Communications & Advocacy Specialist
YFU Global Office (Brussels)

Background

Youth For Understanding (YFU) advances intercultural understanding, life-long learning, global competence, mutual respect, and social responsibility through transformational educational exchanges for generations of youth, families, and communities, supported by dedicated volunteers and professional staff. YFU is a global non-profit community driven by the passion of people, consisting of 50+ member organizations across six continents. As a leader in intercultural exchange and educational programs for more than 70 years, YFU has impacted more than 270.000 students – and their host families, schools and networks – and more than 70.000 volunteers.


YFU’s Global Office, composed of the legal entities European Educational Exchanges - Youth for Understanding (EEE-YFU) and Youth For Understanding International Educational Services (YFU IES), is the global structure that works to enable the YFU membership worldwide to achieve our mission by providing leadership, critical services and opportunities to grow and thrive as (a) sustainable and quality organization(s).


To support the Global Office in further developing and boosting our global communications, visibility, outreach and identity, we are looking for an ambitious and creative Communications and Advocacy Specialist working from Brussels, from November 2023.

Position

The Communications and Advocacy Specialist reports to the Secretary General and is responsible for communications and advocacy related activities of YFU’s Global Office, supported by an intern. This new role has been created in Brussels to increase visibility and understanding of YFU in Europe and globally - and its members, products, services and impact -, as well as to strengthen its credibility and reputation, and to ensure amplification and positioning of YFU.

Responsibilities

Increase visibility and understanding of YFU

Collaborate in developing and upgrading YFU’s internal and external global communications strategy and plan and take responsibility in implementing it
Support the work of the YFU network and its member organizations through animation of our global communication channels
Coordinate all activities of the Global Office related to communication and media relations
Work in close cooperation with other staff members to carry out communication activities related to their projects and working areas (i.e.: consultations, member surveys, workshops, announcements, impact reports etc.)


Ensure amplification of YFU

Maintain and update the website and YFU’s global social media channels
Develop communication materials (such as a newsletter, annual report, presentations, impact stories, and others)
Act as the first point of contact for external information requests from researchers, think tanks, etc. and coordinate with other staff as needed to provide responses


Foster engagement with member organizations and target audiences

Support the Secretary General in statutory and institutional communication
Act as coordinator for communications activities around the YFU network and facilitate the creation of synergy effects
Support the development and implementation of outreach tools in the YFU network
Support the writing of funding grant applications


Strengthen credibility and reputation of YFU

Define, maintain and monitor compliance of YFU Member Organizations against the communication and brand guidelines
Actively support further brand development


Influence policy relevant for the mission of YFU

Monitor policy developments on European and international level and draft reactions (policy and position papers) if in line with YFU's strategy
Promote positive change in legislation, policy and programs by organizing and implementing advocacy campaigns promoting topics relevant for YFU
Ensure that YFU's voice is heard by policy makers (i.e. through Pool of Representatives or own representation)
Assist and support Member Organizations to effectively participate in and contribute to local/ national policy debates in line with the priorities defined in YFU’s global strategy


Support to position YFU as an expert in intercultural education

Systematically monitor and map relevant developments and most recent research on the European and global level to create the basis for positioning and partnerships
Foster existing strategic partnerships and relationships with like-minded civil society organizations to join forces, create synergies and strengthen impact and visibility of YFU
Enable new strategic partnerships by mapping potential partners and identifying promising contacts

Candidate profile and qualifications

  • A Bachelor or Master’s degree in communications, marketing, social or political sciences, or related discipline
  • 5-10 years of professional communications experience in an international environment, with minimum of 2 years of communications management experience
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English, other languages (e.g. Spanish, French) are an asset
  • Proven track record of results in strategic communications
  • Up to date with the latest social media techniques to create integrated campaigns as part of a global communication strategy
  • Knowledge of and experience with design tools and software
  • Demonstrated expertise in effectively influencing EU legislation from a grassroots level
  • Ideally, extensive knowledge of the Erasmus+ program framework and familiarity with the European Educational Area goals and implementation
  • Adept at managing relationships with external stakeholders
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills, a good sense of humor, a team player, open-minded, creative and innovative, a quick learner, entrepreneurial and culturally sensitive
  • Detail-oriented and efficient organizational, project and time management skills, working with virtual teams
  • Willingness for occasional international travel
  • An EU work permit

What we offer

  • An unlimited fulltime contract (38 hours/week), subject to Belgian Employment laws
  • A competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
  • An attractive level of autonomy and responsibility in an intercultural, collaborative and energetic working environment
  • Work in a small organization with a diverse and committed team to deliver impact
  • The opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization with global operations
  • Starting date: end of November 2023; work location: Brussels

    Application

    Please submit a meaningful application, including motivation letter and salary expectations, by email to Gregory MATHESON, Secretary General (eee-yfu@yfu.world), reference “Communications and Advocacy Specialist”.


    YFU encourages any person with the required qualifications to apply, without distinction to gender, disability, social or ethnic origins, religion, convictions or sexual orientation. YFU recognizes different types of experience, including professional and volunteering.