What if the people shaping global mental health data actually included those who have lived through mental health challenges themselves?
UNICEF is making that vision a reality.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is inviting applications from five Youth Advisors to join its Technical Advisory Group on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Measurement (TAG-CAMHM). Rather than requiring advanced research qualifications, this opportunity recognizes the value of lived experience, ensuring that young people have a genuine voice in shaping how child and adolescent mental health is measured around the world. (INEE)
Opportunity at a Glance
- Organization: UNICEF
- Programme: Technical Advisory Group on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Measurement (TAG-CAMHM)
- Role: Youth Advisor
- Number of Positions: 5
- Application Deadline: August 17, 2026
- Application Method: Email submission
What Is TAG-CAMHM?
The Technical Advisory Group on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Measurement (TAG-CAMHM) is an independent advisory body established by UNICEF to improve how children’s and adolescents’ mental health is measured globally.
The group helps shape the frameworks, tools, indicators, and evidence that governments, researchers, and international organizations use to understand young people’s mental health and design better policies and interventions.
As a Youth Advisor, you will contribute directly to these discussions alongside internationally recognized researchers, technical experts, and policymakers—bringing perspectives rooted in lived experience rather than simply observing from the sidelines. (INEE)
Who Should Apply?
UNICEF is looking for young people who can contribute meaningful insights through:
- Personal lived experience relating to mental health
- Involvement in child and adolescent mental health advocacy
- Experience in research, policy, or evidence generation
- A passion for improving mental health outcomes for children and young people
Formal academic credentials are not the defining requirement. UNICEF is intentionally creating space for young voices whose experiences can strengthen global mental health measurement. (INEE)
Strong Encouragement for Applicants from the Global South
UNICEF is particularly encouraging applications from young people who are based in, or have significant experience working within:
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- South Asia
- South-East Asia
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- Middle East and North Africa
- Eastern Europe and Central Asia
This reflects UNICEF’s commitment to ensuring that global mental health standards are informed by diverse regional perspectives rather than being dominated by a single part of the world. (INEE)
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare:
- A one-page statement describing:
- Your interest in serving as a Youth Advisor
- Relevant experience
- What perspective you would contribute to the Technical Advisory Group
- A CV or professional profile of no more than two pages.
How to Apply
Submit your application by email to:
Use the subject line:
Youth Advisor Expression of Interest – TAG Child and Adolescent Mental Health Measurement
Application Deadline: August 17, 2026 (INEE)
Why This Opportunity Matters
Global mental health policies are often informed by technical experts and researchers. This initiative recognizes that young people with lived experience possess equally valuable expertise.
Successful applicants will:
- Influence international mental health measurement standards
- Work alongside leading global experts
- Help shape evidence that informs future policies and programmes
- Ensure that young people’s realities are reflected in global decision-making
With only five Youth Advisor positions available, this is a highly competitive opportunity offering a meaningful seat at the table rather than a symbolic youth engagement role. (INEE)
Final Thoughts
If you are passionate about child and adolescent mental health and want to help shape how the world understands and responds to the mental well-being of young people, this is an exceptional opportunity to contribute at the highest level.
UNICEF’s deliberate emphasis on lived experience and representation from the Global South makes this one of the most accessible and impactful global advisory opportunities currently available for young leaders.
Application Deadline: August 17, 2026.
