.

If you experience any difficulties completing the application requirements, please contact us for support.

DEADLINE

Applications are due on the 23rd August 2025.

Late applications will not be considered.