DEPP Youth Specialist

International Foundation for Electoral Systems

About The Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS): CEPPS is a co-equal, legal joint venture established in 1995 between the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Currently, CEPPS is the holder of the Democratic Elections and Political Process (DEPP) Global Elections and Political Transitions (GEPT) leader with associates award (LWA) from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and has held similar awards since its creation. Over the past 27 years, more than $1.0 billion of funding has been awarded to CEPPS for programs in more than 60 countries. Through the DEPP mechanism, CEPPS works to empower local partners to build resilient government institutions, political parties, and electoral processes in fragile states and developing democracies.

APPLICATION AND HIRING INFORMATION:

While the successful candidate will work on behalf of CEPPS, they will be hired by IFES. All applications must be submitted through IFES at the link provided below. The review of applications and the interview process will be conducted jointly by the CEPPS partners.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

The CEPPS Youth Specialist will work to further expand the youth political participation and inclusion portfolio within CEPPS programming and support the meaningful inclusion of historically marginalized groups as part of CEPPS’ technical approach to democracy, human rights, and governance (DRG) programming.

The Youth Specialist will report to the CEPPS Senior Inclusion Advisor and will work closely with the CEPPS Management Team and relevant youth and inclusion points of contact across the consortium.

IFES COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement:

In accordance with Executive Order 14042 on Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Government Contractors, International Foundation for Electoral Systems has adopted a policy to comply with the requirements that all employees assigned to a federal contract or contract-like instrument be fully vaccinated before their start date. Therefore, all IFES positions will require proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment. Please note, any submission of falsifying records or misleading information would result in a dismissal of your employment application

Job Responsibilities:

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Youth Specialist will undertake the following key duties and responsibilities:

  • Develop CEPPS-level strategy to increase sustained youth participation and leadership in political, electoral, and civic processes.
  • Coordinate CEPPS-level youth-focused special initiatives, such as youth advisory groups, dissemination of knowledge products, events for international awareness days, or other special programs.
  • Guide the development and implementation of the CEPPS youth political inclusion learning agenda.
  • Build the technical capacity of CEPPS staff to design and implement youth political engagement initiatives that integrate positive youth development, social behavior changes interventions, and intersectional and cross-sectoral approaches to youth political engagement.
  • Provide technical assistance to regional, technical, and administrative teams on effective approaches to promoting youth political participation and mainstreaming youth considerations into DRG program implementation and CEPPS internal and external policies and processes.
  • Promote the implementation of USAID youth-centered priorities among stakeholders including as CEPPS partners, implementers, and the USG.
  • Enhance the capacity of field staff and local partners to conduct youth-focused DRG programming through training, information-sharing, and resource development.
  • Work with the CEPPS Management Team to develop communications products that highlight DEPP-generated learnings that inform the funder and the DRG community of practice about effective programming practices and approaches related to youth political inclusion.
  • Engage with key external stakeholders, including youth and inclusion points of contact at USAID, to keep up to date on emerging youth political inclusion trends and to communicate key aspects of CEPPS’ youth practice.
  • Fulfill youth-related reporting and other requirements as requested by USAID, including quarterly reports, annual reports, workplans, and data calls.
  • Support the Senior Inclusion Advisor to promote a holistic, intersectional inclusion approach across CEPPS programming.
  • Lead collaboration with existing youth-focused staff and youth technical leads across CEPPS by coordinating youth inclusion initiatives and activities.
  • Foster cooperation and drive consensus by ensuring buy-in on consortium-level decisions pertaining to youth political participation.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree or higher in political science, international development, gender studies, or related field.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum 8 years professional experience in one or more youth development sectors. Experience in international democracy, human rights, and/or governance fields is required, particularly engaging formal political actors and institutions, is required. Direct experience working with young people is also required; experience integrating social behavior change theory and interventions and positive youth development approaches into programming is preferred. Experience working with USAID is desirable.

TECHNICAL SKILLS: Demonstrated ability to apply intersectional, inclusive, gender responsive approaches to youth development. Excellent written, spoken, and cross-cultural communications skills required. Experience with USG-funded assistance programs and specific experience with USAID-funded programs strongly desired; experience working with consortia is helpful, but not required. Keen ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and to work independently with a high level of self-motivation is required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in English required. Fluency in other languages, such as Spanish, French, Russian, Arabic, or sign language, is desirable, but not required.

TRAVEL: Some travel to CEPPS field offices may be expected as part of this position.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Monthly Benefit Allowance paid directly to all employees

Employer paid life and AD&D insurance at 3x base salary

401(k) retirement plan with 1:1 employer match up to 6%

Employer paid Short and Long-Term Disability insurance

Generous vacation (starting at 3 weeks and increasing with time of service), sick leave, and personal leave

11 Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Program

How to apply

Please apply using this link: https://www.vs4.vscyberhosting.com/ifes/Careers.aspx?req=21:376&type=JOBDESCR


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