Accreditation Specialist (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 3-6 hours per week, TBC at interview

Overview

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

The mission of the IYF NGO Accreditation Center (NAC) works to advance excellence in youth‑led organisations worldwide and recognise the achievements of community actors towards empowered communities. NAC is governed by the IYF International Relations Commission which serves as the policy‑making body in all matters related to the IYF Accreditation Programmes.

Under the direct guidance of the Director of NAC, the Communications Specialist is responsible for supporting internal communications within the unit and positioning the centre’s work in priority areas worldwide through mainstream media, multimedia, and social media platforms. He/she is responsible for coordinating effective communications tasks, drafting and editing communication materials, developing and implementing global campaigns in coordination with relevant offices/departments.

Mission Statement

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

(A) Accreditation support:

• Support and perform accreditation processes (applications, worksheets, accreditation manual), in compliance with NAC rules and regulations;
• Provide appropriate and accurate information regarding accreditation reviews, site visits, and accreditation status, questions, concerns as requested by the management;
• Track the submission of the required administrative reports, and maintain NAC accreditation online databases;
• Coordinate member organisations/associations accreditation at IYF, through assisting in connecting youth organisations with IYF for registration;
• Responsible for creating and maintaining files for compliance with the accreditation process;
• Ensure all aspects of the accreditation maintenance process are completed, including time‑sensitive standards, periodic inspection reports, reviews and updates;
• Coordinate agency personnel, activities, records and systems with regards to maintaining accreditation standards, including establishing proper documentation demonstrating accreditation compliance;
• Advise other appropriate individuals of accreditation compliance/non‑compliance issues and, when necessary, recommend corrective action plans;
• Review, modify, draft, and interpret IYF policies, procedures, and forms;
• Compose, type, and edit a variety of reports, correspondence and other material requiring judgment as to content, format, accuracy, completeness and confidentiality, and
• Maintain confidential records, correspondence and information, as required.

(B) Support communications and outreach:

• Maintain active communication with the accredited IYF® organisations and other interested agencies at an international level;
• Assist in providing annual report about IYF NGO Accreditation Center activities, stats and registered/accredited organisations;
• Lead (Level‑2) – Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act as a team towards achieving a common goal;
• Design (Level‑2) – Ability to recognise what changes are required and create a path for improvement using existing knowledge, problem‑solving skills, creativity and original ways of working;
• Empower (Level‑2) – Empowerment is a practice of giving team members skills, authority, opportunity and motivation so that they can take initiative and make decisions to solve problems and improve performance;
• Mobilise (Level‑2) – Ability to identify resources and activities that individuals and organisations will undertake to support the IYF’s strategic goals and objectives; engage and influence appropriate donors by building win‑win relationships;
• Inspire (Level‑2) – Inspiration and lead by example is about energising and creating a sense of direction and purpose in others, unlocking motivation and momentum for positive change;
• Ability to assist in strategic planning, results‑based management and reporting;
• Ability to assist in corporate strategic initiatives;
• Excellent computer, internet, social media and information system skills;
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.

Skills Required for Position

• Ability to interact cordially and communicate with a diverse community.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to assess and evaluate situations quickly, accurately and effectively.

Experience

A minimum of three years of experience and results preferred in communications, programme management, youth empowerment role, communications, international relations, youth studies, sport, women empowerment, youth‑led organisations or another relevant field.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency‑based interview.

Language

Fluency in English with superior drafting skills is essential.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Industry

• International Affairs