Manager: Global Membership Communications, IBBY Programmes Strategic Advocacy

Manager:
Global Membership Communications, IBBY Programmes, & Strategic Advocacy

Department:
International Board on Books for Young People Secretariat.

Location:

Basel, Switzerland (100%, In-Office).

Strategic Mandate:
To increase IBBY’s global advocacy and operational capabilities by leveraging deep institutional and academic expertise in the organization’s core mission and programmes, in order to advance IBBY’s Mission and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This role serves as the primary support, under the Executive Director, Executive Committee, Regional Liaisons, and Sub-Committees, for managing the execution of international prizes, IBBY’s international book collections, and traveling exhibitions, while overseeing the Biennial Report to ensure accurate global impact assessment.

As a key representative of IBBY’s Mission, the position drives inclusive membership growth in underrepresented regions, secures mission‑aligned sponsorship from partners, and supports reading development initiatives to ensure children’s access to books in underserved areas and in situations of crisis. Furthermore, the role strengthens IBBY’s standing within the international human rights community by fostering strategic partnerships with UN bodies, ensuring that children’s literature is recognized as a fundamental component of the Right to Education (SDG
4) and cultural rights globally.

Professional Qualifications – Education
:
Master’s Degree, or higher, in International Studies/Affairs (with a field of expertise in:
Education/Literacy Policy; Children’s Literature; Languages; Human Rights; International Organizations).

Language Proficiency – Required
:
English, C2/Native proficiency (Required for board-level strategy, reporting, mission advocacy, internal/external communications, editing of publications, etc.), and knowledge of at least one other major language represented in the IBBY global network, such as Arabic, French, Portuguese, and/or Spanish.

Language Proficiency – Preferred
:
East-Asian Languages (incl. Japanese, Mandarin, or Korean) C1/Business Fluency (Preferred for direct liaison and interpretation tasks with sponsors and partners in the region).

Experience – Required
:
Minimum 3 years of specialized experience in international advocacy, human rights, children’s rights, and/or educational policy. Proven track record of working in an international and multicultural context, including representing organizations at international forums (e.g. UN bodies/agencies) and managing global partnerships.

Experience – Preferred
:
Proven expertise and/or deep knowledge of IBBY international programmes and operational frameworks, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award, IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Award, the IBBY-iRead Outstanding Reading Promoter Award, the IBBY Yamada Fund, the IBBY Children in Crisis Fund, the IBBY Collections, global exhibition logistics, and report collation.

Personal Qualifications & Commitments

• A deep, authentic commitment to the core mission, with a genuine desire to drive positive social change for children globally.
• A demonstrated readiness and availability for working flexible hours and frequent/lengthy travel due to the international nature of our work.
• Exceptional cultural intelligence and open‑minded approach to diverse political, social, and linguistic contexts, enabling the building of respectful partnerships with international stakeholders, government bodies, and NGOs across the globe.
• A strong orientation towards teamwork and inclusivity, capable of uniting diverse national sections, working seamlessly with global juries, committees, and secretariat staff.
• Emotional resilience and proactive mindset required to maintain focus and effectiveness in high‑pressure humanitarian situations.
• The ability to articulate complex human rights concepts in an engaging and accessible manner, inspiring colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to champion the transformative power of children’s literature and the Right to Read.

Core Responsibilities

A. Strategic Advocacy for IBBY’s Mission & UNCRC Implementation (25%)
Support IBBY’s global advocacy efforts to align national policies with IBBY’s…