Volunteer Researcher for Strategic Partnerships

Job Posting Organization:
The 21st Century African Youth Movement (AYM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment and economic opportunities for African youth. Established with the mission to empower young people across Africa, AYM operates through various programs in sectors such as entrepreneurship, agriculture, education, technology, healthcare, and community development. The organization aims to strengthen communities and enhance the quality of life for youth by fostering partnerships with development agencies, foundations, corporations, academic institutions, and international networks. AYM is committed to sustainable impact and growth, and as it expands its activities, the importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships has become increasingly evident. The organization is focused on resource mobilization and seeks to build a robust network of partners to support its mission.

Job Overview:
The volunteer position involves researching and developing strategic partnership opportunities that align with the mission of the 21st Century African Youth Movement (AYM). The primary focus will be on identifying organizations, institutions, foundations, and networks that can contribute to AYM's programs aimed at youth employment, entrepreneurship, education, agriculture, technology, healthcare, and community development. The volunteer will play a crucial role in expanding AYM's network of partners and enhancing its resource mobilization efforts. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in partnership development, stakeholder mapping, and international development research while contributing to a mission-driven organization that seeks to empower African youth. The volunteer will be expected to conduct thorough research, prepare partnership opportunity briefs, and provide strategic recommendations for collaboration and stakeholder engagement, ultimately supporting AYM's long-term growth and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The volunteer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Conducting research to identify potential partners whose missions align with AYM's strategic priorities.
• Identifying funding opportunities, grants, and resource mobilization prospects relevant to AYM's programs.
• Developing detailed profiles of potential partner organizations and donors.
• Researching international organizations, foundations, corporations, and academic institutions that may support AYM's initiatives.
• Identifying relevant conferences, forums, networks, and collaborative platforms that can enhance AYM's visibility and growth.
• Preparing partnership opportunity briefs and recommendation reports to present findings and suggestions.
• Developing and maintaining a comprehensive database of partnership opportunities and potential collaborators.
• Analyzing partnership opportunities and recommending priorities for AYM's strategic outreach.
• Supporting stakeholder mapping and planning for strategic outreach initiatives. 1
• Preparing summary reports on research findings and recommendations to inform AYM's partnership development efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to identify and evaluate potential partnership opportunities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for preparing reports and presenting findings. The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple tasks effectively. A background in international development, nonprofit management, or a related field is preferred. Familiarity with partnership development and resource mobilization strategies will be advantageous. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to AYM's mission and values, with a passion for empowering youth and contributing to community development.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in international development, nonprofit management, social sciences, or a related field is required. Candidates pursuing or holding advanced degrees in these areas will be considered favorably. Relevant coursework or training in research methodologies, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement will be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience in research, partnership development, or nonprofit work. While prior volunteer or internship experience in a similar role is advantageous, it is not mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the dynamic environment of nonprofit work, particularly in the context of youth empowerment and community development.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as all communication and reporting will be conducted in English. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the African context, such as French or Portuguese, would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and while it may not offer financial compensation, it provides invaluable experience in the nonprofit sector and opportunities for professional development. The assignment duration is flexible, and candidates are encouraged to commit for a minimum of three months to ensure meaningful contributions to AYM's mission. The position may involve remote work, allowing for flexibility in location and working hours.