WUSC Opens Applications for Fully Remote Youth Advisory Committee Under the Pathways to Scale Program: Apply by 12 May 2026

World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is inviting applications for its Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) under the Pathways to Scale (P2S) program.

The initiative seeks dynamic young women leaders from Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda to help shape a major entrepreneurship and economic empowerment project focused on young women, particularly those in rural communities.

The opportunity is fully remote and offers selected participants the chance to contribute to a regional development initiative supported by the Mastercard Foundation.

About the Pathways to Scale (P2S) Program

Pathways to Scale (P2S) is a five-year initiative implemented by WUSC in partnership with Seedstars and supported by the Mastercard Foundation. The program operates across Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda, with a mission to strengthen women-owned and women-led businesses.

Through gender-responsive business development support and improved access to finance, the program aims to create 93,000 work opportunities for young women, especially young women living in rural areas.

The initiative focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs by improving access to skills, networks, funding opportunities, and market systems that can help businesses grow sustainably.

Purpose of the Youth Advisory Committee

To ensure that the program remains inclusive and responsive to the realities faced by young women entrepreneurs, WUSC is establishing a Youth Advisory Committee.

The committee will serve as a strategic platform where young women can directly contribute to the implementation, evaluation, and improvement of the P2S project. By engaging young women leaders from participating countries, the program seeks to ensure that local voices and lived experiences shape decision-making processes.

The Youth Advisory Committee aims to:

• Amplify the voices and aspirations of young rural women
• Strengthen youth and gender responsiveness across project activities
• Promote locally relevant and community-driven programming
• Improve inclusion and accessibility within entrepreneurship initiatives

Roles and Responsibilities

Selected YAC members will play an important advisory role within the project. Their responsibilities will include:

Providing Strategic Feedback

Committee members will review and provide recommendations on program design, implementation, and delivery to ensure activities remain relevant to young women entrepreneurs.

Identifying Community Challenges

Participants will help identify barriers affecting young rural women in business and contribute ideas and practical solutions that can improve program impact.

Supporting Gender and Youth Inclusion

YAC members will advocate for stronger youth and gender representation within project decision-making and activities.

Reviewing Outreach and Communication

The committee will help assess communication materials and outreach strategies to ensure they are accessible, inclusive, and culturally relevant for target communities.

Participating in Community Engagement

Members may take part in youth-focused events, knowledge-sharing sessions, and community mobilization activities while helping spread awareness about the P2S program within their networks.

A detailed workplan will be shared with successful applicants during onboarding.

Who Can Apply?

WUSC is seeking applications from 7 to 9 young women leaders aged between 18 and 35 years from:

• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Nigeria
• Rwanda

Applicants should have entrepreneurial experience and demonstrate a strong commitment to women’s economic empowerment and youth development.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Youth Advisory Committee, applicants must:

• Be a young woman aged 18–35 throughout the committee term
• Have experience running a business individually or within a group setting
• Preferably operate within or support rural communities
• Demonstrate interest and experience in entrepreneurship and youth development
• Possess strong communication and collaboration skills
• Show the ability to advocate effectively for peers and communities

Priority Groups Encouraged to Apply

WUSC strongly encourages applications from:

• Young women from rural communities
• Young women living with disabilities
• Refugees and internally displaced young women
• Women from diverse socio-economic and geographic backgrounds

The program aims to ensure broad representation and inclusive participation across all four countries.

Time Commitment and Duration

The Youth Advisory Committee role is voluntary and designed to be flexible for participants.

Key Details Include:

• Duration: Two years, with possible renewal
• Monthly Commitment: Approximately 3–4 hours
• Meetings: At least four virtual meetings annually
• Additional Activities: Occasional participation in events, reviews, and working sessions
• In-Person Engagements: One or two meetings may be organized depending on feasibility

Benefits and Support

Although the committee role is voluntary, selected members will receive:

• A modest honorarium
• Data stipends for virtual participation
• Professional development opportunities
• Exposure to regional and international development networks
• Opportunities to influence a major multi-country entrepreneurship initiative

Travel and accommodation expenses for approved in-person meetings will also be covered.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are required to complete the official application form before May 12, 2026.

Application details can be found here:

WUSC Youth Advisory Committee Application

For inquiries, applicants may contact:

Final Thoughts

The Youth Advisory Committee presents a valuable opportunity for young women entrepreneurs to influence a major regional initiative focused on economic empowerment and entrepreneurship development.

By centering the experiences and perspectives of young rural women, WUSC’s Pathways to Scale program aims to create more inclusive, impactful, and sustainable opportunities for women-led businesses across Africa.

LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.