Organization Mission

Youth Co:Lab positions young people front and center in order to solve the region’s most pressing challenges. Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youth so that they can accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship.

Context

In the Asia-Pacific region, over 700 million young people are striving to make a difference every day. However, only 30% of them receive the mental health support they need, largely because of widespread stigma, lack of awareness, and insufficient infrastructure (WHO, 2023).

Young entrepreneurs and community leaders in the region are tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues, from climate change and gender equality to healthcare access. But the immense pressure they face often leads to stress, burnout, and decreased productivity, making it harder for them to sustain their efforts and drive meaningful and lasting change in their community. This urgent challenge highlights the need for youth empowerment platforms to provide the essential support and resources for our youth to improve their mental health and resilience to excel.

When youth have the right tools to maintain good health and wellbeing, they are more creative, focused, and ready to drive lasting change. This not only improves their personal prospects but also boosts local economies, strengthens communities, and helps create a more stable future. Recognising the power of shared experiences and peer support, fostering open dialogue is crucial for creating a supportive environment where young changemakers can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of Youth Team, the Online Volunteer will be expected to:

– Co-facilitate an interactive online dialogue session focusing on peer-to-peer sharing and discussion around the connection between diet, food choices, and well-being.
– Encourage open and respectful conversations on topics such as mindful eating.
– Guide small group discussions within the dialogue session, ensuring active participation and creating a safe space for young changemakers to share their experiences

Required Skills and Experience

The candidate should have:
– Experience or background in nutrition, dietetics, health, or community facilitation.
– Demonstrates excellent communication, active listening, and empathetic skills.
– Proficiency in facilitating group discussions and fostering inclusive environments.
– Non-judgmental, compassionate, and passionate about supporting the mental wellbeing of young changemakers.
– Experience working with youth or in youth-focused initiatives is a strong asset.