YMCA Europe opens an office in Brussels in January 2016 and suitable candidates for this position are welcomed to apply.
YMCA Europe (YE) is the umbrella organization that represents and serves national YMCAs (Young Men´s Christian Associations) in 40 countries in Europe with a network of aproximately 5,500 local YMCAs. It offers administrative support, facilitates networking and programme sharing with a focus on youth. It has its European headquarters in Prague (Czech Republic), a Board of volunteers elected among the member YMCAs and a decentralized staff team supervised by the Secretary General.
The Advocacy, Project and Fundraising Officer will report to the Secretary General and will focus on the design and delivery of YMCA Europe´s strategy in those three fields from the Brussels Office.
Key areas of work
- Advocacy (aproximately 30%)
- Projects (aproximately 30%)
- Fundraising (aproximately 40%)
Main responsibilities
- To contribute to the development and implementation of YE advocacy work in key areas with a focus on youth ( social inclusion, peace and reconciliation, migration, health, employment and environment );
- To represent YE in forums, platforms and networks within the NGO sector in Brussels and Strasbourg;
- To interact with representatives of the main public institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg in order to implement YE strategic priorities in advocacy;
- To build and develop a network of contacts within public institutions and other youth focused and social organizations;
- To co-operate with the European Youth Forum and other youth organizations represented in Brussels (mainly the Big-6 organizations) and to agree on common positions in the youth policy development process, supporting YE´s volunteers in this field and our representative in the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe;
- Identify relevant EU policies with a focus on youth and socially relevant issues, developing policy proposals when appropiate, according to the mission, guiding principles and strategic priorities of the YMCA in co-operation with our Youth Policy Group;
- To collect; filter and disseminate information from the EU institutions and from the Council of Europe and making it available for our National YMCAs ( National Movements ) on a regular basis;
- To partner with other YE staff and colleagues representing national YMCAs in order to identify project initiatives and proposals that could be submitted to public and/or private institutions on the European level;
- To prepare, submit and monitor project proposals with a focus on externally funded projects and services, including designing and follow up of budget, search for internal and external partners, reporting and evaluation processes;
- To assist National YMCAs and YE Programme Groups and Staff in preparing grant applications in specific areas in the frame of the organization´s mission and priorities;
- To identify new funding opportunities according to YE strategic priorities, submitting, monitoring and reporting grant proposals;
- To maintain an excellent level of communication with actual partner organizations and potential new donors;
- To identify and evaluate the risks associated with programme applications and activities taking appropriate action to control the risks.
- To host relevant trainings for board and staff members of National YMCAs and of YE, including offering a facility in Brussels when required for specific meetings, events and seminars.
Key working relationships
- Internal
YE Secretary General
YE Staff Team
YMCA National General Secretaries,
International Secretaries of National YMCAs and representatives of Programme Departments/groups
YMCA World
- External
Representatives and staff members of other organizations based in Brussels
EU related institutions
Council of Europe officials and institutions
Donors of grants for our projects
Required qualifications and experience
- An advanced university degree in fields related with the position;
- Working experience in similar fields/positions in Brussels;
- Fluent presentation, speaking and writing skills in English and French;
- Proven affinity and experience with youth related policy development; project management and fundraising;
- Knowledge of the EU structures and policies;
- Experience in lobbying within the NGO sector;
- Budgetary, financial and project management skills;
- Skills in relevant software packages, experience in social media and readiness to learn the use of new tools;
- The position is based in Brussels (Belgium);
Abilities and attributes
- Knowledge of the work of the YMCA in Europe and professional experience in the YMCA are advantages;
- Able to work with persons from different cultural and religious backgrounds;
- Affinity with YMCA core values and mission;
- High motivation to contribute to strengthen YMCA Europe´s profile, relevance, impact and sustainability;
- Excellent organizational skills;
- A proactive attitude, flexibility and capacity to make adjustments in priorities;
- Commitment to youth, social inclusion and peace issues;
- Willingness to also work outside regular office hours when needed;
- Being equipped to work both in a single position, autonomously, and in teams;
What we offer
- An attractive work environment within a multicultural professional team in Europe and with a large network of partners across Europe and the world;
- Representing in Brussels a leading European organization focusing on youth work;
- Being part of one of the largest networks within the NGO sector in the world;
- A pan-European Strategic Plan with concrete aims and objectives built in consensus among National YMCAs and YE working platforms;
- Possibilities for personal and professional development;
- Limited travelling is part of the work;
- A gross salary depending on background and working experience with an indication of maximum € 50.000 per year;
- Initial probation period of 12 months;
- Expected starting date : January 4th 2016 or as soon as possible after this date according to the conditions of any current employment;
Information
Further information about the YMCA as an organization at
YMCA Europe (www.ymcaeurope.com )
World YMCA (www.ymca.int )
For further information about the position, write to info@ymcaeurope.com (attn Mr. Juan Simoes Iglesias )
Applications should include the following documents
- A short motivation letter;
- A detailed curriculum-vitae with a recent photo;
- Answers to the following questions:
1. How can a movement like the YMCA be more relevant in today´s Europe? (maximum 120 words)
2. Why should you be appointed as a YMCA Europe´s Advocacy, Project and Fundraising Officer (maximum 120 words)
3. What would be your first 3 priorities if you are appointed? (maximum 120 words)
Process
Applications should be sent before November 5th, 2015 to both of these addresses:
1. by e-mail to info@ymcaeurope.com; attn. of Mr. Juan Simoes Iglesias
2. by regular mail to YMCA Europe; Secretary General; Na Porici 12; CZ-110 00 Prague-1; Czech Republic
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted before November 10th 2015 and will be asked to provide 3 references.
Interviews will most likely take place in Brussels on December 12th 2015.
