The IYF Country Team (IYFCT) is the operational unit through which IYF delivers its mission at national level. Established and led by the IYF Representative, each Country Team brings together a group of dedicated national volunteers — young people who collectively coordinate IYF activities, engage stakeholders, and drive youth development results in their country. Country Teams are the primary delivery mechanism for IYF's country-level work. They are structured to be inclusive, multi-thematic, and locally embedded — ensuring that IYF's support is responsive to the specific priorities and realities of young people in every Member Country.

Structure of the Country Team

Each IYFCT comprises the IYF Representative and a team of national volunteer officers:

  • Deputy Representative — Supports the Representative in overall leadership and operational continuity
  • Communications Assistant — Manages national communications, media relations, and IYF's public profile in country
  • Youth Assistant — Coordinates youth development programmes and engagement activities
  • Sports Assistant — Leads sports-based youth empowerment initiatives
  • Innovation Assistant — Drives creative and technology-focused approaches to youth challenges
  • Women's Empowerment Assistant — Leads gender-focused programming and advocacy
  • Environment Assistant — Coordinates environmental sustainability activities within the youth development agenda

This structure ensures that IYF's work at country level is thematically comprehensive, covering the full spectrum of young people's needs and opportunities.

What Country Teams Do

Country Teams are responsible for the day-to-day coordination and facilitation of IYF activities in their country. Their work spans:

  • Implementing IYF programmes, initiatives, and activities in line with national youth priorities and IYF's global strategy
  • Engaging governments, civil society, private sector, and youth organisations as partners and stakeholders
  • Supporting the accreditation of national youth organisations and associations with IYF
  • Communicating youth achievements, success stories, and progress to the Regional Administration and IYF Headquarters
  • Maintaining active networks with youth organisations and other relevant entities at national level
  • Contributing to annual country reports on IYF activities, statistics, and affiliated organisations

Aligned with National Priorities and the SDGs

Country Teams operate within the framework of IYF's global strategy while remaining firmly grounded in national context. The IYF Representative ensures that the Country Team's work is aligned with the country's own youth priorities and with the Sustainable Development Goals — particularly around quality education, decent work, gender equality, and reduced inequalities.

IYF Country Teams are made up of young volunteers who want to make a real difference for young people in their country. No matter your background — youth work, communications, sport, innovation, environment, or women's empowerment — there is a role for you.

To find out whether IYF operates in your country or to express interest in joining a Country Team, contact us at info@iydg.org