As the principal intergovernmental organisation of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Secretariat implements the collective decisions of its 56 member governments.
CAYWA has currently 21 member organisations with a connection to a global network of 40 Youth Work Associations from around the globe. CAYWA is registered with the UK Board of charitable organisations as a not for profit organisation. CAYWA has an endorsed Code of Ethical Practice, a governance structure with a Constitution and at this point an interim board with the view to holding elections in 2018. CAYWA is focused on raising the standard and status of Youth Work by connecting, strengthening and championing Youth Worker professionalisation across the Commonwealth and beyond. CAYWA recognises the key role that Youth Workers play in achieving positive youth development outcomes at regional, national and international levels. Their work to provide practical support to Youth Workers and their associations that is driven by research and evidence is already beginning to create impact. They are beginning to bring their focus to international advocacy projects and research and provide contextual solutions to challenges faced by emerging associations.
Key Deliverables & Responsibility
The post holder will support the internal and external communications for the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Associations (CAYWA). The CAYWA Coordinator is required to provide secretariat and management support to the network on behalf of the Executive Committee, in addition to overseeing the day to day functions of the network in order to ensure that its objectives are met.
Task Description
- Research and identify opportunities to engage in advancement of CAYWA’s areas of thought leadership;
- Write briefs and explanations of the global development, movement building and systems change landscape relating to CAYWA’s areas of program concept and thought leadership/message;
- Attend Senior Strategic Team meetings on behalf of the Secretariat and provide monthly report outs on high level key information;
- Actively participate in the ongoing improvement and collaborative change management of CAYWA;
- Identify, record and advance opportunities to achieve CAYWA to scale: network development, external partnership, and thought leadership toward global development systems;
- Understand and apply narrative power analysis and story based strategy in communications and network development;
- Coordinate with the Commonwealth Secretariat to ensure external partnerships are celebrated and advanced through regular engagement;
- Engage CAYWA’s training programme participants and alumnae in network development opportunities;
- Maintain association management database, including updating association records, compiling biographical information etc.;
- Assist with preparation of the annual report, Annual General Meetings report, and other grant proposals etc. Design and edit reports and research in consultation with CAYWA;
- Maintain and update a project management tool to support planned activities and objectives;
- Support grant writers (youth work association and CAYWA) to ensure quality of language of external-facing publications including concept notes, proposals and reports;
- Advise on the production of photos, testimonials and films necessary with focus on lifting up global support networks;
- Manage and promote Youth Work Labs and develop it as a monthly recurring activity to support the Youth Work Associations and Youth led Organisations;
- Manage the effective delivery of training programmes and webinars organised by CAYWA; and
- Maintain frequent and consistent communication with the assigned staff(s) from the Commonwealth Secretariat managing the network, this includes ensuring regular updates of CAYWA’s work and also the sharing of opportunities and announcements from the secretariat to all members of the network.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth member country;
- A strong bachelor degree or equivalent relevant to the role, such as public administration, public policy, international development, or social science.
- Relevant professional training highly desirable.
- A relevant post graduate qualification highly desirable.
- Have strong writing and reporting skills, excellent communication and project management skills.
- Proficient in developing strategic plans, trainings, and workshops as well as youth policy development.
- Demonstrated experience in engaging and mobilising stakeholders and resources from governments, private sector, CSOs, academia, and youth networks for youth development and empowerment.
- Have a proven track record of working in multinational and remote teams.
- Have evidence of strong experience in managing a diverse, regional and/or international networks.
Compulsory & Desirable Skills
Experience:
- At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in areas of Project Management, Youth Work or Education. International experience is desirable.
- Professional or volunteer experience in youth development and/or non-formal education is desirable.
- Experience working with multiple partners, including governmental agencies or inter-governmental bodies.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership development and coordinating networks of organisations is desirable.
Skills:
- Good project management skills, with an understanding of project design, monitoring, and evaluation, including project budgeting and forecasting.
- Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively, and in a multi-cultural work environment.
- Ability to organise, plan and prioritise workload and work under pressure to deadlines.
- Ability to interpret and follow complex information and instructions
Strong:
- Operational planning capabilities
- Analytical skills and understanding of statistical terms and concepts
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Administrative and organisational abilities
- Excellent IT skills
How to Apply
Applicants should apply by 30 December 2023 23:59hrs (GMT). Only applications received via the application form will be accepted.
Do note that the form will require you to upload documents including but not limited to the following:
– Resume/CV (maximum 2 pages)
– a cover letter outlining your experience (maximum 1 page)
– Names and contact details of 2 referees