Young leaders living with HIV now have a unique opportunity to influence global health policies, strengthen youth-led advocacy, and contribute to decision-making processes at the international level. The Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+ Global) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Board Member positions, inviting passionate youth advocates from selected regions around the world to help guide the organization’s strategic direction and global impact.

As the world’s largest global network of young people living with HIV, Y+ Global is seeking committed and experienced youth leaders who are ready to champion the rights, health, and well-being of young people living with and affected by HIV.

Applications are open until 21 June 2026.

About Y+ Global

Y+ Global is the world’s largest network led by and for young people living with HIV.

Founded in 2005, the organization works to ensure that young people living with and affected by HIV have meaningful opportunities to influence policies, programs, and decisions that affect their lives.

Headquartered in both:

• The Hague
• Cape Town

Y+ Global collaborates with over 109 implementing partners across 30 countries.

The organization focuses on:

• HIV advocacy
• Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
• Gender equality
• Human rights
• Youth leadership
• Capacity building
• Meaningful youth engagement

Since 2024, Y+ Global has:

• Reached more than 102,000 young people through advocacy and empowerment programs.
• Positively impacted over 850,000 lives through its initiatives.

What is the Y+ Global Board?

The Y+ Global Board is responsible for providing strategic oversight, governance, accountability, and leadership for the organization.

The Board consists of approximately:

• 8 to 10 young leaders
• All under the age of 30
• Living with HIV
• Representing different regions worldwide

Board members work collectively to strengthen the organization while ensuring diverse regional voices remain represented in global health discussions.

Regions Currently Seeking Board Members

Applications are specifically being sought from young leaders representing the following regions:

Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA)

West and Central Europe

Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Latin America

North America

Applicants must belong to one of these regions to be eligible for this recruitment cycle.

Why Join the Y+ Global Board?

Serving on the Board provides an opportunity to contribute directly to international efforts aimed at improving the lives of young people living with HIV.

Board members will help shape organizational priorities while participating in global conversations around health, human rights, and youth leadership.

Benefits of Becoming a Y+ Global Board Member

Although Board positions are voluntary, selected members gain significant professional and leadership opportunities.

1. Influence Global HIV and SRHR Responses

Board members help ensure that the voices of young people living with and affected by HIV are represented in international decision-making spaces.

2. Expand Your Global Network

Members connect with:

• Youth leaders
• HIV advocates
• Global health professionals
• Human rights experts
• Civil society organizations
• International development partners

These relationships often lead to long-term collaboration and mentorship opportunities.

3. Develop Leadership Skills

Board members strengthen their expertise in:

• Strategic planning
• Governance
• Policy advocacy
• Decision-making
• Organizational leadership

These skills can significantly enhance future career and advocacy opportunities.

4. Represent Y+ Global Internationally

Members may have opportunities to represent Y+ Global at:

• International conferences
• Regional forums
• Global meetings
• Advocacy events

Participation depends on available funding and organizational priorities.

5. Access Capacity-Building Opportunities

Selected members benefit from:

• Governance training
• Leadership development programs
• Advocacy workshops
• Technical learning opportunities

These experiences help strengthen both personal and professional growth.

6. Gain Recognition as a Youth Leader

Board service demonstrates leadership experience and commitment to social change, helping members build stronger profiles within the global health and development sectors.

Key Responsibilities of Board Members

Board members play an active role in ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of the organization.

Responsibilities include:

Governance and Accountability

• Uphold ethical governance standards.
• Promote transparency and accountability.
• Support organizational integrity.

Strategic Leadership

• Guide implementation of Y+ Global’s strategic plan.
• Contribute to organizational priorities and decision-making.

Board Participation

• Attend virtual and in-person Board meetings.
• Participate in working groups and committee activities.

Policy Development

• Review and approve policies related to HIV, SRHR, and youth well-being.
• Provide strategic input on emerging issues.

Regional Representation

• Engage with youth-led organizations in their regions.
• Share regional priorities and developments.
• Submit regular updates and reports.

Advocacy and Representation

• Represent Y+ Global at relevant events and meetings.
• Support advocacy efforts and policy engagement.

Secretariat Oversight

• Support recruitment and supervision of senior Secretariat members.
• Participate in annual governance reviews.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria.

Age Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be under 30 years old at the time of application.

HIV Status

Applicants must:

• Be openly living with HIV.

Nationality Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be nationals or citizens of countries within the targeted regions.

Language Requirement

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English.

Strong communication skills are essential for Board participation.

Experience Requirement

Applicants should have:

• Experience in HIV advocacy.
• Experience in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiatives.
• Experience working in national or regional HIV responses.
• Experience with youth-led or youth-serving organizations.

Personal Qualities

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Commitment to youth empowerment.
• Passion for meaningful youth engagement.
• Cultural sensitivity.
• Inclusivity.
• Teamwork.
• Leadership potential.

Board Term and Commitment

Selected Board members will be expected to:

Commit to a Two-Year Term

The position requires dedication throughout the full Board cycle.

Board members should be prepared to actively contribute to meetings, governance processes, advocacy initiatives, and strategic planning activities.

Support Provided to Board Members

To promote meaningful participation, Y+ Global provides several forms of support.

Communications Stipend

Board members receive support to cover:

• Internet costs
• Data expenses
• Communication needs related to Board duties

Travel Support

For approved official activities, Y+ Global may provide:

• Travel expenses
• Accommodation
• Per diem support

Administrative Assistance

Members receive practical support from the Y+ Global Secretariat to facilitate active participation.

Selection Timeline

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the official application form before the deadline.

Application Deadline

21 June 2026

Application Form

Apply Here

Contact Information

For questions regarding the opportunity:

• Email: chair@yplusglobal.org

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