Position: Secretary General

Work base: RYCO Head Office, Tirana, Albania

Mandate duration: Four years, with no possibility of extension
Expected employment start date: March, 1st 2021
Application deadline: 7 December 2020, at 17:00 Central European Time (CET).

Background:

Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) is an independently functioning institutional

mechanism, founded by the Western Balkans six participants (WB6): Albania, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, aiming to promote the spirit
of reconciliation and cooperation between the youth in the region through youth exchange
programs. The Agreement on Establishment of RYCO was signed by the WB6 Prime Ministers
at the Paris Summit, on 4 July 2016, within the Berlin Process.

The RYCO’s mission is:

 Supporting the regional exchange of youth, and their sharing of ideas, as a ground for
future cooperation prospects in our region, based on the values of co-existence,
tolerance and respect for human rights and diversity, as well as commitment to inclusion
and security;
 Stepping up regional cooperation among youth and youth-dedicated institutions and
ensure implementation of joint programs for young people with the focus on the
principles of democratic governance, sustainable economic development, education and
innovation,
 Coordinating youth cooperation in the Western Balkans.

The RYCO’s structure is composed of:

 The Governing Board;

 The Secretariat, and
 The Advisory Board.

The Secretariat of RYCO consists of the Head Office, as the organizational hub situated in
Tirana, Albania and the Local Branch Offices, which ensure RYCO is represented in all the six
Contracting Parties. RYCO’s unique governance system brings together government and civil
society representatives to ensure young people are represented at all levels within the
organization.

For more details on RYCO, please click here.

*
This designation is without prejudice to position on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on
the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
The role of the Secretary General:
Reporting to the Governing Board, the Secretary-General (SG) is responsible for the Head
Office and Local Branch Offices leadership and providing direction and clarity to the
organization’s strategic and policy development. S/he represents RYCO at the highest level in
terms of its vital relationship with partners, funders and other key stakeholders. S/he initiates
and concludes international agreements on RYCO’s behalf and plays a key role in ensuring the
program strategy is delivered as approved by the Governing Board. In addition, the Secretary
General leads the organization’s efforts in influencing policy change as determined by RYCO
core documents and strategy. S/he holds principal responsibility for promotion and
implementation of RYCO Strategic Plan, in regards to the upholding the RYCO institutional and
organizational excellence, supporting regional cooperation, mobility and exchange and
contributing to the enabling regional social and political environment for promotion of youth
cooperation.

Main responsibilities:
 Represent RYCO in communication with key bilateral, governmental and NGO
counterparts;
 Support and advise the Governing Board on its governance and oversight role;
 Solicit advice and guidance, when appropriate, from the Governing Board;
 Lead the strategic development and planning processes in order to ensure the delivery
of the RYCO’s mission;
 Communicate and implement the organization's vision, mission, and overall direction;
 Design, drive and deliver RYCO’s resource mobilization and fundraising activities, in
concert with the Deputy Secretary General, and with the support and cooperation with
the Governing Board;
 Recommend the annual Strategic and Operational Plan as well as the annual RYCO
budget for adoption by the Governing Board, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure
of the Governing Board;
 Compile and submit Financial and Program reports to the Governing Board, as set out in
the Rules of Procedure;
 Oversee the complete operations of the organization in accordance with the direction
established in the strategic plans;
 Assess risks to the organization and ensure they are monitored and mitigated;
 Effectively lead and support the motivation of the human resources of the organization
according to authorized personnel policies and procedures;
 Support to the Governing Board in lobbying and fundraising activities by identifying
potential donors in consultation with the Governing Board based on the overall
fundraising strategy to be implemented by the Secretariat;
 Ensure that the organization and its mission, programs and operations are consistently
presented in strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders;
 Ensure the intercultural quality of the work within the Secretariat and of the projects
supported by RYCO;
 Perform other tasks in accordance with the Statute and policies & procedures.

Eligibility criteria:
 Nationality of one of the WB61 Contracting Parties;
 Bachelor degree in Public Administration, Management, Humanities, Social or Political
sciences or related fields;

1
As stipulated in the RYCO Statute, the nationality of the Secretary General shall rotate in a manner inclusive to all
RYCO Contracting Parties. Having in mind that the current RYCO Secretary General is coming from Serbia,
candidates from this Contracting Party are not eligible to apply for the Secretary General position.
  At least seven years of professional experience in senior managerial and/or leadership
positions within International/Regional/Governmental or Non-governmental organiza-
tions;
 Previous experience in youth, intercultural and reconciliation related programs/projects is
mandatory.

Skills and Competencies

 Communicates Effectively: Able to articulate in a rational, logical manner in order to
convince and move the organization ahead, conveys clear, inspiring and dynamic
messages, uses diverse tools of communication appropriately and effectively;
 Drives Vision and Inspires: Able to influence and build consensus within the organization
and around it, communicates vision in a compelling way;
 Execution Driven and Manages Complexity: Able to manage contradictory or complex
priorities, deal with resistance and to take care of a good work-life balance, manage a
range of projects simultaneously;
 Demonstrates Inclusion and Values Differences: An inclusive leader capable of working
with a multinational team of colleagues, able to apply diplomacy and tact;
 Drives Innovation: A self-starter who is opportunity oriented and can demonstrate
energy, drive and commitment;
 Leading People: Leads, motivates and inspires staff in RYCO, ensures clarity and
alignment around organizational and individual priorities;
 Proven track record in regional cooperation initiatives involving high level communication
with public sector counterparts and civil society activists;
 Solid understanding of WB6 context (social, economic and political environment);
 Previous experience/familiarity with UN agencies, EU funded projects and major bilateral
donors is desirable;
 Computer savvy;
 Proficiency in English, while the knowledge of Albanian, Bosnian, Croatian, Macedonian,
Montenegrin or Serbian would be an asset.

What we offer

 The Secretary General shall enjoy immunities and privileges as defined in the Host
Country Agreement;
 A competitive remuneration package;
 An international and dynamic working environment;
 A motivated team;
 An inclusive environment.

Terms of Contract

 The position is full-time and based in Tirana, Albania;

 S/he could expect that up to 30% of her/his time would be spent on business-related
travel;
 The mandate of the Secretary General is four years, with no possibility of extension.
 The employment is foreseen to start on 1 March 2020.

How to apply
Interested and qualified candidates need to enclose the following documents to the application:

 Application Form;
 CV (Europass CV format);
 Scanned copy of higher education degree;
  Scanned passport copy;
 Criminal record certificate;
 Two recommendation letters.

The application form, recommendation letters and Europass CV must be submitted in English
language. The copy of higher education degree and the criminal record certificate should be
provided with a certified translation into English. The application package should be exclusively
submitted in an electronic format to the following e-mail address: recruitment@rycowb.org no
later than Sunday, 7 December 2020 at 17:00 CET. In the subject line of your email please
state you are applying for the position of Secretary General.

Applications received after the given deadline as well as those not accompanied by the
necessary documents will not be considered.

Candidates should be available for interviews during the period from 11 to 12 January 2020.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview phase.

Disclaimer:

RYCO is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified
candidates irrespective of their race or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual
orientation, health or disabilities.

Candidates for the position of the Secretary General are selected through an open call and
based on merit. As stipulated in the RYCO Statute, the nationality of the Secretary General shall
rotate in a manner inclusive to all RYCO Contracting Parties. Having in mind that the current
RYCO Secretary General is coming from Serbia, candidates from this Contracting Party are not
eligible to apply for the Secretary General position.