Secretariat

IYNF Secretariat

IYNF’s secretariat is the driving force behind the organization’s operations, working closely with the Presidium to implement its mandates and decisions. 

The team consists of staff members, interns, and volunteers whose work is diverse and dynamic. They bring IYNF’s values to life on a daily basis by organising its international trainings, managing communication channels, overseeing finances, and strengthening its network. 

While based between IYNF’s main office in Prague and the Naturefriends International office in Vienna, their work extends well outside these cities. You will likely encounter them at trainings, conferences, and meetings around Europe and beyond, reflecting the organisation’s deep international roots.  

Below, you can find out who is behind IYNF and the unique contributions they bring to the team.

Meet the IYNF Team

Sina

Secretary General

 I am working in Vienna. In general, I am responsible for overseeing all tasks and projects that are implemented by the secretariat more concretly my responsibilities are Human Resources, Finances, support of statutory bodies like the Presidum and the implementation of the strategic decisions daily. I studied social work and have long-term experience in non-formal education related to youth and socio-ecological topics. Outside of work, I love playing ice hockey and spending time outdoors with my dog. I hope to get in touch with you 🙂

Šárka

Vice Secretary General

I work in the Prague office. I’m responsible for the financial agenda, grant applications, project supervision, reporting, and many other tasks. I have a background in pedagogy, and I have been active in youth projects for many years. I went through various roles in the youth field. I have gained international experience from working both for NGOs and companies. My hobbies include hiking, being outdoors, sustainable travel, and yoga. I enjoy spending time with my family and being active with my son. 

Naomi

Project Coordinator

Officially, I am German and French, but I was raised in Vietnam, so I thrive in intercultural environments. In my day-to-day role at IYNF, I plan and organise our projects. I also manage our social media and monthly newsletter, sharing updates from the network. I’m currently studying Human-Animal Interactions, blending my interests in sustainability, animal welfare and education. Outside of work, I love travelling, nature, baking, fantasy books and learning languages.

 

Nantje

ESC volunteer

As one of the ESC volunteers, I support the IYNF team with social media content and management, helping at international activities and planning small parts of the program, like evening activities and icebreakers. I also bring four years of youth work experience from volunteering at my local church in northwestern Germany, where I helped at youth groups and youth trips. Outside of work and volunteering, I love to be creative and like to do all kinds of crafty activities. I also love spending time outside, especially in nature, where I enjoy photography. And wherever I go, you can almost always find a good book in my bag. 

Gabriel

ESC volunteer

I come from the very east of Romania, from a city named Galați. My place at IYNF is as an ESC volunteer, and along with Nantje we will be on the creative side of the Secretariat, behind social media, enjoying our time in Prague and in every activity. I am volunteering here at IYNF, to discover more and more about myself and how to implement it in the world. Now, some things about me, I am a person who loves nature, likes to spend my time creating stuff like drawings, stories, and paintings, I also enjoy reading, chilling in nature, and getting out of my comfort zone.

Rex

Oi, I’m Rex, the IYNF office dog.
My main areas of expertise include eating and cuddling, both of which I take very seriously. I’m extremely lovely, widely admired, and occasionally very dramatic, but please don’t be alarmed. This is not a crisis. I am simply asking for treatos.

Additional skills include:

  • Strategic sighing

  • Judging people who eat without sharing

  • Providing emotional support by sitting on important documents

Thank you for your understanding. Snacks may now be presented.

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