Senior Policy Adviser (Volunteer)

Position Title: Senior Policy Adviser

Location: Worldwide (Remote)

Category: FTA International

Level: S5

Duration: One Year (Renewable)

Department: Bureau of Governance & Policy Support

Supervisor/Report to: Director, Bureau of Governance & Policy Support

Job type: Volunteer 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 Bureau of Governance & Policy Support (BGPS) has the responsibility for research and analyze all relevant youth policies and guidance to support the results of the IYF’s strategic interventions. BGPS’s staff provides technical advice to Country Teams; advocates for the IYF corporate messages, and represents the IYF at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government and civil society dialogues, and cooperation initiatives.

Under the overall guidance of BGPS Director, the Senior Policy Adviser strengthens the capacity of the BGPS teams, analyzes global political, social and economic trends affecting youth policies, and provides inputs to the preparation of programming responses. She/her provides strategic guidance to BGPS; oversees and leads efforts to implement BGPS strategic priorities and related coordination goals to better support Member Countries and, through BGPS partners, in achieving international and national policy advocacy priorities.

Mission Statement

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

Responsibilities

(A) Strategic policy and analysis, and advisory support:

• Monitor and report on wider global and regional policy trends and developments relevant to young people;
• Advice on effective positioning and efficient functioning of BGPS operational activities for better policy advocacy;
• Lead strategic policy analysis in support of the effective contribution of BGPS in the key areas of BGPS substantive engagement;
• Provide strategic analysis with regards to the formulation and implementation of the BGPS strategic priorities and plans, including policy briefs on emerging issues;
• Provide high-quality advice to the BGPS Director on strategic issues pertaining to BGPS’s mandate and interactions with high-level IYF counterparts; and
• Work closely with BGPS counterparts to prepare high-level meetings and troubleshoot to help facilitate implementation of outcomes, as appropriate.

(B) Strategic advocacy and external relations:

• Support BGPS strategic communications with external partners and oversee preparation of substantive advocacy products tailored to BGPS’s key stakeholders and partners in collaboration with BGPS colleagues;
• Participate in preparation of inter-governmental corporate reporting requirements, ensuring strategic alignment to overall communications on related matters;
• Follow intergovernmental processes relevant to the BGPS, and liaise regularly with partner agencies on the policy agenda and related matters;
• Provide advice and support to the Director in interactions with Member States generally, and with donors who contribute to BGPS;
• Identify and propose opportunities to strengthen relationships, enhance donor interest in BGPS initiatives and expanding resource base, including ongoing outreach and information-sharing initiatives; and
• Establish and maintain open communication and relationships with Representatives of Member States and other entities to facilitate achievement of BGPS.

Language

Advanced English skills are required.

Experience

Policy or policymaking experience within an NGO, non-profit, INGO or IGO (such as the United Nations or European Union), government, charity, civil service, diplomatic, international development, or youth empowerment or similar organisation is essential for this role. Experience working on youth-related policy projects is highly advantageous.