BSSS Mentor role for the GCSAYN First Annual Forum

Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) is organising the First Annual Forum (FAF) on August 11 to August 12, 2026. The theme of the forum is “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation and Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation”

This event aims to commemorate a decade of achievements in promoting youth-led climate-smart agriculture (CSA) initiatives, foster partnerships, and launch the Youth Food Systems Forum (YFSF). The celebration will unite youth leaders, policymakers, donors, and international partners to engage in meaningful discussions and showcase innovative CSA practices.

BSSS is collaborating with GCSAYN on this forum and is seeking a member to act as a mentor to a young delegate attending the event. This is an exciting opportunity to represent the Society internationally, support the development of an emerging professional, and contribute to the ongoing partnership between BSSS and GCSAYN. As a mentor you’ll be required to:

• Serve as a Keynote Speaker in the Opening Plenary on August 11, 2026. The keynote will give a background of BSSS programs and the partnership between BSSS x GCSAYN, and success stories recorded since signing of the 5-Year MoU (2025-2030).
• Support the launch of the Soil Science Club Program (SSCP) Strategy 2026 – 2031, working closely with the BSSS Executive Team and GCSAYN representatives
• Contribute to the preparation of a post-forum report, to be submitted by the end of August 2026, highlighting key activities undertaken during the forum, lessons learned, and recommendations arising from the event
• Work collaboratively with the BSSS Executive Team and the GCSAYN FAF Secretariat to ensure mentoring activities align with the objectives of the BSSS -GCSAYN partnership and contribute to its long-term impact
• You will receive support and assistance from the BSSS Executive team should you need this
• Act as a mentor to the identified African national delegate which will involve:
  • • •  – Meeting with the mentee during the forum to establish mentoring objectives and areas of support
      •  – Exploring the mentee’s professional development goals and identifying how the mentor can assist in achieving them
      •  – Agree a mentoring plan comprising of up to four online mentoring sessions providing guidance, advice, and signposting to relevant opportunities, networks, and resources where appropriate

      The mentor will work closely with both the BSSS Executive Team and the youth delegate throughout the programme. Should any support or guidance be required, the BSSS Executive Team will be available to assist before, during, and after the forum, particularly in relation to the keynote presentation, reporting requirements, and mentoring activities.

      A grant of up to £2,000 will be provided to support attendance at the forum, covering reasonable travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs.

      More information about the event can be found via GCSAYN’s website including the programme for the event.

      More details can also be found here.

      If you’re interested in the role, please send a covering letter expressing your interest and a CV to admin@soils.org.uk by Friday 26 June 2026.