Project Director, Positive Youth Development
| Vavancy Name | Director, Project |
|---|---|
| Employment Type | Full Time (Open Ended) |
| Childfund Work Location | Dakar, Senegal |
| Childfund Division | Global Operations |
| ChildFund Department | Grants and Project Management |
| Job Details | Project Director, Positive Youth Development About ChildFund International ChildFund International is a child-focused international development organization that works in 24 countries to connect children with the people, resources and institutions they need to grow up healthy, educated, skilled and safe, no matter where they are. ChildFund is cultivating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment where everyone is seen and welcomed equally. In our culture of connection, you will have ample opportunity to grow, learn, and lead while contributing to our inspiring vision. ChildFund has extensive programs in Senegal, including youth programs that prepare adolescents and youth to find work in safe environments. Two core outcomes we seek through our programing for older adolescents and youth are for them to be employed at a living wage in non-exploitive work and be change agents in their families and community. Evidence from ChildFund’s impact report shows progress in youth graduating from basic business and technical skills training and youth reporting participation in civic behaviors. About This Role ChildFund is applying to the upcoming USAID-funded Positive Youth Development program in Senegal, which aims to create opportunities for youth to shape their own career paths and increase their socio-economic inclusion by engaging the private sector and the other stakeholders. The program will be linked, geographically and programmatically, to USAID’s current Feed the Future activities in the country. The Project Director will oversee all aspects of project implementation and ensure that objectives and critical milestones are met on time and within budget. The availability of this position is contingent to grant award. This is a full-time, leadership position based in Dakar, Senegal. Fluency in written and spoken French and advanced proficiency in English is required. The ability to travel up to 25% overnight in Senegal is required. Primary ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic and technical leadership for project activities.Manage financial and administrative resources related to the project.Develop annual work plans in collaboration with staff and stakeholders and oversee work plan implementation. Complete all project deliverables as required by USAID.Select and hire diverse and qualified project team. Supervise, manage, and mentor project staff, including sub-grantee staff.Represent the project to USAID, national and local government authorities, project sub-grantees, and other stakeholders to promote project visibility and advocate for increased investments in youth economic empowerment.Represent ChildFund International at conferences, working groups, and meetings.Build relationships with program beneficiaries, youth leaders, youth cooperatives, youth networks, and other stakeholders, and ensure an inclusive and safe experience for all stakeholders.Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of all program activities.Promote learning and experience sharing from the project and regularly use data to inform programmatic improvements.Report on the project regularly to the Senegal Country Director.Remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Child Safeguarding Policy. Required CompetenciesFluent in spoken and written French.Advanced proficiency in written and spoken English.Demonstrated knowledge and application of relevant USAID policies and strategies, including USAID’s Education Policy; Private Sector Engagement Policy; Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy; Positive Youth Development; Youth Policy; and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting Framework in Agri-food systems for youth socio-economic inclusion.Demonstrated ability to track and manage large project budgets.Proven organizational and planning skills, with the ability to strategize, manage resources, and meet large project deliverables and objectives.Technical expertise in positive youth development, youth workforce development programming, and/or youth civic engagement project implementation.Demonstrated ability to build and cultivate effective relationships with project stakeholders, including government officials, ministries, youth networks and organizations, civil society organizations, education/training institutions, private sector actors, implementing partners, and donors.A commitment to inclusive leadership, with the ability to manage and motivate people of different identities and from marginalized groups.Knowledge of Senegal’s political, economic, and social development context.Excellent communication skills, including writing and presentation skills. Required Experience and EducationAdvanced degree in international development, education, economics, or other relevant field required.At least 5 years of experience as a project director or senior manager with donor-funded programs in Senegal or West Africa ORAt least 10 years of relevant professional experience.At least 5 years of experience directly supervising diverse project teams. Preferred QualificationsCurrent residence in Dakar, Senegal.Previous experience with USAID programs and knowledge of USAID regulations is highly preferred.Previous experience as a Project Director or Chief of Party is highly preferred.Previous experience with programs funded by USAID and/or focused on positive youth development, private sector engagement, employment expansion in high-growth sectors, youth workforce development, and civic engagement; and/or food security (e.g., Feed the Future) is preferred. Other Important Criteria for ApplicantsAbility to travel up to 25% overnight in Senegal with occasional international travel.Current work authorization in Senegal is required.To be considered, applicants must submit a resume or CV in English. |