Deadline: 19 January, 2024

Location: Dakar, Senegal

TrustAfrica is seeking to fill the position of Project Manager for the African Youth Panel Initiative.

TrustAfrica is a pan-African foundation that works to strengthen African agencies to address the most difficult challenges confronting the continent.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for the Africa Youth Panel Project in alignment with the organisation’s mission and goals
• Create a detailed work plan that identifies and sequences the activities (particularly participatory action research) needed to successfully complete the project
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the project, including planning, budgeting, and resource allocation
• Lead a team of project staff and volunteers, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure effective programme delivery
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders and the donor, including appropriate staff in the organisation on the progress of the projects
• Review the quality of the work completed with the project’s teams regularly to ensure that it meets the project’s standards, targets, and objectives
• Establish and maintain partnerships with youth organisations, community stakeholders and the wider youth engagement ecosystem
• Design and deliver engaging and relevant activities (including action research) and events that cater to the needs and interests of young people in line with the project’s goals
• Develop and implement comprehensive evaluation and assessment tools to measure the effectiveness and impact of the project
• Prepare and present regular reports to stakeholders, funders, and the organisation’s leadership team, highlighting project achievements and challenges
• Stay informed about current trends, best practices, and research in youth engagement, youth participation, dignified and fulfilling work, and other relevant topics; and incorporate relevant findings into the project
• Identify any support required for the planning, management and successful delivery of the project
• Conduct project staff evaluation performances as required
• Ensure the quality of outputs and results with optimal monitoring mechanisms
• Take action to mitigate any risks facing project implementation, activities, staff, and beneficiaries
• Ensure all required grants and operational activity documents are obtained, and all narrative reports are done on time
• Maintain flexibility to take on any added responsibility as and when needed
• Maintain flexibility to take any required work trips related to the project

Requirements 

• Master’s degree in Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Law, Public Administration, or Project Management
• Proven experience in managing youth-focused programmes or projects, including five years, minimum, of experience in a leadership role
• Strong understanding of youth development principles and the unique needs of young people from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent project management skills, including ability to plan, organise, and execute complex initiatives within budget and timeline constraints
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to engage and inspire young people, staff, and external partners
• Proficiency in data analysis and evaluation methods to assess programme outcomes and drive continuous improvement
• Passion for making a positive impact on the lives of young people and a commitment to promoting youth empowerment and leadership
• Familiarity with the African political, societal and economic context and environment
• Work experience in the geographies of focus
• Proven experience liaising with governments and policymakers at local,national and continental levels
• Fluency in English, with at least some working knowledge of French
• Advanced communication skills, including active listening skills and excellent written communication
• Exceptional professionalism and interpersonal skills, and ability to work collegially with team members and stakeholders
• Proven ability to draft, edit and produce written proposals and reports
• Flexibility in approach and an ability to adapt to varying demands and work hours
• Ability to work with minimal supervision

To apply and for more information, click here. 

Photo source: TrustAfrica