Director, Africa Programs

The International Youth Foundation (IYF), a global nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives and conditions of young people worldwide, is seeking a Program Director to provide strategic leadership in the design and implementation of innovative, multisectoral programs in Sub-Saharan Africa to promote youth employability skills, job placement and the creation of new businesses. The ideal candidate will have strong youth development experience in Africa, with the leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and program management skills suited to successfully execute on large, strategic initiatives in support of IYF’s mission. This full-time position will be based in Baltimore, MD. For more information please consult www.iyfnet.org.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead in the successful implementation of strategic IYF Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve program outputs and outcomes in accordance with donor expectations, grant agreements, and workplans.
• Lead the coordination and execution of several high quality, multi-sectoral youth assessments conducted with the support of IYF research, subject matter and monitoring and evaluation teams in coordination with donors, partners and local research teams.
• Manage the design and implementation of innovative, multi-sectoral programs in Sub-Saharan Africa building on IYF strategic priorities, donor interest, and youth assessment findings. Such programs will ensure quality interventions for youth that promote employability skills, job placement and the creation of new businesses through a holistic youth development framework.
• In the development of such programs, work closely with multilateral and corporate donors supporting multi-country Africa programs to help co-create and refine program designs, and broaden and expand partnerships for greater impact. In support of such aims, build strong working relationships with other donors and partners from across sectors, including implementing partners, relevant government authorities, private sector parties and other key stakeholders.
• Provide overall management of subgrants to Partners including due diligence documentation, budgeting, disbursements, technical and capacity building support, etc. to ensure successful program delivery.
• Conduct periodic country site visits, engaging with donors, partners and other relevant stakeholders to provide feedback, and initiate programmatic adjustments as needed to ensure the quality, effective, and efficient implementation of programs. Oversee the preparation of reports, ensuring submission on a timely basis to Program Donors, Partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee the design of learning agendas for programs that include regional conferences, publications, and other outreach to maximize interest in programs and the sharing of successful models and lessons learned.
• Supervise staff supporting these efforts as assigned. Responsible for the professional development of staff reporting to this position, including, but not limited to ensuring clear understanding of job requirements and obligations, conducting regular meetings, and ongoing performance management.

REQUIREMENTS

• At least 10 years of experience related to the research, design and management of youth development projects, with significant work experience in sub-Saharan Africa. Knowledge of / experience with programs that support youth employment and social services (e.g. education, health) preferred.
• A Master’s degree in Economics, Education, Social Sciences or a closely related field is required, Ph.D. preferred.
• A collegial management style that emphasizes both achieving results and working with a highly skilled, multi-cultural team of professional colleagues.
• Deep personal commitment to social and economic development that recognizes youth as critical actors and beneficiaries.
• Experience working with USAID-funded programs.
• Experience in developing partnerships to support programs, including through grant-making, technical assistance to grantees and engagement of multilateral and bilateral agencies, businesses and foundations.
• Excellent planning, presentation, interpersonal and analytical skills; the ability to identify and establish priorities and attend to all details in a professional manner.
• Fluent in English, both oral and written. Fluency in French and/or Portuguese preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation and analytical skills
• Knowledge of and experience working internationally preferred.
• Excellent computer skills using MS Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel internationally as needed.

LOCATION
Baltimore, MD USA

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY
Please submit all of the following documents with “DIRAFR”, followed by your name, in the subject line, to jobs@iyfnet.org:

1. Completed IYF US Application for Employment, which can be downloaded here: http://www.iyfnet.org/sites/default/files/IYF_Application_for_Employment.doc
2. Cover Letter
3. Resume

About the International Youth Foundation:
The International Youth Foundation (IYF) is a global nonprofit organization that works with the business, government, and civil society sectors in 70 countries to improve the lives and condition of young people worldwide. Founded in 1990, IYF equips today's youth with the necessary skills to be healthy, productive and civically engaged individuals. To deepen its impact, IYF scales up effective and sustainable programs that are making a lasting difference in young lives. IYF receives support from bilateral and multilateral donor agencies, companies, foundations and individuals.

International Youth Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.