Apply HERE
Application Deadline: Saturday, 25th January 2025.
The Youth Activators Lab (YAL) invites passionate and experienced professionals in the development space to join us as mentors for our 12-month program dedicated to nurturing the next generation of changemakers in Nigeria.
As a mentor, you will have the unique opportunity to guide young, driven individuals on their path to creating impactful change in their communities, sharing your expertise and insights gained from years of experience.
Mentorship sessions are designed to be flexible, allowing mentors to connect with mentees at convenient times throughout the year.
About the Youth Activators Lab (YAL) program
YAL is a one-year program designed for young leaders interested in using systems thinking as a leadership tool to address developmental issues in communities across Nigeria. This program empowers young leaders by building their capacity to develop innovative solutions to social challenges, foster change, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants will undergo monthly training in key areas such as leadership, advocacy, project management, and fundraising while benefiting from mentorship provided by seasoned global leaders.
Eligibility to be a mentor:
- Professional Experience: Minimum of 8 years of experience in the development sector, corporate, and business.
- Skills and Background: Strong experience and skills in youth development, advocacy, project management, leadership, or other fields relevant to sustainable development.
- Commitment: Willingness to provide consistent guidance over 12 months with flexible mentoring sessions of 4 hours commitment per month
- Passion for Youth Development: A genuine desire to support and inspire young leaders, helping them refine their skills, understand development challenges, and create meaningful solutions.
This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the future of Nigeria’s youth while expanding your network with other leaders in the development field. Join us in supporting young innovators and advocating for sustainable, community-driven change.
Mentor Expectations for the Youth Activators Lab (YAL) Program
Thank you for committing to mentor the next generation of leaders through the YAL Program. As a mentor, here’s what we expect from you:
1. Commit to 12 Months of Engagement
- Consistency: Mentor your assigned mentee(s) throughout the 12-month program, aiming for regular check-ins, ideally monthly or bi-monthly.
- Flexibility: Coordinate schedules with your mentee to accommodate mutual availability.Share Expertise and Guidance
2. Expertise and Guidance
- Professional Insights: Provide advice based on your experience in areas like systems thinking, project management, leadership, and advocacy.
- Skill Development: Help mentees strengthen essential skills to address community issues sustainably.
3. Actively Support and Encourage
- Motivation: Offer constructive feedback, celebrate progress, and encourage resilience.
- Individualised Support: Tailor your mentorship to each mentee’s unique goals and strengths.
4. Foster Growth and Independence
- Empower Decision-Making: Guide mentees toward solutions, encouraging critical thinking.
- Set Goals: Collaboratively set achievable goals and track progress.
5. Follow Program Guidelines
- Confidentiality and Respect: Keep all mentee discussions confidential and foster a respectful environment.
- Program Feedback: Engage with the YAL team and provide feedback when requested.
Benefits of Being a Mentor on the Youth Activators Lab Program
As a mentor in the YAL program, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact while gaining numerous professional and personal benefits:
1. Shape the Next Generation of Leaders: By guiding young changemakers, you will play a direct role in empowering the next generation of leaders who are working towards sustainable development in Nigeria.
2. Expand Your Professional Network: Connect with a diverse group of experienced professionals, global leaders, and other mentors within the development sector, enriching your network and opening new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
3. Enhance Leadership and Mentorship Skills: The experience of mentoring will further develop your leadership abilities, particularly in guiding, coaching, and inspiring others to achieve their goals.
4. Public Recognition and Speaking Engagements: Mentors will have the opportunity to showcase their expertise and gain recognition within the development community. Additionally, mentors will be invited to participate in speaking engagements and events organized by NGYouthSDGs, offering a platform to share their knowledge, insights, and passion for youth development.
5. Engage with Passionate Youth: Working closely with ambitious young leaders will provide you with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, allowing you to stay connected to emerging trends and challenges in the field of sustainable development.
6. Personal Fulfillment: Witnessing the growth and success of your mentees as they implement solutions and create meaningful change in their communities will be a deeply rewarding experience.
Mentor-Associate Pairing
Mentors and associates (participants) will be paired based on complementary skill sets and areas of expertise. For example, if a mentee is interested in advocacy and public policy, they will be matched with a mentor who has a strong background in advocacy or policy-making. This approach ensures that the mentor’s expertise aligns with the mentee’s developmental goals, enabling a more focused and impactful mentorship experience.
Application and Onboarding
What is the application process?
Submission of Application: Application to be a mentor for the 2025 cohort of the Youth Activators Lab will be open for few weeks. However, kindly note that NGYouthSDGs reserves the right to close the form at any time due to the volume of applications we receive. We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so please submit yours as soon as possible.
Review and Screening of Applications: We will review all applications, and for applicants who successfully pass the screening process, you will have the opportunity to book a slot for a 10-minute introductory call with the team at the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative. During this call, we’ll discuss the mentoring process and what you hope to gain from the program, as well as answer any questions you may have.
Notification of Acceptance to the Program: Applicants will be notified of their acceptance as mentors into the Youth Activators Lab and will also receive an onboarding package to help them get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the duration of the mentorship commitment?
The program runs for 12 months. Mentors are expected to engage with their mentees consistently throughout this period.
Q2: How many hours are required per month?
Mentors are expected to commit approximately 4 hours per month, including virtual meetings and other forms of support.
Q3: What if my mentee is unresponsive or leaves the program?
If a mentee is unresponsive, please notify the program coordinators. If your mentee exits the program, you may be placed on hold until a new mentee is assigned in the next cohort.
Q4: Will I be matched with multiple mentees?
Typically, each mentor will be paired with one mentee to ensure focused and impactful mentorship.
Q5: How are mentors and mentees paired?
Pairing is based on complementary skill sets, interests, and the mentee’s developmental goals.
Q6: What happens during mentorship sessions?
Sessions involve discussions tailored to the mentee’s goals, professional insights, skill-building exercises, and guidance on addressing developmental challenges in their communities.
Q7: How are the sessions conducted?
Most mentorship sessions will be virtual, using platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or other mutually agreed-upon communication tools.
Q8: Will mentors receive recognition for their participation?
Yes, mentors will be acknowledged through public recognition, opportunities to speak at NGYouthSDGs program events, and certificates of appreciation.
Apply HERE
Application Deadline: Saturday, 25th January 2025.
