Call for Experts: Join the MLSE LaunchPad Research Advisory Committee

Application Deadline: April 21, 2025

Are you passionate about youth development, research, and making a tangible impact in communities through sport? The MLSE Foundation and the MLSE LaunchPad Research & Evaluation (R&E) Team are inviting professionals, academics, and changemakers to apply for a seat on their Research Advisory Committee (RAC).

This is more than just a volunteer position — it’s a chance to help shape the future of youth programs through evidence-based research and evaluation in the Sport for Development (SFD) sector.

What is the Research Advisory Committee (RAC)?

The Research Advisory Committee serves as a vital bridge between the MLSE Foundation’s R&E Team and external experts. The committee’s role is to offer strategic input, share subject-matter expertise, and uphold the ethical integrity of research initiatives. Ultimately, the RAC enhances MLSE LaunchPad’s ability to drive meaningful outcomes for youth through intentional sport and physical activity programs.

The committee focuses on three key goals:

• Mobilizing Knowledge: Ensuring research insights are shared and applied to improve youth development initiatives.
• Innovating Research Practices: Introducing cutting-edge approaches and new perspectives in the field of youth and sport development.
• Maintaining Ethical Standards: Providing oversight and guidance to uphold ethical practices in all research efforts.

Who Should Apply?

MLSE LaunchPad is looking to onboard 5 to 8 new RAC members from diverse backgrounds, including academia, professional fields, and grassroots organizations. Ideal candidates bring experience and insight in one or more of the following areas:

• Data Visualization: Transforming complex information into accessible and actionable insights.
• Community Impact Measurement: Evaluating how sport-related infrastructure affects local communities.
• Youth Skill Development: Focusing on areas like leadership, resilience, self-regulation, physical literacy, and social competence.
• Evaluating Complex Interventions: Measuring the effects of multifaceted and systemic youth development strategies.
• Program Quality Assurance: Identifying and promoting best practices in programming for youth.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Applying CSR principles to support youth engagement and community upliftment.

Additional expertise in the following areas is a plus:

• Sport for Development (SFD): Using sport as a vehicle to support education, employment, and well-being outcomes.
• Youth Impact Assessment: Familiarity with evaluation tools targeting young people aged 6 to 29.
• Safeguarding in Sport: Creating safe and inclusive environments for youth participation.

Commitment & Expectations

This is a volunteer-based position with the following expectations:

• Quarterly Meetings: Members will attend four meetings each year, contributing to key discussions and initiatives.
• Advisory Support: Members are expected to offer ongoing guidance to the R&E team, informed by trends and best practices in research and youth development.
• Voluntary Engagement: Participation in research projects, feedback sessions, and knowledge-sharing opportunities on a voluntary basis.

Follow Opportunity pool on Whatsapp and LinkedIn for real-time updates.

Terms of Membership

RAC membership is a two-year term, beginning in May to align with the MLSE Foundation’s fiscal calendar. The selection process is overseen by the R&E Team, with an annual review to assess committee needs and member contributions.

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by April 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE