Senior Program Manager - Youth Development

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead Youth Development initiatives in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will oversee strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs aimed at improving education, vocational training, and life skills for disadvantaged youth.

You will partner with schools, community centers, and government bodies, manage budgets and staff, and drive monitoring, reporting, and impact assessments to ensure sustainable outcomes and community empowerment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Sciences, Education, Development Studies, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of program management experience, with youth development focus.
• Proven track record designing and managing complex programs.
• Strong leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and reporting skills.
• Experience with community partnerships and funding accountability.
• Knowledge of Eastern Cape and Queenstown context preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and execution of youth development programs in Queenstown and nearby areas.
• Manage program budgets, resources, and staff to meet objectives.
• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, centers, government, and other partners.
• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to program staff and volunteers.
• Organize training sessions, workshops, and community engagement events for youth.
• Ensure compliance with policies, funding requirements, and legislation.
• Prepare reports on activities, outcomes, and finances for management and donors.
• Represent the organisation at community forums and stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Youth development

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Social Sciences / Education / Development Studies

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading charitable foundation focused on empowering young people through education and skills development, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Program Manager for their Youth Development initiatives in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This critical role involves overseeing the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs designed to enhance educational attainment, vocational training, and life skills for disadvantaged youth. The Senior Program Manager will work closely with community partners, educational institutions, and local stakeholders to ensure the programs are impactful, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the youth in the Queenstown region. This position requires strong leadership and a deep understanding of youth development principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and execution of youth development programs in Queenstown and surrounding areas.
• Manage program budgets, resources, and staff effectively to achieve program objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, community centers, local government, and other partners.
• Develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program progress and impact.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to program staff and volunteers.
• Identify opportunities for program enhancement and innovation based on community needs and best practices.
• Organize and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and community engagement events for youth and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies, funding requirements, and relevant legislation.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on program activities, outcomes, and financial status for senior management and donors.
• Represent the organisation at community forums and relevant stakeholder meetings.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Sciences, Education, Development Studies, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, with a specific focus on youth development, education, or community empowerment.
• Proven track record of successfully designing, implementing, and managing complex programs.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and reporting capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership building within a community context.
• In-depth knowledge of the socio-economic landscape and youth challenges in the Eastern Cape, particularly Queenstown.
• Proficiency in project management tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively in both a team environment and independently.
• Passion for youth empowerment and social upliftment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and the seniority of the role. This position provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth in the non-profit sector, with exposure to strategic program development and implementation. Employees will benefit from a supportive work environment and the chance to make a significant positive impact on the lives of young people. The hybrid work model offers a balance between collaborative office-based work and the flexibility of remote tasks, promoting work-life integration.