2026 Open call: Apply to become YPARD South Africa Co-Country Representatives

Are you passionate about youth engagement in agriculture and food systems? Are you ready to help shape and strengthen a vibrant community of young professionals in South Africa while connecting to a global movement?

The Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) invites dynamic and motivated young professionals under the age of 35 to apply for the voluntary role of YPARD South Africa Co-Country Representative.

This is an exciting opportunity to champion youth voices in agrifood systems, strengthen your leadership and coordination skills, and co-create impactful initiatives with fellow young professionals locally, regionally, and globally.

To strengthen continuity, collaboration, and gender-balanced leadership within the chapter, applicants are encouraged to apply as a pair of Co-Country Representatives who will jointly coordinate YPARD South Africa activities during the 2026/27 term. 

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Who is a YPARD Country Representative?

A YPARD Country Representative (CR) serves as the national ambassador and coordinator of a YPARD Country Chapter. CRs help strengthen the presence of YPARD within their country by connecting young professionals, institutions, and partners working across agriculture and food systems.

This is a voluntary (unpaid) position requiring approximately 50 hours per year. Representatives are expected to serve for a one-year term and work closely with the YPARD Regional and Global Coordinating Units.

For some chapters, including South Africa, two Co-Country Representatives may be appointed to support teamwork and gender balance.

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What does the role involve?

Selected representatives will:

• Represent and promote YPARD in South Africa
• Build and strengthen networks with youth, agricultural, and food systems organizations
• Coordinate and grow the local YPARD community and chapter activities
• Support knowledge sharing, communications, and visibility of local initiatives
• Engage with YPARD regional and global activities and opportunities
• Collaborate with fellow young professionals to organize activities such as YPARD Cafés, trainings, discussions, mentorship, outreach, and community initiatives
• Contribute to planning, reporting, fundraising, and chapter growth efforts

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Who can apply?

Applications should be submitted jointly by two young professionals interested in serving as Co-Country Representatives for YPARD South Africa. Specifically, applicants should:

• Be under 35 years of age
• Live in South Africa (you do not need to be a citizen; residents on short- or long-term visas are eligible)
• Have a connection to agriculture and food systems through professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or community engagement
• Be interested in connecting young professionals in agriculture and food disciplines locally, regionally, and globally
• Demonstrate previous engagement, leadership, volunteering, or interest in youth and agrifood systems initiatives
• Be motivated to strengthen links between YPARD South Africa and the wider YPARD network
• Have strong collaboration and communication skills and a passion for community-building
• Applicants should demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively as a team and share responsibilities for coordinating chapter activities and engagement.

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Benefits of becoming a YPARD Co-Country Representative

As a YPARD Co-Country Representatives, you will gain:

• Leadership and project coordination experience
• Opportunities to expand your professional network across Africa and globally
• Visibility through YPARD platforms and partner networks
• Access to learning, collaboration, and engagement opportunities within international agrifood systems spaces
• Experience in organizing youth-led initiatives and mobilizing partnerships
• Certificates recognizing your engagement and contributions

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IMPORTANT

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Please read the Full TORs before applying: Click here for full TORs

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Deadline: 31 May 2026

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How to Apply

Please send:

• Both applicants’CV
• A short joint motivation statement explaining why you would like to serve as YPARD South Africa Co-Country Representatives

to:

Kofi Kisiedu Acquaye

Africa Regional Coordinator

africa@ypard.net 

CC: trisha.mandal@ypard.net

Applications must be submitted by 31 May 2026.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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