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About the Role
ABOUT NZ MODEL PARLIAMENT
New Zealand Model Parliament is a 3-day Christchurch-based national event designed for high school students to experience Parliament as a change-maker. With select committees on thought-provoking topics, and deep-dives into current issues through workshops and parliamentary debate, the New Zealand Model Parliament is an experiential crash course into the workings of Parliament.
As our only South Island-based national event, the New Zealand Model Parliament is particularly important for engaging with the youth of Te Waipounamu and improving UN Youth's regional reach. It is also our youngest national event, first run in 2018 - allowing plenty of scope for the committee to grow the conference and truly make it their own.
ABOUT THE ROLES
COORDINATOR
The Coordinator is responsible for managing all aspects of the conference. You will collaborate closely with the National Executive, implement your vision as the Coordinator and lead the organising committee. Leading the committee is a significant responsibility - you will need to empower, manage and support your committee members in everything they need to do. You will need to set the work programme to ensure the conference is successful and consistent with UN Youth’s objectives. Additionally, you will oversee the financial management of the conference, pursue sponsorship opportunities and report on the organising committee’s progress.
The role requires strong leadership, collaboration and interpersonal skills. The level of commitment should not be underestimated.
ASSISTANT COORDINATOR
The Assistant Coordinator has a flexible role requiring them to work across several portfolios. You will work closely with the coordinator to ensure that the conference runs well. A major component of this role is providing support to your fellow committee members as they require. The nature of this position is broad and allows you to define it, along with your coordinator, as you see fit.
The role requires excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
TERM
The Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator roles 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.
WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?
Being a Committee Member 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.
Professional Development
You will gain transferable skills that will benefit you no matter what your future goals are. The opportunity will boost your resume and you will gain a lot of expertise from the other volunteers you will work with.
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 conference, 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 just 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 a national conference is no small task. This role is really something that is significant and special – perfect for someone looking to extend or challenge themselves.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We encourage applications from people who demonstrate exceptional ability in the following four areas:
Passion: Someone with a genuine interest in youth development and global affairs.
Leadership: A leader who thrives in a collaborative team environment.
Communication: The Committee Members will be involved in liaising with a large number of stakeholders.
Organisational Skills: Someone with the ability to organise a complex event over an extended timeframe and involving hundreds of participants.
Prior experience with UN Youth is beneficial, but not necessary.
ELIGIBILITY
There are some specific criteria to be eligible for the New Zealand Model Parliament Committee Member positions.
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.
QUERIES
Questions about the role or the application process can be directed to the National People Officer, Sara Ahmad ([email protected]).
What is UN Youth?
UN Youth is a non-profit organisation focused on providing civics education beyond traditional classrooms. We involve youth in critical national and international affairs through immersive workshops and conferences. We aim to inspire young New Zealanders to be active, global citizens. Global citizenship takes diverse forms, and UN Youth offers opportunities for delegates to develop their own active citizenship style.
Our work equips young people throughout Aotearoa to become informed, engaged, and critical New Zealanders, understanding their global context and the links between local and global scales. Annually, over 3000 young New Zealanders attend UN Youth events, run by more than 150 volunteers across the country - dedicating many hours to engaging youth and growing the organisation.