Caritas Europa is looking for a Youth Engagement Officer

The Caritas Europa (CE) Secretariat based in Brussels is offering a full-time permanent position to support its work in the field of youth engagement.

Mission

The post holder contributes to the implementation of CE’s Strategic Framework in which youth engagement is also a cross-cutting topic. CE firmly believes that young women and men play a crucial role in building a Europe of solidarity and peace. CE wishes to further strengthen youth engagement and the active participation of young people in all our structures and through all our actions.

Key tasks

1. Act as an interlocutor for all CE Member Organisations (MO) already active in the field of youth engagement or interested in how to promote it:

   • Pro-actively establish contacts with MOs, show interest in their activities and accompany and support them where helpful, along a path set out together (CE/MO); monitor and evaluate progress;

   • Support MOs in project design and fundraising in the field of youth engagement.

2. Act as interlocutor for the European regional secretariat towards Caritas Internationalis secretariat in the field of youth engagement;

3. Design and manage CE youth-related projects and activities part of the annual workplan;

4. Coordinate and support the relevant working structures for which s/he is responsible along the lines of the Strategic Framework and the CE annual workplan;

5. Organise youth-related events in terms of administration, logistics, and contents (trainings, conferences, webinars, workshops, etc);

6. Ensure coordination and look for synergies with colleagues in the Institutional Development Unit and in other units: cooperate, coordinate, communicate, meet and advise;

7. Design and manage CE youth-related projects and activities part of the annual workplan;

8. Coordinate and support the relevant working structures for which s/he is responsible along the lines of the CE Strategic Framework and annual workplan;

9. Organise youth-related projects and events in terms of administration, logistics, and contents (trainings, conferences, webinars, workshops, etc);

10. Contribute to internal and external papers, documents, and consultations on youth-related issues;

11. Contribute to, and participate in, internal and external events, representing CE within the mandate given by the ID Director or SG;

12. Liaise with Church actors, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders in the field of youth. Participate in team and ID Unit meetings, inform the CE membership, team and Unit members on the field of work; and support the monitoring, evaluation and reporting around the progress.

13. Undertake occasional travels to take part in meetings, events and to connect with the network in coordination with the Unit Director.

Profile

• At least two years of experience in youth work or working with youth and/or young volunteers, preferably in Caritas or in other faith-based organisations;

• Experience working with diverse and international groups of young people, also remotely;

• Experience in facilitating youth participation and youth engagement in decision-making processes involving different stakeholders;

• Capacity to manage projects on an international level and adopt a European perspective respectful of diverse national and local realities;

• Higher education, preferably in a field relevant to the function (political sciences, international relations, social sciences, educational sciences …) and/or equivalent relevant experience;

• Understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, in which Caritas’ work is firmly rooted;

• Organisational, communication, interpersonal, linguistic and diplomatic skills;

• Excellent oral and written English communication skills; good knowledge of other languages is an asset;

• Moderation skills and at ease with public speaking;

• Knowledge of IT tools and social media;

• Creativity, proactiveness and innovative mindset;

• Flexible, open, and accompanying attitude.

Offer and conditions

We offer a full-time permanent contract in line with our salary scheme (starting from 3.240,20€ gross monthly salary and depending on the years of experience following the grid of the Centre Interdiocésain asbl) and with extra-legal benefits (hospitalisation and pension insurance, lunch vouchers, contribution to public transport). The main place of work is Brussels. Regular teleworking is possible. The work also entails regular travel to other countries, mainly within Europe.

The Youth Engagement Officer reports directly to the Institutional Development Director.

Caritas Europa is committed to diversity, equal opportunities, and non-discrimination.

Starting date: 2 January 2025 (some flexibility is possible, as soon as possible for the candidate)

Application: Please submit a motivation letter (max. one page) and CV (max. two pages) by 2 November 2024, 23:59 CET to candidates@caritas.eu and msomers@caritas.eu, mentioning in the subject “Youth Engagement Officer”.

We thank all candidates in advance who show interest in this offer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. The first round of interviews will be held in the week of 12-15 November. A second round of interviews will be carried out shortly after. Prospective candidates will be asked to carry out a written assignment in English as part of the selection procedure.