Director of Policy, Advocacy & External Affairs

European Youth Forum
  • Location
    Brussels, Belgium
  • Sector
    Non Profit
  • Experience
    Mid Career
  • Posted
    Mar 14

Position description

Deadline for applications (CET): 26/03/2023 23:59 (CET)

THE ORGANISATION

The European Youth Forum represents over 100 youth organisations, which bring together tens of millions of young people from all over Europe.

​​We are the voice of young people in Europe, standing up for their rights and striving for societies where young people are empowered and are encouraged to achieve their fullest potential as global citizens.

THE POSITION

The European Youth Forum is looking for a new Director of Policy, Advocacy and External Affairs. The Director is part of the senior leadership team and reports to the Secretary General.

The Director plays an integral role in the development of the European Youth Forum. The selected person will supervise the work of 10-15 colleagues, including 4 managers. Together with the Communications and External Affairs Director, the two Directors are jointly responsible for all external output of the Forum. Here, we are looking for someone specialised in advocacy.

The Director carries out the work in close cooperation with the other departments of the European Youth Forum as well as with the Board of the European Youth Forum.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead a team of 10-15 staff members, including 4 managers;
  • Work in collaboration with the Secretary General and the other Directors, to develop and implement a vision for the secretariat, in cooperation with the Board;
  • Further develop the European Youth Forum’s policy and advocacy overall strategy and oversee its implementation;
  • Ensure that the outcomes and activities of the Youth Forum’s annual plan are achieved in a quality and timely way;
  • Support the development of impactful topical advocacy strategies and high quality policy and advocacy positions to influence decision makers;
  • Set, monitor and report on a large budget, in cooperation with the team;
  • Coach the team, support mentoring and appraisal, and lead on the recruitment of new staff members when required;
  • Ensure regular coordination and cooperation with the Board, including regular participation in board meetings;
  • Establish and nurture relations with member organisations, partner organisations, decision-makers, alumni and other key stakeholders;
  • Oversee the overall engagement with relevant institutions;
  • Represent the Youth Forum at meetings with policy makers, in collaboration with the Board and team;
  • Support engagement with funders.

PROFILE OF THE CANDIDATE

  • At least 6 years experience in policy and advocacy;
  • At least 3 years experience in people management, preferably in a multicultural or international environment;
  • Demonstrated understanding of decision-making processes of the European Union, Council of Europe and/or the United Nations;
  • Good knowledge of and a passion for issues relevant to young people and youth organisations;
  • Good understanding of a membership-based organisation, how to drive consensus in a large group of organisations and partners.

COMPETENCIES

The candidate should be able to demonstrate most of the following:

  • Strong emotional intelligence skills, able to inspire, motivate and empower;
  • Demonstrated advocacy skills at European and international level;
  • Leading by example and has strong integrity;
  • Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills;
  • Strong strategic thinking, organisational and planning skills;
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills;
  • Commits to and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion;
  • Able to promote a culture of collaboration and feedback;
  • Excellent negotiation and persuasion skills;
  • Excellent oral, written and digital communication (required in English, any additional language is an asset);
  • Project management skills are an asset;
  • Ability to work under pressure, manage a challenging workload and tight deadlines.

TERMS OF THE CONTRACT

The contract is for an open-ended duration and full time (35 hours per week). The gross monthly salary will be 5,000 euros.

A relocation package, work permit (if needed), hospitalisation insurance and other benefits are available. Travel expenses within the Brussels region are covered by the European Youth Forum.

Candidates for this position should be willing to travel and work flexible hours including significant work at weekends/evenings due to our volunteer structure (at least 6 weekends per year). This position being based in Brussels, candidates should be willing to relocate or live in the surrounding area.

Application instructions

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