Call for Expressions of Interest
Preparation of the CMJ guidelines to implement
Recommendation CM/Rec(2006)14
on citizenship and participation of young people in public life,
and
Congress Resolution 152 (2003) on the revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life
Deliverable for 2023
Background
The recommendation on citizenship and participation of young people in public life was adopted in October 2006 by the Committee of Ministers. The recommendation states clearly the importance of youth participation in democracy and society, and has built concrete standards for the member states of the Council of Europe. The recommendation further recognises education for participation and the provision of opportunities for experiencing participation as prerequisites for the necessary ongoing improvement of democracy, and does not allow for any restriction according to gender, ethnicity, religion, choice of lifestyle or social status, and concerns all young people.
Similarly, Congress Resolution 152 (2003) on the revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life stipulates in particular that participation is about “having the right, the means, the space and the opportunity, and where necessary, the support to participate in and influence decisions and engage in actions and activities so as to contribute to building a better society”.
In view of the above, at its meeting of 11-12 October 2022 in Budapest, the CMJ decided to:
- set up a drafting group to develop guidelines for the implementation of CM/Rec(2006)14 as well as Congress Resolution 152 (2003), composed of two CCJ members, two CDEJ members, as well as one elected representative of the Congress and one youth delegate;
- encourage the drafting group to invite representatives from youth organisations, where their participation would bring added value to the development of the guidelines;
- invite the drafting group to look for opportunities to strengthen the co-operation between the CCJ, the Congress, and the Congress’ youth delegates.
The Youth Department of the Council of Europe is thus looking for an expert to take an active part in the work of the drafting group with the participation of multiple stakeholders from the Council of Europe youth sector, other relevant Council of Europe sectors, civil society and governmental stakeholders, and other interested partners, and to prepare the afore-mentioned guidelines.
Rationale
The Council of Europe has been Europe's leading institution for youth participation in public debate and decision-making processes. It has established itself as a pioneer in defining meaningful youth participation through the development of various participation standards and models, most notably the co-management system which allows youth representatives to sit at the table with government representatives to discuss and make decisions regarding the future priorities, programmes, and budgets of the Youth sector of the Council of Europe.
The unique space of co-management ensures that young people are involved in other Council of Europe activities, such as committees, public events, and policy-drafting groups. The involvement of youth representatives, be they staff or volunteers of youth organisations (at local, national or international levels), board members of National Youth Councils, trainers, or facilitators, ensures a very effective mechanism to promote the policies of the Council of Europe beyond the Organisation, reaching a broader target group of decision-makers, youth organisations, youth workers, and young people.
Likewise, the "Rejuvenating Politics" initiative has been implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (the Congress) since 2014 as part of its commitment to promoting the participation of young people in public life and the decision-making process at local and regional levels.
The "Youth Delegates" initiative provides a unique opportunity for young people from all Council of Europe member states to sit (without voting rights) in a European assembly alongside local and regional elected officials, make their voices heard in official debates, build a network, and have an impact on the Congress' decisions by bringing contributions from a youth perspective. Over the years, this programme has become a prominent initiative that empowers young people to participate actively in official European debates and influence decision-making.
In addition, the World Forum for Democracy, established in 2012, is a platform for dialogue and innovation in democratic governance that promotes the Council of Europe’s principles globally, and actively involves young people. As a one-of-a-kind event, it addresses key challenges facing democracy by fostering debate among various actors to find concrete solutions and by supporting innovative initiatives.
All of the aforementioned initiatives promote the meaningful participation of young people within the structures of the Council of Europe. Young people’s right to participate and be involved in decision-making processes at all levels of member states was acknowledged by a number of Council of Europe resolutions, most notably CM/Rec(2006)14 and Congress Resolution 152 (2003), which established European-wide standards for youth participation in public life.
The aim
Although nearly two decades have passed since both documents were adopted by the Council of Europe and their implementation has already begun, there is a need to intensify efforts and extend their implementation to all corners of the member states and the Council of Europe itself, in line with the statement in CM/Rec(2006)14 that "supporting young people’s participation is not restricted to asking their opinions but must include empowering them to be actively involved in a creative and productive manner".
Consequently, the CMJ has agreed with the need for clearer guidelines for the implementation of these important texts which would serve as a guiding reference to member states in strengthening youth participation in local, regional, and national contexts; as well as supporting youth organisations in accessing policies of the Council of Europe directly related to them.
The drafting group will be created for that purpose bringing together key stakeholders to explore the policies and mechanisms member states should implement to enable young people and youth activists to play a meaningful role in participation in public life as a prerequisite for the better enjoyment of human rights.
The objectives are to:
- explore the roles played by young people and youth activists in promoting and fostering youth participation;
- identify the obstacles and barriers young people encounter in their efforts to promote and foster youth participation;
- reflect on policies and tools member states sh/could put in place to facilitate young people’s meaningful contribution to public life;
- explore positive examples of mechanisms that promote youth participation in policy development and decision-making.
Nature of the Task
The expert-writer contracted for this task will be responsible for proposing and implementing suitable methodology for achieving the aim and objectives of the drafting group, i.e. to develop guidelines for the implementation of CM/Rec(2006)14 as well as Congress Resolution 152 (2003), and for the ultimate drafting of the Committee of Ministers recommendation.
This work will be done in co-operation with the secretariat responsible for the planning and implementation of the work of the drafting group (two members of the Advisory Council on Youth, two members of the European Steering Committee for Youth, a representative of the Congress, a youth delegate). The expert/writer must be available to take part in the drafting group’s meetings.
Required competences:
- Very good knowledge and understanding of policies related to young people’s participation and active citizenship in the Council of Europe member states and at the level of the Council of Europe;
- Good knowledge and experience of the Council of Europe’s values and principles, institutions and structures;
- Experience in supporting multilateral activities involving high-level stakeholders and with politically sensitive issues on their agenda, and proven ability to grasp, facilitate and summarise multicultural and multi-stakeholder policy discussions;
- Experience in drafting soft-law texts and knowledge of the field covered by the proposed CM guidelines, applicants must provide a list of relevant activities/qualifications and one sample of publication;
- Ability to organise and foster teamwork and co-operation;
- Very good command of English as a working language;
- Have excellent drafting skills.
Particular conditions
The expert-writer must be available for the full duration of the work in 2023.
The contract will be remunerated at a daily rate of 250 Euros, and may reach a maximum amount of €4500 Euros depending on the number of worked days.
Deadline for expressions of interest: 18 January 2023
Please use the appended form if you are interested in applying.
****
Form for expression of interest
|
Call |
Preparation of the CMJ guidelines to implement CM/Rec(2006)14 as well as Congress Resolution 152 (2003) |
|
Name and SURNAME: |
|
|
Email: |
|
|
Telephone/s: |
|
|
Address: |
|
|
Working languages: |
English French |
Please provide details of your experience and expertise:
Very good knowledge and understanding of policies related to young people’s participation and active citizenship in the Council of Europe member states and at the level of the Council of Europe;
Active experience in supporting multilateral activities involving high-level stakeholders and with politically sensitive issues on their agenda, and proven ability to grasp, facilitate and summarise multicultural and multi-stakeholder policy discussions;
Experience in drafting soft-law texts and knowledge of the field covered by the proposed CM guidelines, applicants must provide a list of relevant activities/qualifications and one sample of publication;
What motivates you to be an expert-writer in this activity?
Any additional information that might be relevant when assessing your application:
Deadline 18 January 2023:
Please return this form together with your current CV to: [email protected]