Background:
The Urban Movement Innovation Fund (UMI Fund) supports inclusive, intergenerational, community-led organising for stronger movements that can develop, demand, and deliver just climate solutions.
Since 2019, we have partnered with young leaders who are shaping the future of climate action. As a donor collaborative, a convener, an advisor to philanthropy, and a grant maker, we invest in youth-led projects, strengthen movement resilience, and safeguard young activists. We believe the youth movement is one of the most powerful forces for change—this is their moment, and we are here to back them.
Description:
Purpose of role
We are looking for a Youth Programme Officer to play a pivotal role in supporting and amplifying the power of the youth climate movement. In this role, you will work directly with young leaders and grassroots organisations to co-create impactful projects, foster transformative partnerships, and unlock equitable funding opportunities. You will help strengthen shared youth leadership, elevate diverse voices, and empower young people to shape a just, climate-resilient future.
We are seeking a passionate and organised team player with experience in project management support, campaigns, or communications strategy. If you bring creativity, initiative, and a deep commitment to climate justice and youth empowerment, we want to hear from you.
Join us in driving real change—because the future is now, and young leaders are leading the way.
This role requires occasional travel to attend youth climate convenings, team and partner meetings, and global conferences.
Primary Responsibilities
- Programme support: Working closely with the programme team to assist in the design, coordination, and management of youth-focused climate programmes, ensuring they align with the fund’s mission and goals. This will include grant management support (developing impactful grant proposals and grant administration) and supporting specific youth micro-granting processes.
- Monitoring and evaluation: Assist in monitoring and evaluating the progress of funded youth-led initiatives, ensuring that projects meet their objectives and deliver expected outcomes. This will include regular check-in meetings with grantee partners to discuss progress and address any challenges or opportunities.
- Community engagement: Facilitate engagement with youth networks, organisations, and communities to understand their needs, identify capacity-building needs, and connect youth partners with relevant providers. Foster relationships with youth leaders, organisations, and stakeholders in climate action. Organise outreach to engage youth in UMI Fund initiatives, including the micro-granting programme.
- Event coordination: Assist in organising workshops and trainings to enhance youth leadership skills.
- Communications: Collaborate with the communications team to develop engaging materials showcasing youth initiatives and outcomes. Prepare reports and presentations on youth engagement and project impact.
- Networking: Align and connect youth initiatives with UMI Fund goals and partner with organisations, networks, and coalitions to amplify youth voices in climate advocacy.
Requirements:
Profile
Experience
- 7 – 9 years of experience working with community-based initiatives, especially in the Global South. Paid, volunteer, internship or lived experience with NGOs, youth organisations, community groups or social movements focusing on climate or environmental justice.
- Experience organising or facilitating youth-led events, workshops, or campaigns.
- Exposure to managing small-scale to medium-scale projects, from planning to execution, even in a volunteer or part-time capacity. Experience handling tasks including coordinating schedules, communicating with stakeholders, budget planning and monitoring progress.
- Experience delivering presentations and speaking in front of external audiences.
- Understanding of socio-economic and climate challenges in the Global South particularly from the perspective of young people.
- Exposure to diverse cultural settings, and comfortable working in coalition spaces and with environmental justice and frontline partners.
Skills
- Effective intercultural communicator and holder of space – able to engage with a diverse range of people including youth, grassroots leaders, and organisational partners. Skilled at fostering collaboration across cultures and geographic boundaries.
- Proactive and able to take initiative in planning and executing tasks.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to new situations.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects and deadlines independently.
- Basic knowledge of tools for project management, such as Google Workspace and Slack.
- Basic understanding of climate justice principles and the role of youth in addressing climate change.
Highly desirable
- Experience with grant writing and management, fundraising, or reporting for climate-related projects.
- Experience in contributing to the development of engaging stories to showcase impact and mobilise resources.
- Experience in developing or delivering youth engagement programmes or collective strategies to support community organising, preferably in a climate or environmental or social justice context.
Desirable
- Proficiency in Spanish or additional languages to enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.
Comments:
Terms and conditions
Location allowance ranging from 15% to 30%.
Reporting to: Communication & Engagement Manager
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement by clicking on the link below.
Please contact Isabel Leal for any queries you may have.
The deadline for application is Sunday 23rd March 2025
Daryl Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required; irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability or sexual orientation.
Contact person: Isabel Leal
Preferred method of response: Web
Apply link: Link to Apply
Email: isabel@darylupsall.com
Closing date: 23/03/2025
