CALL FOR APPLICATION: GYCC RFP

Deadline for application: 15 September 2013

GYCC divides the world into 12 regions.  These regions are:

• Eastern Europe and Central Asia
• Middle East and North Africa
• West Africa
• Central Africa
• East Africa
• Southern Africa
• South Asia
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• The Caribbean
• North America
• Western Europe

Each Region is headed by Regional Focal Points.

IDEAL GYCC THE FOCAL POINTS

GYCC works closely with 12 young community advocates serving as Regional Focal Points and approximately 90 serving as National Focal Points globally.

Each Regional Focal Points (RFP) Serve for a period of two-year term. The RFP undergoes a mid-term review to assess and confirm each RFP for the following year.

FUNCTIONS OF RFPs

The principal function of the RFPs is to be pro-active in effectively engaging all GYCC members and implementing GYCC projects. The RFP should believe in GYCC’s overall goals, work in a Cancer related field and be willing to facilitate GYCC’s growth and sustainability.

1. Outreach and Support

• Undertake outreach and communication with GYCC members in the region to ensure equal focus and representation within GYCC related to regional needs, challenges, and activities;
• Recruit at least new NFPs and manage a team of National Focal Points from the different countries in the region, supporting their projects and participation;
• Organize local events/trainings at least once every six months with youth in resource-constrained areas and inform them about opportunities, events, and resources. RFPs will be assisted in this process by our strategic partners, and may be able to use the facilities of UN country offices and local NGOs.
• Initiate quarterly online discussions on the regional platform, including surveys regarding membership in the region.

2. Communications

• Maintain open and consistent channels of communication between focal points and GYCC staff, reporting on any and all relevant activities in the region and checking your GYCC email address consistently.
• Write article(s) for publication on GYCC blog site at least once each month.
• Facilitate the regional planning listserv by circulating announcements, news, and encouraging discussion on current topics in the region, including at least one moderated discussion on the Regional Listserv every quarter.
• Contribute articles to the GYCC newsletter as requested, and upon attendance at a major conference, event, activity, initiative, etc.
• Participate in the bimonthly and emergency RFP and staff calls, and attend all individual meetings with staff as scheduled.
• Create visibility for GYCC on all social media outlets, especially Facebook and Twitter.

3. Advocacy

• Represent GYCC and its objectives of empowering youth working on Cancer at relevant regional conferences and events;
• When appropriate, develop and carry out advocacy initiatives with the NFPs and members from the region and/or with Secretariat staff; and
• Sign on to advocacy letters on behalf of GYCC with consultation from the Secretariats.

4. Strategic Development

• Attend bi-monthly RFP chat sessions with the other 11 RFPs, preparing updates.
• Facilitate at least one RFP online chat in a year.
• Contribute feedback on important GYCC documents and/or proposals, including GYCC’s strategic plan.
• Work with Secretariat staff, RFPs, NFPs, and members to implement the GYCC strategic plan.
• Building a cohesive regional network through existing GYCC membership, through local and regional NGOs and grassroots organizations, and through international partnerships with organizations working in the region on youth and Cancer issues.

In addition to creating local, national and regional networks, you are also responsible for including youth in resource-constrained areas in GYCC activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The RFP will become part of GYCC’s decision making team and will be expected to contribute to the decision-making process.  RFPs will have a voice in what activities GYCC undertakes and how; and may be called upon to represent GYCC publicly at events in the region. The RFP will sign a binding contract for a one-year term at GYCC. The core responsibilities are as follows:

• Recruit at least 7 new NFPs (during your term) and manage a team of National Focal Points from the different countries in the region; developing work plans with them, monitoring their progress, and supporting their work with support from staff.
• Conduct research on organizations working in the region on youth and Cancer issues, make contact with such organizations, and include them in GYCC’s interactive global directory of youth CANCER organizations and programmes.
• Organize local gatherings (meeting with in country members) at least once every six months including youth in resource-constrained areas.
• Assist GYCC in its ongoing efforts to reach marginalized youth at the grassroots level;
• Undertake outreach and communication with GYCC members in their region, to ensure equal focus and representation related to regional needs, challenges and activities.
• Represent GYCC and its objectives of empowering youth working in CANCER at any relevant regional conferences and events.
• Maintain records of regional communication and communication with both secretariats.
• Assist in preparations for International CANCER meetings and other meeting concerning youth and CANCER.
• Submit monthly activity reports  that notes progress on duties and responsibilities to GYCC.
• Submit monthly report to the Regional Listserv (membership) on your work in the month.
• Submit a brief report and pictures of conferences/important meetings attended.
• Contribute timely feedback upon request on important documents and/or proposals.
• Contribute regional CANCER-related news and relevant resources for the GYCC website.

BENEFITS

Although the RFP work is primarily voluntary, the role comes with a variety of visibility, capacity building, and networking opportunities. RFPs have been and will often be offered opportunities to represent GYCC and their regional work at international conferences and events, to take part in regional and international trainings, to be involved in collaborative local and regional projects with the UN and NGOs, etc. Active RFPs may be able to access scholarships to International and Regional Cancer Conference taking place during their term.

Additionally, GYCC RFPs are offered:

• Chances to advocate at the highest levels to create and change policies and programs for youth in your region;
• Chances to build the capacity of a vibrant network of young leaders infected by and affected by CANCER in your region so that they can take action in their countries.

CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION

*Please do not apply if you do not meet the criteria below.

Applicant Criteria:

• Is already a GYCC member with a complete and detailed profile
• Candidate is a youth aged 18-35;
• Has daily internet access
• Is proficient in Microsoft Word and Internet research; Excel and PowerPoint is a plus;
• Has a genuine will to volunteer and participate in the work of GYCC;
• Is willing to work on a voluntary basis for an average of 10 – 15 hours per week;
• Commitment for at least one year, ideally able to commit for two;
• Can work independently with minimal supervision;
• Can understand and communicate effectively in English;
• Works with youth in resource-constrained areas and/or with most affected populations;
• Attention to detail, strong writing skills, patience, a responsible attitude, and strong teamwork skills;
• Agrees to consult with GYCC staff before using GYCC’s logo and materials and regarding sensitive communication;
• Has taken, or will take within three months of starting (assuming adequate availability), one of GYCC’s three e-courses offered in Project Management, Political Advocacy, and Resource Mobilization;
• Works with a registered organization (or has significant experience) working on youth and CANCER;
• Is from a country that has a stable political situation where political advocacy is possible and safe; and
• Has a good communication infrastructure (reliable phones, internet, fax and postal service).