Communications Adviser (NGO Volunteer)

*Please note - this is a fully remote, part-time, voluntary, unpaid position. Hours can be worked on a fully flexible basis, including evenings and weekends, from 3-5 hours per week, TBC at interview. This role must be based remotely across the APAC Region*

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.

Under the overall direction and guidance of IYF Regional Director, with a secondary reporting line to the Director of Public Information, the Regional Communications Adviser helps to develop, implement and manage a regional communications strategy in line with the IYF Communications Strategy, with a particular emphasis on media outreach and mentoring Communications focal points in IYF Country Teams in the region. He/she works in collaboration with Public Information Department.

Mission Statement:

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

Responsibilities:(A) Develop regional communications strategies, based on Regional objectives and incorporating the goals of the corporate communications strategy, and work closely with international media in the region: 

• Develop and implement regional communications strategies based on the regional bureau objectives and in line with the corporate communications strategy.
• Monitor and measure the impact of the communication strategy and make adjustments accordingly.
• Integrate issue-based advocacy into the communications strategy around key priority areas in the region’s country teams. 

(B) Lead media outreach in the region, working closely with international and regional media:  

• Ensure the promotion and increased understanding of IYF’s work in the region with special attention on results and impacts achieved through development and maintenance of international media contacts and using new types of media and communication tools as appropriate.
• Promote, advocate and raise awareness around IYF activities, results, flagship initiatives through a variety of communication vehicles, such as roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, report launches, etc.
• Build strong personal relationships with core journalists in the region to establish trustful and reliable connections with key news organisations.
• Explore and utilise innovative and emerging communication tools and new media in support of the communications strategy.
• Proactively market IYF’s work in the media by regularly pitching success stories and placing IYF experts for interviews and commentaries in print and TV/radio outlets.
• Develop plans for increasing the profile of the region’s administration through the audiovisual material to broadcast and social media. 

(C) Facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing, including mentoring and training communications staff in the country offices of the region: 

• Liaising with country teams to communicate success stories and results, offering mentoring and advice when needed.
• Play a key role in coaching and mentoring of Country Teams Communications assistants, especially in the design and implementation of communications strategies and work plans.
• Assist and guide country office and HQ on responding to reputational management enquiries raised by media and donors.
• Organise and facilitate training workshops on capacity building in communications.
• Prepare periodic reports and summaries for the management of regional media activities.
• Contribute to knowledge networks, communications toolkits, and communities of practice on communications issues. 

(D) Support IYF’s positioning and business development in the region:  

• Position the IYF as a substantive thought leader within the youth world and promote its mandate, mission, and purpose via effective communication.
• Create, promote and maintain regional public campaigns that position IYF and influence the youth agenda based on current activities and new initiatives.
• Provide strategic advice to the regional administration on current events and issues relevant to IYF business opportunities. 

Experience

Communications experience (3-7 years) within an NGO (non-governmental organisation), government, not-for-profit, charities, or international organisations, such as the United Nations, USAID, European Union, international relations, diplomatic services, civil service or a similar background is required.

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY WITHOUT 1 OF THE MENTIONED SECTORS.