Our Focal Points

GYCA works with 12 Regional Focal Points and a growing number of National Focal Points in 54 countries. GYCA Focal Points are the main links between GYCA members in all regions, including technology-connected and non-connected young people.

The Regional Focal Points (RFPs) are selected from a group of GYCA members who apply for the position in reach region. They serve a two-year term, and can serve up to two terms based on the quality of their work. RFPs represent GYCA regionally and implement projects based on the needs of young people in their communities. RFPs moderate discussions and generate feedback on the regional listserv in order to share information and engender new ways of approaching global responses to HIV and AIDS.

National Focal Points (NFPs), selected by their Regional Focal Point, are the main points of contact for GYCA members at the national and community levels. Each NFP serves a one-year term, and may serve more than one term. They form GYCA's decentralized leadership by playing a key role in activities at the grassroots level and the inclusion of non-internet-connected youth. With the support of their Regional Focal Point, NFPs organize in-person meetings, moderate national listservs, and map new organizations and members for GYCA's global directory.

GYCA Regional Focal Points are divided in following 12 regions:

Regions

Middle East / North Africa

Regional Focal Point

National Focal Points

West Africa

Regional Focal Point

National Focal Points

Central Africa

Regional Focal Point

East Africa

Regional Focal Point

Southern Africa

Regional Focal Point

National Focal Points

South Asia

Regional Focal Point

Asia Pacific

Regional Focal Point

Caribbean

Regional Focal Point

National Focal Points

Latin America

Regional Focal Point

National Focal Points

Western Europe

Regional Focal Point

North America

Regional Focal Point

National Focal Points

Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Regional Focal Point

Apply to be a Focal Point

National Focal Points from existing membership countries are appointed every year. If you are in a country where GYCA currently has no National Focal Point, please contact your RFP to sign up for the NFP for the country if you meet the criteria.

Follow the links to the qualifying criteria for NFP and RFP.

FAQs

How can I become an RFP?

The GYCA Regional Focal Points are elected by the members in 12 regions across the world. Each RFP has an opportunity to serve a two year term which is renewable annually, after a performance review by staff. Elections are open in each region as the term of the current RFP expires. A call for applications will be announced on this website for the regional applications when a Focal Point position is available.

How long can one be an RFP for?

Each RFP term lasts for two (2) years. Each term is however renewed annually based on the RFPs performance. Each RFP can only serve up to two (2) two-year terms after which the former RFP can serve on a regional support team.

Who qualifies to be a Focal Point?

Any member of GYCA who has interest and experience in working with young people and HIV/AIDS and falls below 28 years on day of application is eligible to apply for a Focal Point position. Interested candidates should also have regional experience about HIV/AIDS and young people within the region of interest. Please refer to Become a Focal Point for more. Candidates will also need to be a member of your regional group to gain support during the election.

What are the benefits of being an RFP?

Although the work of RFPs is voluntary, the role comes with a variety of capacity-building, visibility and networking opportunities. RFPs have been and will often be offered opportunities to represent GYCA and their regional work at international conferences and events, such as the UNGASS Roundtable Review at the UN Secretariat in New York; participate in and help to plan the International and Regional AIDS Conferences and trainings; and take part in collaborative local and regional projects with the UN and NGOs, etc.

Where can I find an application form?

When a call for RFP is open for any region, it will be advertised on your regional page and also on the regional listserv. Also, visit the Get Involved page for more information and to find application forms.

Who are the current RFPs?

GYCA currently has 12 Regional Focal Points in 12 regions across the world. Please refer to the Focal Points map for list of regions and their RFPs. You can find information about your RFP, regional news and how you can participate on that page.

What are the responsibilities of RFPs?

RFPs are responsible for leading GYCA activities within their region and supporting National Focal Points in the process of building GYCA's presence within their region. RFPs are part of GYCA's decision making team and are expected to contribute to discussions on GYCA-related processes. RFPs have a voice in what activities GYCA undertakes and may be called upon to represent GYCA publicly at events in the region. RFPs sign a binding contract for a one-year (renewable) term at GYCA.

How does GYCA divide the regions?

GYCA operates with Regional Focal Points in these 12 regions:

  • Eastern Europe and Central Asia
  • Middle East and North Africa
  • West Africa
  • Central Africa
  • East Africa
  • Southern Africa
  • South Asia
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • The Caribbean
  • North America
  • Western Europe

For a complete list of countries by region, download this form

Member Story

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