IYF Spokesperson

Position title: Spokesperson

Location: Worldwide (Remote)

Category: FTA International

Level: S5

Duration: One Year (Renewable)

Department: Media & Advocacy Unit (MAU)

Supervisor/Report to: Chief, Media & Advocacy

Job type: Voluntary Service (VS) Part-Time

The International Youth Federation is an international non-profit youth organizations network governed by the present Statutes and the Swiss Civil Code. It is neutral politically and non-denominational, aiming to empower youth worldwide.

The IYF Department of Public Information (DPI) is responsible for developing and implementing the IYF Global Communications Strategy, strengthening support for the IYF by promoting key messages and strategies on priority youth issues, implementing global campaigns and coordinating communications and public information activities between headquarters, regional administrations and member counties.

The IYF Media & Advocacy Unit (MAU) works to attract positive attention for the IYF, strengthening recognition of our work and raising the profile of the organization. Strong media outreach, public events, and other multimedia advocacy tools are an important element of that work.

The Office of the IYF Spokesperson for the Secretary-General provides information to the media on the activities of the IYF as a whole through daily briefings, direct responses to media enquiries, press conferences, background briefings and interviews with other senior officials. The Office provides advice on media relations to the Secretary-General, the Assistant Secretary-General and senior HQ/Regional officials. The Office also keeps the Secretary-General regularly informed of major breaking news stories around the world.

Mission Statement

To voluntarily represent, positively promote, and uphold the mission of “Empowering youth for better world” in various programs and opportunities throughout the IYF interventions and the community.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and lead IYF press conferences and oversee the production and distribution of verbatim transcripts, press releases, and other outreach materials.
• Makes official statements on behalf of the IYF and provides information as required.
• Provides on-record and background press briefings and interviews and issues press releases.
• Serves as a key point of contact between the IYF and the international media, providing on-the-record interviews and/or background information as necessary, and otherwise representing and speaking for the organization.
• In close collaboration with HQ Media & Advocacy team, develops and maintains strong relationships with leading journalists and key media organizations, including print, television, new media, etc.
• Responsible for in-depth coverage of specific regions and thematic youth-related topics as they relate to the IYF’s areas of work.
• Responsible for the monitoring of the media for coverage of the IYF and other relevant news, identifies trends, and provides advice to the IYF leadership in this regard.
• Anticipate questions and draft corresponding answers in preparation for any possible press encounters by the Secretary-General.

Language

Advanced English skills are required for this role.

Assessment

Shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a written or spoken assessment.

Experience

Communications, digital communications, broadcast or media experience is required for this role. Experience working for an NGO, INGO, charity, youth or women's empowerment, international development or similar organization is highly advantageous. An interest or passion for youth-related issues is essential.