Government Relations Adviser

Company Description

The Fédération Internationale de la Jeunesse in English International Youth Federation (IYF), is an international non-profit youth organization network governed by the present Statutes and the Swiss Civil Code. It is politically neutral, and non-denominational, aiming to empower youth worldwide.

The IYF is a global youth network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to empower young people across the world. IYF works in over 50 countries and territories, helping to achieve youth empowerment and improve the status of youth.

Does making a difference motivate you? Do you want to be part of the global youth movement? Are you passionate about youth empowerment? Are you driven to be a part of a bigger purpose in the service of the young people? If you think you embody these values then you can apply to join us through the available vacancies listed below.

*All the vacancies are Remote/Community-basis and does not require travel, Kindly note that all the advertised jobs on this page are on a VOLUNTARY basis.

The Department of Protocol and Liaison Services (DPLS) serves the protocol needs of the Executive Office, including those of the President, Secretary-General, Under-Secretary-General, and the Assistants of the Secretary-General. It also supports the Regional Administrations and IYF Country Teams in the Member Countries to implement a set of diplomatic rules and governing codes of behaviour in forums, meetings, and ceremonies involving IYF Officials and Representatives.

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Chief, Protocol, and Liaison Services, the Government Relations Adviser is responsible for communicating, advocating for, and promoting the strategic interests of the IYF in key inter-governmental and inter-agency forums, and support official communications, and developing partnerships with government agencies. In addition, the Adviser keeps IYF management apprised of key developments in inter-governmental bodies and ensures that delegations to inter-governmental bodies are properly briefed on IYF matters as they negotiate legislation of strategic interest to IYF.

Responsibilities

• Support DPLS Chief in coordinating IYF’s participation in global working groups of an inter-disciplinary nature to ensure IYF’s position is fully developed and reflected in the relevant discussions;
• Analyze, together with IRC/BER/NAC colleagues, outcomes from IYF interventions to ensure that the operational dimension is appropriately reflected in relevant policy-making fora;
• Ensure that relevant  actors in the IYF (BoM/ExO/RAs) are fully informed and consulted and their views reflected in relevant discussions and outcomes;
• Contribute to the review and analysis of country-level involvement, to better support IYF Representatives and resolving governance issues;
• Prepare periodic briefing notes on youth developments, issues and recommended actions, for use by IYF Senior Management and reports for the information of staff in Headquarters and the field;
• Coordinate and prepare talking points and briefing notes as requested by senior officials and reports for the information of senior staff in Headquarters and the field;
• Recommendations on how IYF can improve its collaboration  with member countries, in following policy developments and mobilizing political will in support of youth empowerment agenda;
• Creating a roadmap for mobilizing political will and subsequent policy developments, based on an informed analysis of relevant intergovernmental discussions;
• Preparatory materials required for policy advocacy and building blocks for speeches and briefs;
• Building and maintaining effective alliances with the potential member countries, including trough networking with government institutions and other potential partners;
• Leveraging preparatory communications/media relations, and outreach, to promote IYF visibility at the national, regional and international levels in the target countries, aiming to prepare the grounds for each given potential member state’s participation as the IYF member country;
• Monitor, analyze and evaluate inter-governmental discussions/negotiations;
• Supporting the IYF in the membership processes and final consultations on a given country’s membership in the IYF; and
• Represent IYF at formal meetings and informal consultations – as required.

Qualifications

Competencies

• Lead (Level-3) Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act as a team towards achieving a common goal.
• Design (Level-3) Ability to recognize what changes are required and create a path for improvement using existing knowledge, problem-solving skills, creativity and original ways of working.
• Empower (Level-3) Empowerment is a practice of giving team members skills, authority, opportunity and motivation so that they can take initiative and make decisions to solve problems and improve performance.
• Mobilize (Level-3) Ability to identify resources and activities that individuals and organizations will undertake to support the IYF’s strategic goals and objectives. Engage and influence appropriate donors by building win-win relationships.
• Inspire (Level-3) Inspiration and lead by example is about energizing and creating a sense of direction and purpose in others, unlocking motivation and momentum for positive change.

Functional Competencies

• Ability to assist in strategic planning, results-based management and reporting.
• Ability to assist in corporate strategic initiatives.
• Excellent computer, internet, social media and information system skills.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.

Skills Required for Position

• Ability to interact cordially and communicate with a diverse community.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to assess and evaluate situations quickly, accurately and effectively.

Experience

Experience and results preferred in development cooperation, partnership mobilization, youth empowerment role, development, communications, international relations, youth studies, sport, women empowerment, youth-led organizations or another relevant field.

Additional Information

Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Working Modality
This vacancy is a voluntary-based position with (3-7 Hours/Week) flexible part-time commitment.