Africa Discussion Group Chair
Washington DC
Discussion Group Chair
Posted:
June 3, 2025
You're role
Chairmanship of a DG is a prestigious position that reflects an individual’s existing expertise in a
topic or region, acknowledges the individual’s ability to build and manage a community, and places confidence in the individual to serve as an outstanding source of knowledge on a specific
region or topic that they share with the broader YPFP community. DG Chairs also seek out
opportunities to connect their groups with broader YPFP events and initiatives and to link their
group with external organizations or activities in the broader foreign policy community.
This position requires approximately 5 hours per week, and successful candidates will be able
to make at least a one-year commitment to the role.
What you'll do
Determine membership criteria for the DG and process applicants on a timely basis (respond to emails within 72 hours).
Arrange meetings at least once every month, provide guidance on topics for discussion, and distribute pre-meeting readings.
Work to identify opportunities across YPFP to co-host, co-sponsor, or otherwise contribute to events and other initiatives.
Identify opportunities to collaborate or partner with organizations and initiatives outside YPFP that would add value and provide opportunities for your DG or YPFP as a whole.
How you'll do it
Demonstrate expertise and/or experience in the topic or region of the DG.
Proven track record of leadership and management skills.
Excellent communications skills, specifically the ability to convey complex information about the topic or region clearly and concisely to DG members, and others as appropriate.
Clear leadership abilities; the capability to inspire others to engage intellectually in a subject, and the ability to motivate members to think about issues and questions in new ways and generate new insights and ideas about the topic or region.
Available to hold regular DG meetings, preparing materials and products before and after each meeting, and generally leading the discussion among members.
Outstanding organizational skills to enable consistent meetings.
Be proactive and creative in exploring recruitment possibilities and meeting locations that are conducive to group needs.
Available to attend regular DG Chair meetings.
Responsiveness to email.
What you'll bring
- Ideally an early career foreign policy professional or current graduate student in a relevant field
- Resident of the Washington DC area
- Position is unpaid and part-time
- If not already a dues-paying member, candidate must become a YPFP member upon acceptance of an offer
How you can apply
- To apply, send the following materials as attachments to recruiting[at]ypfp.org and tia.potskhverashvili[at]ypfp.org:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Writing sample of 2-3 pages (ideally related to foreign policy)
- Include “DG Chair Application” in the subject line, as well as the name of the DG for which you are applying.
Why YPFP
At YPFP, all roles are part-time and volunteer-based. Our organization is powered by a passionate, mission-driven team of young professionals who contribute their time and talents to make foreign policy more accessible, inclusive, and dynamic. Volunteers typically commit 5–10 hours per month and take on leadership roles that offer real responsibility, creative freedom, and professional growth.
While these positions are unpaid, the experience is invaluable—volunteers gain access to a global network, develop high-impact skills, and help shape the direction of one of the world’s most influential youth-led foreign policy organizations.
All branch roles are fully remote. However, it is highly valuable for volunteers to be based in or near their branch city to engage with local partnerships and attend in-person events when possible. The Global (Virtual) Branch is the exception—it welcomes candidates from anywhere in the world.
YPFP is an equal opportunity organization committed to building a diverse and inclusive community across all branches and teams. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.