National Conference 2025 - Directorship Applications

National Conference brings together over 100 of the brightest and most engaged students from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region for an incredible week of discussion, debate, and so much more. It is Australia’s largest annual residential youth conference, and is consistently recognised by their government as Australia’s premier conference for young people. During the conference, delegates will represent a UN member state and engage with global issues from this perspective. But the National Conference is about much more than Model United Nations.

HOW IT WORKS

National Conference takes the form of a mock session of the UN General Assembly where many issues relating to the theme will be debated by delegates. Delegates will debate, amend, and vote on prepared resolutions from the perspective of their assigned nation.

Workshops

Apart from the Model UN sessions, delegates can look forward to awesome workshops, engaging with industry leaders through speaker panels and fun excursions to learn about and explore Brisbane.

Teamwork

Teamwork is indispensable in Model UN, as it fosters collaboration and leverages diverse strengths to navigate complex diplomatic challenges effectively. All delegates should actively participate and work harmoniously together with the other delegates.

Research

Delegates reflect their state’s policies, priorities, and agenda in their advocacy with reasonable accuracy when participating in the MUN debates. Delegates apply their research to demonstrate understanding of their nation and the issues under discussion.

A Diplomatic Manner

Diplomacy is characterised by a manner of constructive engagement, where disagreement is channelled towards productive results through mature deliberation. In particular, teams must engage with their counterparts as if they would continue to do so long into the future, avoiding tactics like bullying that produce a short-term result at a high long-term cost.

The National Conference this year will be held in Adelaide from 5th-12th July. This is an incredible opportunity for two passionate volunteers to play a big role in delivering a uniquely rewarding experience to our rangatahi. We are looking to appoint two Co-directors and there will be six high school aged participants chosen for the trip.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Please note that the below responsibilities are non-exhaustive and may evolve over the course of your appointment.

The Co-directors will be directly responsible for managing most aspects of the delegation. You will collaborate closely with the National Executive and the Board of Directors throughout your term to develop the trip.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the application process for tour participants.

• Working with the National Finance Officer to finalise a budget.

• Seeking sponsorship and supporting participants in seeking individual sponsorship.

• Liaising with competition coordinators and relevant representatives of UN Youth Australia.

• Preparing and coaching participants for the competition.

• Delivering pastoral care to participants during the delegation.

• Organising any additional activities outside of the conference while in Australia.

• Assisting the event organisers in the facilitation of the finals.

• Maintaining consistent communication with the National Executive both prior to and during the event.

Co-director participation/flight costs will be completely covered by the participant registration fee, which will be finalised prior to your appointment.

Leading the delegation is a significant responsibility - you will need to empower, manage and support the participants before and throughout the trip. You will need to set the work programme to ensure the delegation is successful and consistent with UN Youth’s objectives. Additionally, you will oversee the financial management of the delegation, pursue sponsorship opportunities and report regularly on planning. Throughout the trip, you will be expected to have daily check-ins with a designated National Executive liaison, who will in turn be available to provide support whenever needed.

The role requires strong leadership, collaboration and interpersonal skills. The level of commitment should not be underestimated.

TERM

The Co-Director role will involve a commitment from appointment to the completion of final reporting after the conference. By this time, delegation finances will need to be wound up. This includes submitting all relevant financial documentation and following up on outstanding matters following the delegation.

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?

Being an International Event Director will be a unique experience and an amazing development opportunity. If you have the skills we are looking for, we highly encourage you to apply! More specifically, below are five key reasons why you should apply.

Community

The friends you make in our organisation are a big reason for people to come back again and again. This role is a great opportunity to meet new, like-minded and passionate people or work with your friends.

Fun

A role such as this will be a great deal of work, but it can also be fun! You will have the opportunity to present your own ideas for the delegation, work with awesome people and form memories for a lifetime.

Service

If you have participated in UN Youth events in the past, you will know how educational and transformative they can be. This role is a fantastic way to give back to the organisation and contribute to the wider community through direct youth development.

Challenge

Organising an International Event is no small task. This role is really something that is significant and special – perfect for someone looking to extend or challenge themselves.

Prior experience with UN Youth is preferred. You are not required to be a current tertiary student. In fact, we encourage applications from UN Youth alumni who are looking to give back one more time.

ELIGIBILITY AND EXPECTATIONS

There are specific criteria to be eligible for this position.

You must:

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

● Be able to fully commit to the relevant UN Youth Australia and UN Youth Victoria policies and expectations;

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

● Have no criminal convictions.

A full-time commitment is expected for the duration of the tour.