Youth RISE is inviting applications for the position of High Level Communications and Advocacy Programme Lead Consultant, a fully remote opportunity for a young professional with experience in communications, advocacy, human rights, drug policy, and youth engagement.
The selected consultant will lead strategic communications and advocacy efforts, support engagement with international organisations, and strengthen the visibility of Youth RISE’s work advocating for the rights and inclusion of young people who use drugs and other marginalised communities.
The consultancy is offered for four months, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and successful performance.
Applications close on Friday, 7 August 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Opportunity Overview
Position Title: High Level Communications and Advocacy Programme Lead Consultant
Organisation: Youth RISE
Work Location: Fully Remote (Applicants can be based anywhere)
Contract Duration: 4 months (possible extension)
Consultancy Fee: $8,332 USD for four months
Reports To: Executive Director
Application Deadline: 7 August 2026
Youth RISE is seeking a skilled professional to join its Core Team Consultancy and lead the organisation’s High Level Communications and Advocacy Programme.
About Youth RISE
Youth RISE is a youth-led organisation focused on advocating for the rights, health, and wellbeing of young people who use drugs and other underserved populations.
The organisation works to ensure that young people’s voices are included in drug policy discussions at national, regional, and international levels. Through advocacy, research, communications, and partnerships, Youth RISE seeks to promote evidence-based approaches and challenge stigma affecting marginalised communities.
Key Responsibilities
The High Level Communications and Advocacy Programme Lead will work closely with the Core Consultancy Team and International Working Group (IWG) members to strengthen advocacy and communication strategies.
Strategic Advocacy Leadership
The consultant will:
- Lead implementation of Youth RISE’s advocacy agenda.
- Identify high-impact advocacy opportunities at national, regional, and international levels.
- Develop and oversee position papers, statements, and policy inputs.
- Support engagement with United Nations decision-making spaces, including the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and other UN forums.
- Ensure advocacy efforts amplify the voices of young people who use drugs.
High-Level Stakeholder Engagement
The successful candidate will support relationship-building by:
- Mapping and engaging influential policymakers, organisations, and decision-makers.
- Developing strategic partnerships to strengthen Youth RISE advocacy efforts.
- Supporting dialogue with government representatives, international organisations, and civil society stakeholders.
Communications and Content Development
The role will involve managing and improving Youth RISE’s external communications through:
- Providing strategic input into social media planning.
- Creating and editing website content, blogs, videos, and digital materials.
- Ensuring communications align with organisational advocacy priorities.
- Supporting public messaging and campaign development.
Research and Policy Support
The consultant will also:
- Support the review and development of research outputs.
- Ensure publications are relevant for policy audiences.
- Assist in preparing materials for advocacy campaigns and stakeholder engagement.
Programme Coordination and Reporting
Additional responsibilities include:
- Completing monitoring and reporting requirements.
- Preparing monthly reports.
- Maintaining project documentation and Google Drive records.
- Participating in team meetings and supervision sessions.
- Supporting fundraising activities when required.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be 34 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Demonstrate understanding of Youth RISE’s mission and work.
- Have experience working in online or remote environments.
- Possess strong project management skills.
- Be able to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
- Have experience in drug policy advocacy.
- Understand the intersectional challenges faced by young people who use drugs and underserved populations.
- Have experience in human rights and drug policy advocacy at national, regional, or international levels.
- Understand how intergovernmental organisations, including the United Nations, operate and how civil society organisations can engage with them.
- Demonstrate cultural competence and diplomatic skills.
- Have excellent English communication skills.
- Have experience using WordPress for uploading and editing content.
- Have experience creating social media content using tools such as Canva.
- Have strong writing and editing skills for:
- Policy briefs
- Research documents
- Press releases
- Public speaking interventions
- Be able to work independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional experience that will strengthen an application includes:
- Lived or current experience as a young person who uses drugs or experience with the impacts of punitive drug policies.
- Advanced Canva skills or willingness to develop design skills.
- Experience using Slack and Google Drive for professional collaboration.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Youth RISE is looking for a candidate who is passionate about youth rights, social justice, and inclusive policy development.
The ideal applicant should be:
- A strong communicator and advocate.
- Comfortable engaging with international stakeholders.
- Skilled at translating complex issues into clear public messages.
- Committed to reducing stigma and supporting marginalised communities.
- Able to balance strategic thinking with practical implementation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A CV; and
- A cover letter explaining their suitability for the role.
Applicants must include two professional references in their CV. Letters of recommendation are not required.
Applications should be sent by email before:
Deadline: Friday, 7 August 2026
Email subject line: Programme Lead (High Level Communications and Advocacy)
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to contribute to global youth advocacy, communications, and human rights work.
