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 🙂

Contact me

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.

Contact me

Esmée

Project Coordinator

My day-to-day work revolves around planning, organising, and implementing our youth exchanges and trainings. I also support our network, assist inmaintaining our communications, and partake in web management. Thanks to IYNF’s structure, work is diverse. My favourite part of working here is collaborating with the team to translate timely and complex issues into tangible action and being able to meet inspiring young leaders along the way. Outside of IYNF, I love to thrift, dance and try my hand at crocheting. See you around:)

Contact me

Naomi

Project Assistant

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 support the planning and organising of our projects. I’m also mostly in charge of 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.

Contact me

Juli

ESC volunteer

At IYNF, I focus on supporting social media content planning and creation, developing materials, supporting international projects and contributing to web management. Before volunteering for IYNF, I was a volunteer for a German youth organisation for multiple years and cooperated with the German Naturefriends multiple times, which is how I got to know the Naturefriends originally and why I was happy to apply for the ESC position at the IYNF. My interests include pedagogy, history, politics and arts, which I also bring in as a volunteer. Looking forward to seeing you all!

Contact me

Silvia

ESC volunteer

I grew up in Bari, in Southern Italy, and I am now based in Prague as part of the project. With a background in Web Design and Visual Communication, my work at IYNF focuses on social media content planning and visual graphic creation, developing (visual) materials and outcomes, and contributing to copywriting and website design. I also support the organisation and implementation of projects. Being able to combine creative work with themes such as sustainability, social justice and personal development is what makes this experience especially meaningful to me.

Contact me

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.