Deputy Director, Governance & Policy - Volunteer

IYF Partnership; City of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

A global non-profit organization in the United Kingdom seeks a Deputy Director for Governance & Policy. The role involves strategic management of the Bureau and policy advocacy to empower youth. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in policy, strategy, or research, and knowledge of youth-related issues or the UNSDGs. This position offers a chance to lead impactful initiatives and collaborate with various partners.

Qualifications

• 7+ years' experience in policy, strategy, or research.
• Experience with youth-related issues or UNSDGs is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Strategic management of the Bureau.
• Support BGPS Director in policy advocacy.
• Act as Director in absence of the Director.
• Facilitate coordination between teams.
• Create a motivating team environment.

Skills

Policy management

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Youth-related policy experience

Job description

Deputy Director, Governance & Policy – Volunteer

International Youth Federation (IYF) is an international non‑profit youth organisation network governed by the present Statutes and the Swiss Civil Code. It is neutral politically and non‑denominational, aiming to empower youth worldwide.

The Bureau of Governance & Policy Support (BGPS) is responsible for researching and analysing all relevant youth policies and guidance to support the results of IYF’s strategic interventions. In this volunteer role you will represent and promote the mission of “Empowering youth for a better world.”

What we’re looking for

• 7+ years’ experience in policy, strategy or research.
• Experience working on youth‑related issues or the UNSDGs is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Strategic management of the Bureau.
• Support BGPS Director in leading and managing policy advocacy within the Bureau to ensure optimisation of resources and a culture of results and solutions orientation with the highest performance standards.
• Co‑lead on the annual work planning and strategic target setting for the Bureau and provide strategic guidance and advice on BGPS priorities, supporting the team in establishing output‑based plans and management plans.
• Act as Director of the Bureau, undertaking delegated decisions and representation responsibilities in the absence of the Director where appropriate.
• Facilitate strong coordination between BGPS and BPS teams to ensure efficient deployment of technical and advisory capacity on policy‑related issues.
• Create an environment of team spirit and high motivation, providing coaching and mentoring to BGPS Bureau staff.
• Co‑supervise the Bureau’s staff and ensure performance management assessments are carried out according to IYF procedures.
• Empower the Global Policy Working Group, ensuring joined‑up work, integrated approaches, staff release, and a culture of cooperation across the GPWG and the rest of IYF.
• Develop guidelines and principles to underpin a collaborative approach and culture in support of IYF’s policy capacity, ensuring speed of support and provision of integrated substantive, innovative, strategic and operational resources when required.
• Oversee the creation of business‑process design, work plans, workflows, and terms of reference for the BGPS team to leverage the capacities and capabilities within the GPWG on policy‑related issues, ensuring coherence with BGPS functions.
• Ensure the proper functioning of the BGPS team in engaging with key partners.
• Identify, develop and sustain partnerships with think‑tanks, academia, INGOs, NGOs and other policy partners to leverage knowledge, expertise and resources for crisis‑ and fragility‑related issues.
• Liaise and collaborate closely with partners on policy advocacy‑related issues.
• Forge partnerships and collaborate with bilateral, multilateral, and emerging donors and IFI partners on policy advocacy issues.