Special Assistant to Secretary-General - Volunteer

The Special Assistant to SG will be responsible for supporting the IYF Secretary‑General in the implementation of his multi‑faced mandate as given by the Executive Board and providing advice on all aspects of his various responsibilities.

What difference will you make?

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.

What are we looking for?

Experience with in an NGO, non‑profit, INGO (such as the United Nations), government, charity, international development, or youth empowerment organisation or a recent graduate in political science, politics, government, policy, international development, international relations, or a related field with an interest to work in one of the listed experience industries.

What will you be doing?

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

The core function of the IYF Executive Office (IYFEO) is to provide the support services needed to enable the IYF Senior Management Team (SMT) to perform their leadership roles effectively. The IYFEO is tasked with the responsibility to provide policy and programmatic support to IYF's activities across HQ Bureaux and Regional Administrations.

The Special Assistant provides the SG with analysis and research on the youth, women, political, social and country situations in the world.

• Supports and provides the Secretary‑General with insightful policy advice covering all aspects of his various responsibilities, ensures the synergies existing between the various components of the Secretary General’s mandate, and provides expertise and analysis on the political, social and economic situation and links them to key issues.
• Monitors closely priority areas directly relevant to the Secretary‑General mandate and gathers advice and information for defining key strategic priorities.
• In specific cases and as needed, the Special Assistant is directly responsible for following specific issues on behalf of the Secretary‑General and in close collaboration with the concerned department, section or agency. Regular reporting to the Secretary‑General should be provided as needed.

• Ensures close follow up on the activities of the Executive Office and supports the SG and the Head of Office in defining the Office’s key tasks and priorities.
• Actively contributes and seeks to ensure the flow of information and communications between the Executive Office and other departments/administrations/units of the IYF, and facilitates the creation of synergies amongst the staff members.
• Actively engages with the Executive Office staff to acquire information on substantive project developments and implementation, as and when required.

• Prepares regular reports related to the work and operations of the IYF and liaises with the Press Officers in the drafting of press releases and speeches; facilitates the liaising with staff and partners within and outside the IYF.
• Coordinates the preparation of strategic outputs to corporate units/divisions in collaboration with concerned agencies in presenting a consolidated substantive/policy approach when issues are cross‑cutting in liaison with senior government officials and international partners.
• Disseminates information on the programme activities of the SG, liaises with the Senior Management Team (SMT) or other relevant departments to the SG’s mandate, and supports the latter in key meetings including preparing reports and ensuring follow‑up.

• Organizes and coordinates with the Executive Assistant and concerned members of the Executive Office.
• In consultation with members of the Executive Office, channels all important issues and requests for the SG’s attention; and
• Any other official duties and special assignments which may be required by the SG.