Networks Project Officer

Role Description

The Networks Project Officer (PO) will work alongside the Global Youth Networks Project Lead to support and strengthen youth networks worldwide, with a focus on fostering collaboration at the global level. Within the GYN team, the role contributes to increasing the visibility of youth networks and their work. This includes ensuring activities are properly documented, quarterly reports are completed on time, and all relevant internal materials are kept up to date. A core objective of the role is to deepen the integration of Regional and National Youth Networks into SDSN Youth's global programming. The PO may also support Regional Focal Points on SDG impact strategy, problem-solving within the Youth Network portfolio, and engagement with National Coordinators. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Please note: As a virtual network, it is IMPORTANT for all the Project Officers to communicate effectively with the Project Lead and report back consistently. In a network that operates across several time zones, reporting and communicating proactively is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to the code of conduct of SDSN Youth and the SDGs guiding principles;
• Collaborate with the project lead to propose good practices and administrative plans, and strategies with the objective to increase the efficiency and engagement of the youth networks;
• Support the Project Lead with the Network Management Oversight and performance;
• Identify and address any skill gaps and address them by ideating training opportunities and other capacity-building activities;
• Develop the quarterly reports and ensure the activities and initiatives are properly reported;
• Monitor and respond to incoming communications to the network's email inbox;
• Researching speaking engagements, voluntary engagements, and partners to give Network Coordinators a better platform for promotion;
• Support the Project Lead in updating the guidelines and other internal documents to make sure youth networks comply with the process;
• Analyzing the youth network’s inputs to understand their needs and challenges;
• Attend the monthly call with the Youth Networks Team, quarterly call with the Global Coordinators, and any other relevant calls with any other team members;

Qualifications

• The candidate is aged between 18-30 in order to be eligible for this role, with flexibility up to 35 years old;
• The candidate possesses an excellent command of the English language, including writing, speaking, and listening;
• The candidate has previous experience in student/youth leadership;
• The candidate has a great interest in youth engagement and sustainable development, and is passionate about the mission of SDSN, including the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change;
• The candidate is a proven team player with excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate and manage workload across several projects/teams;
• The candidate can demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively and report consistently;
• The candidate can demonstrate they have the time and resources to commit to this role – candidates with too many overlapping commitments will be exempt from running for this position;
• The candidate has had some form of either professional or volunteer work experience, particularly with team management, project coordination, event management, stakeholder engagement, or operations;
• The candidate has some experience working with various communications and management software, such as Google Suite;

Requirements

• Duration of Position: The first term is 12 months in total, with a 3-month trial period in the beginning. However, subject to review of work performance, this position may be extended;
• Reporting: This position reports to the Global Youth Networks Project Lead;
• Communication: Candidate is required to be proactive and communicate with the team;
• Compensation: Voluntary;
• Training: Every candidate is required to complete all SDSN Youth online induction courses, guidelines review, and any other training available at the time of joining;
• Total Weekly Hours: 10 hours per week (flexible);
• The initial mandate is for 1 year, but it can be extended;

Benefits

• In becoming part of the team as a Project Officer, individuals will be responsible for fostering a strong interest in the SDGs in order to drive youth-led and youth-focused solutions to the 2030 Agenda;
• This is an incredibly rewarding role that will enable Project Officers to develop their knowledge, harness their skills, and come across a series of life-changing opportunities that may include:
• Representing SDSN Youth at different levels whenever possible and if appropriate;
• Engage with key stakeholders from government, NGOs to private sector when applicable;
• Build a personal brand around sustainability and the SDGs;
• Work in a multicultural environment and be immersed in a global workplace;
• Receive capacity-building trainings to grow personally and professionally whenever possible.