CYSU Coordinator

As the principal intergovernmental organisation of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Secretariat implements the collective decisions of its 56 member governments.

The Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP), working with Commonwealth member governments, youth leaders and youth work professionals to develop and implement policy and programmes for the empowerment of young people. The CYP focuses on areas of major political, economic, and social importance to young people, based on mandates received from Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM) and the Commonwealth Secretariat Strategic Plan.

Founded by the CYP in partnership with the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP), Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Commonwealth Youth for Sustainable Urbanisation (CYSU) was set up in response to the Call to Action on Sustainable Urbanisation across the Commonwealth. Launched in 2021 by the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative (CSCI) which acknowledges the importance of youth in sustainable urbanisation, the network builds on the Youth Manifesto for Sustainable Urbanisation launched at CHOGM 2018, London. A unique aspect of this network, reflecting the Call to Action, is its recognition of the need to foster interdisciplinarity between youth interested in, or beginning their careers in, sectors related to the built environment, such as the technical professions, local government and academia.

CYSU aims to empower Commonwealth Youth to support, contribute to, and advocate for sustainable urbanisation in the Commonwealth and to look at ways in which cities and human settlements can better reflect the needs of youth.

The Commonwealth continues to reaffirm its commitment to youth development issues at CHOGM 2022 in Rwanda where the Commonwealth Heads announced 2023 as the ‘Year of Youth’.

Read about the Commonwealth Youth Networks and follow the Commonwealth Youth for Sustainable Urbanisation Network on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram for updates on all our activities. 

Duration: Twelve (12) months

Period: 1 October 2023 – 30 September 2024

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be aged between 18 to 29 years at the time of application, on 27 August 2023;
• Be a citizen of a Commonwealth member country;
• Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area (International Development, Planning, Sustainability, International Relations or Environmental Studies).
• Have experience and evidence of managing and the communications strategy or content creation and management of a network
• Have strong writing and reporting skills, excellent communication and project management skills
• At least 5 years’ experience in youth capacity building, mentoring and managing networks of experts and youth leaders, particularly in Commonwealth countries;
• 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 network;
• Be available to commit 18 hours per week to network activities.

How to Apply

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

Key Deliverables & Responsibility

The main role of the CYSU Network Coordinator is to support the executive team (EXCO) of the network, coordinate and support the Network across the Commonwealth, with a focus on the administration content/output of the network.

Task Description

• Oversee the regular management of CYSU Network (administratively) and keeping up logistical arrangements of the network including supporting the Executive team and initiatives across regions, regular calls or direct mentoring and support;
• Enhance Commonwealth youth professional participation and representation in Sustainable Urbanisation and Settlements, development and opportunities by co-ordinating engagement and facilitating increased visibility in policy discussion and meetings at the Commonwealth and International level;
• Supporting and working with the relevant organisations towards action on any relevant international days.
• Support and coordinate the formation and engagement of diverse and active Executive Team;
• Support the strengthening of communication, partnerships and collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), Commonwealth Youth Networks, Commonwealth Sustainable Urbanisation Partnership group (ACU, CAP, CLGF, CAA, CASLE, Prince’s Foundation) and other stakeholders;
• Increase visibility, outreach, inclusion and membership of CYSU Network;
• Maintain frequent and consistent communication with the assigned staff(s) from the Commonwealth Secretariat and other Partners managing the network, this includes ensuring regular updates of the network’s work and sharing of opportunities and announcements to all members of the network.
• Project manage initiatives and activities from conception, implementation to reporting and evaluation.
• Create and submit reporting processes and regular documents and reports to keep stakeholder well-informed of the network’s activities and progress.
• Ability to manage the communications and marketing strategies of the network, including building and maintaining a social media presence and content creation, for the network.
• Perform other activities as required

Compulsory & Desirable Skills

1. Administration & Reporting Support

• The candidate should possess excellent administrative and people skills, ability to coordinate/support meetings
• The candidate must have experience in leading and/or writing publications, policy papers, support research and thematic policy areas.

2. Project Management & Implementation

• The candidate should be able to commit the time required, at ~18 hours per week
• Possess project management/project delivery skills, support partnerships development, implementation track record, build stakeholders/network relationships & strategic planning
• Candidate should be able to demonstrate resourcefulness, and working with limited time and resources
• Candidate should be well-versed in the effective use of remote-working tools

3. Networking

• The candidate should be able to demonstrate his/her network in the relevant space;
• The candidate should also account and share for the skills to grow a community and network, beyond personal networks.

Compulsory Characteristic & Personality  

1. Perseverance  

• The candidate should demonstrate commitment and perseverance   

2. Diversity and Inclusion  

• The candidate should be able to show interest and experience working in diverse teams and on diversity and inclusion matters. 

3. EQ  

• The candidate should be able to show exemplary people management skills, be able to build relationships and be the liaison between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Executive team of the Network.  

The candidate should be organised, professional and emotionally intelligent.