Applications Open for the Executive Committee Members for The Commonwealth Children & Youth Disability Network (CCYDN)

Applications are now open for young leaders to join the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Children & Youth Disability Network (CCYDN) for a two-year term, from June 2026 to June 2028.

The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm (GMT) on Monday, 11^th May 2026.

This year, 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), two decades since its adoption, shifting from a medical model to a human rights-based approach. This milestone presents an important opportunity to reflect on progress made and accelerate advocacy, inclusion and the meaningful participation and leadership of youth with disabilities towards the impactful implementation of the CRPD for children and youth with disabilities across the Commonwealth.

CCYDN is one of 14 Commonwealth Youth Led-affiliated bodies operating under the auspices of the Commonwealth Secretariat. As the official disability focused Commonwealth youth network and the first to include children’s advocacy and inclusion, CCYDN is led by youth with disabilities and works to strengthen their voices in leadership, advocacy and participation. The network promotes human rights and inclusive futures for children and young people with disabilities across national, regional, and global levels.

Through its programmes and initiatives, CCYDN provides a platform for young people with disabilities to connect, share knowledge and influence the implementation of the CRPD and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

We are currently recruiting for a range of Executive Committee positions and invite applications from youth with disabilities who are passionate about driving change.

Available Positions

Executive Committee (10 Positions)

For disabled youth applicants aged 18 to 28 years from Commonwealth countries:

1. Policy and Research Lead
2. Advocacy and campaigning Lead
3. Communications and Information Lead
4. Engagement and Capacity Building Lead
5. Fundraising and Development Lead
6. Africa Regional Representative
7. Asia Regional Representative     
8. Caribbean Regional Representative
9. Europe & Americas Regional Representative
10. Pacific Regional Representative  

 Associate Executive Committee (3 positions)

For disabled youth applicants aged 29–33 from Commonwealth countries

International Associate Executive Committee (5 positions)

For disabled youth applicants aged 18–33 from non-Commonwealth countries

How to Apply

• Applicants are required to complete the Application Form, including a CV (maximum 2 pages), and examples of relevant work and experience. One can also include an optional short video, all to be submitted before the deadline on Monday, 11^th May 2026.

The interviews will be taking place the week commencing 18^th May 2026 and shortlisted applicants will be contacted directly.

• Further details on eligibility criteria, work themes, roles and responsibilities and application guidance are available online here

• Overview of the various positions roles are available online here

We encourage you to share this opportunity widely across your networks and among organisations working with youth with disabilities.

We look forward to receiving your application.

For more information, please contact CCYDN by emailing: ccydn@includemetoo.org.uk