Under the supervision of the Executive Director and Deputy Director for Programmes, the Programme Officer – Youth Leadership will perform the following duties:

Project management, Kofi Annan Changemakers

Manage and support the development and delivery of the whole range of activities linked to the Kofi Annan Changemakers project. This project aims to select each year 12 young leaders under 30 from diverse backgrounds and continents, to join a 6-month programme which includes; dialogue and mutual learning between this new generation of Changemakers and experienced experts and leaders who worked closely with Kofi Annan and/or his Foundation; insight into the “Kofi Annan Way” through a series of encounters and workshops; and mentoring by an expert in their field.  The objectives are to enable Intergenerational collaboration with proven leaders, build youth agency, and create a global network of alumni who share Kofi Annan’s values and perpetuate his legacy. Responsibilities include:

• Managing the nomination, application and selection process;
• Developing the programme’s content;
• Preparation of timelines, background information, letters, terms of reference, guidelines and forms related to the project.
• Liaising with all selected Changemakers, to ensure that they have all information required for their participation and that the Foundation has all the information needed from them.
• Managing the mentoring and seed grants components of the project, in close consultation with our partners;
• Overseeing all logistical arrangements for the programme including travel, accommodation, meals, meeting venues, with the support of the Foundation’s Travel Coordinator;
• Liaising with the Foundation’s Head of Finance and Administration to ensure that expenses are carefully recorded and monitored to remain within the project’s budgetary envelope;
• Designing, administering and analyzing surveys and end-of-year workshops to assess the impact of the Changemakers project and draw lessons for increased effectiveness; drafting yearly report to donors;
• Working with the Foundation’s Communication Team to ensure effective communication of the project’s objectives, activities and impact;
• Engaging and liaising with partners and donors related to the Changemakers project;
• Managing the community of Changemakers Alumni.

Project support, Youth and Peace 

• Support the development and delivery of activities linked to other projects focused on youth inclusion and youth leadership in the fields of peace-making, peacebuilding and the prevention of violent extremism.
• Support the Youth and Peace Programmes communications and outreach activities aimed at making the programmes’ achievements, impact, and activities visible.
• Prepare speeches, talking points, op-eds, articles and other written outputs for the Chairman, the Executive Director and the Deputy Director for Programmes.
• Prepare memos or short briefs on individuals, institutions and specific issues related to youth and peace, or to include in files for missions that the Chairman, the Executive Director or other Foundation staff may undertake.

Representation and other tasks 

• Undertake official mission travel and accompany/support Senior Staff on official missions as may be required.
• Perform other related duties as required by the Deputy Director for Programmes or the Executive Director.

Skills and competencies required: 

• Post-graduate university degree in international relations, political science, constitutional law, international law, human rights or a related field.
• 3 to 6 years of relevant professional experience with a national, regional or international governmental or non-governmental organization working in youth inclusion, preferably in peace and security. Experience in organizing youth-related and/or leadership programmes a strong advantage;
• Experience building trusted relations with and between stakeholders of different generations a valued asset;
• Project management experience a requirement, and experience drafting reports desirable;
• Excellent written and spoken English. Fluency in French is desirable;
• Good research and organizational skills;
• Sound judgment, discretion, resourcefulness and good interpersonal skills are prized attributes;
• Strong writing experience and analytical skills, and the ability to synthesize complex global issues into effective statements and written products;
• Ability to take initiative, work with minimal supervision and meet deadlines.

Contractual arrangements  

The selected candidate would be expected to take up the position in June 2022.

An indefinite term contract (renewable) with a three-month trial period;

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with skills and experience. Remuneration is subject to Swiss social charges and taxable under Swiss/Geneva law.

The Kofi Annan Foundation is an inclusive employer and depending on personal circumstances and work exigencies, staff can work from home part of the work week.

Applicants must hold a valid work permit for Switzerland or be EU/EFTA citizens (you are required to include this information in your application). 

How to Apply 

Please send your CV with a letter of motivation in English to HR@kofiannanfoundation.org by

7 April 2022 09h00 CET. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 

An interview and a written test may be part of the recruitment process.