Youth Engagement Specialist

About MS TCDC and ActionAid Denmark

MS TCDC, in collaboration with ActionAid Denmark (AADK), is dedicated to strengthening the Global Platforms Secretariat—a network of youth-led spaces active in over 30 countries. This initiative fosters youth leadership, activism, and capacity-building for young people advocating for social justice. The key objective is to ensure the Global Platform Network is collectively owned at both global and federation levels, creating a dynamic, youth-led movement that drives meaningful change. To achieve this, the secretariat’s functions will be distributed among various stakeholders, embedding the concept deeply within the federation and enhancing its ability to advance youth-led transformation. Key partners in this effort include MS TCDC and ActionAid Bangladesh.

The MS TCDC Global Platform Secretariat unit is housed within the MS TCDC Learning and Training Unit, serving as a key pillar of the Global Platform Secretariat. It plays a central role in facilitating and supporting the Global Platform network by providing cross-cutting support to all Global Platforms. Specifically, the Secretariat unit focuses on:

• Implementing the Learning Framework across the Global Platform network.
• Designing, planning, and delivering Global Gatherings (both online and offline) focused on the Global Platform Learning Framework, methodologies, tools, and practices.
• Offering thematic support on Feminism and Humanitarian initiatives, strengthening the Global Platforms’ ability to apply the Learning Framework in fragile and crisis contexts.

Job Overview

As a Youth Engagement Specialist, you will be instrumental in implementing Global Platform’s Pedagogical Framework, emphasizing youth-led methodologies across the Global Platform Network. You will collaborate with network members, enhancing their impact by empowering them through participatory and action-oriented learning approaches.

Your responsibilities will include training, mentoring, coaching, and providing direct support to Global Platforms in adopting youth-led methodologies. This encompasses leadership in crisis contexts, facilitating youth-led safe spaces, conducting youth-driven research and advocacy, promoting feminist leadership, and developing campaign strategies.

Currently, MS TCDC is recruiting for a role within the Global Platform Secretariat, with a strong focus on Humanitarian Action through a feminist and intersectional lens. These positions will primarily support the implementation of the pedagogical framework and the broader Global Platform concept, prioritizing intersectionality and engagement with marginalized youth in both stable and crisis-affected environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strengthen the Global Platform Learning Framework (30%)

   • Enhance and implement youth-led tools such as Global Platforms’ Pedagogical frameworks, learning methodologies, and engagement strategies.
   • Provide mentorship and coaching to youth activists and Global Platforms.
   • Develop learning materials.
   • Facilitate trainer exchange programs.
   • Organize peer-learning spaces and quarterly network meetings.
   • Ensure quality assurance of the learning and methodological framework through quarterly check-ins with GPs, updating GP Secretariat support plans, and coordinating with relevant colleagues.
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   • Provide ad hoc support and assist with GP-related tasks as needed.

2. Design & Deliver Global Gatherings (15%)

   • Plan and facilitate global training to build the capacity of the Global Platforms Network to align learning approaches and initiatives.
   • Lead digital learning initiatives to support the Global Platforms Network.

3. Provide Thematic Support (15%)

   • Support GP Network with youth-led research methodologies to enhance efforts on feminism and young people’s leadership in humanitarian action.
   • Develop digital learning solutions to enhance engagement with young people in fragile contexts.
   • Coach GP Network in applying feminist and intersectional approaches.
   • Assist GPs in developing and applying GP pedagogical framework within fragile and crisis contexts using a nexus approach, while coordinating with relevant colleagues in Action Aid Denmark and Action Aid Global Secretariat’s International Humanitarian and Resilience Team.

4. Facilitate Digital Communities (20%)

   • Manage and grow The Other Fword, a digital feminist youth platform.
   • Design and execute advocacy campaigns focused on youth and gender justice.
   • Build partnerships with like-minded feminist organizations and youth networks.
   • Co-lead, Trainspire, a digital community for trainers within the Global Platforms Network.

5. Drive Joint Initiatives Between MS-TCDC & Global Platforms Secretariat (20%)

   • Contribute to youth-led capacity-building programs.
   • Collaborate with the Global Platform Secretariat team to align strategies and best practices.
   • Support the digital transformation of youth-led learning initiatives.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• A Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a relevant field.
• At least five years of experience in youth-led programming, advocacy, or movement-building.
• Expertise in alternative learning methodologies and participatory education models.
• Strong experience in mentoring, coaching, and facilitating youth leadership.
• Prior engagement with ActionAid Global Platforms is an added advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Deep understanding of youth-led initiatives, activism, and community organizing.
• Excellent facilitation and training skills in diverse cultural settings.
• Strong ability to coordinate networks and build partnerships.
• Knowledge of digital engagement strategies and online learning platforms.
• Capacity to work across multiple time zones and regions.

This position is open to all nationalities.

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following documents by uploading them onto the online application form:

• Application letter: explaining why you are the best fit for the role.
• Resume(s): highlighting relevant experience.

Application Deadline: 9th April 2025, midnight EAT (East African Time)