Ma3an (“Together” in Arabic), is a USAID-funded program that seeks to increase youth participation in civic and political life, address youth grievances, and prevent radicalizations in Tunisian communities vulnerable to violent extremism.

About the Youth Mentor Role

Youth Mentors are community youth volunteers serving as peer trainers and mentors for marginalized youth in Ma3an communities to develop skills and support networks. Youth Mentors participate in intensive leadership, teamwork, and technical skills training. Ma3an provides on-going support to Youth Mentors as they conduct peer-led skills training and engage youth in local civic actions, using a Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach to address drivers of violent extremism in their communities. Youth Mentors collaborate with youth-serving organizations and public institutions to extend their reach and integrate their activities with the initiatives of local stakeholders.

• Ma3an Youth Mentor English Application
• Ma3an Youth Mentor Arabic Application
• Ma3an Youth Mentor Arabic Application Instructions

Youth Mentor Responsibilities

Youth Mentors will have a variety of responsibilities coaching and mentoring youth, including:

• Organizing storytelling events that foster empathy and community and that elevate youth voices and stories
• Conducting trainings about media and information consumption (L2D trainings) that prepare youth to interpret and critically engage media and information
• Organizing professional engagement opportunities (PIS events) between youth and professionals in Tunisian communities
• Conducting one-on-one mentoring sessions with youth on career guidance, professional development and other identified themes
• Providing youth resources and support through the Chebeb Ma3an Facebook Group

Ma3an Youth Mentor 2021-2022 Communities

• Gafsa (Mdhilla, Ksar, Gafsa Sud)
• Kasserine (Thala, Feriana, City of Kasserine)
• Tataouine (Bir Lahmar, Tataouine South, Tataouine North)
• Medenine (Medenine North, Sidi Makhlouf, Beni Khedache)
• Ben Arous (Mhamdia, Hammam Lif, Fouchana)
• Tunis (El Kram West)

Eligibility

Youth between the ages of 18 and 29 living/studying in one of the phase 3 communities are eligible to become Youth Mentors.

Selection Criteria

Leadership potential and commitment to community engagement including:

• Vision: Ability to articulate, motivate action and engagement around a positive vision for the future; for self, others, and community.
• Contribution and community service: Able to devote time and effort to serve their community and peers they belong to.
• Perseverance to make impact: Ability to persevere to overcome challenges and difficulties to make an impact.
• Character: Seeking to support peers and have a positive influence on peers and community; recognizes the weight and responsibility of the mentor role. Motivation and enthusiasm about volunteering and contributing to community improvement. Having a proactive mindset.
• Civil society track record: Time spent organizing and participating in civil society activities in their community
• Networking capabilities: Level of acquaintance with local stakeholders in ones’ community

Essential “soft” skills and technical skills including:

• Adaptability and learner mindset: Ability to reflect on own skills, learn new skills and self-develop.
• Empathy: Ability to connect with, understand and respect others from difference backgrounds; along with the ability to be inclusive.
• Teamwork: Ability to bring a positive and solution-oriented attitude when working with others
• Problem solving: Ability to handle difficult and challenging situations, and ability to develop and offer creative solutions.
• Communication: Ability to clearly and respectfully communicate with people from diverse backgrounds; including listening effectively and compromising when ideas do not align.
• Networking: Ability to bring in connections and networks (organizations/ individuals) that would benefit the experience of the youth.
• Events planning and coordination: Ability to set goals as an individual and/ or a team and work on meeting them within time framework.
• Training and facilitation skills: For example, active listening and questioning, creating safe and focused groups, preparation and clear communication.

Training

Selected Youth Mentors will be notified in October 2021 and will attend 2 rounds of 4-day Training of Trainers in November and December 2021 to enhance their skills, strengthen their Youth Mentor network, and learn the expectations of their role. Youth Mentors will attend a refresher training in summer 2022 to apply lessons learned during the remainder of their Youth Mentor commitment.

Serving as a Youth Mentor

2021-2022 Youth Mentors Awardees will have 14 months to complete implementation of their Youth Mentor activities. The Youth Mentor is a volunteer commitment of approximately 40 hours per month for 14 months. Youth Mentors receive training, an honorarium, and the opportunity to develop and use professional leadership and soft skills by supporting youth in contributing to the resilient development of their communities.

Applications are due September 23, 2021. Applications will be read and assessed by a selection committee, and the top candidates will be invited for a virtual or in-person interview between end- August and September 2021.

Learn more about the project or contact ma3anyouthmentors@irex.org.