Program Manager - Youth Empowerment

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Travel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Program Manager to lead youth empowerment initiatives in Durban. The role blends remote and on-site engagement, requiring strategic leadership and strong program development, implementation and evaluation skills in the social impact sector.

The ideal candidate will guide curriculum design, manage budgets, build partnerships with schools and community organizations, and mentor staff and volunteers to deliver measurable outcomes for local youth.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 5 years in program management within youth development or similar.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating social programs.
• Strong understanding of youth development principles.
• Excellent leadership, team management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a hybrid Durban-based environment.
• Budgeting, financial management and grant reporting experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive youth empowerment programs.
• Oversee program budgets and resource allocation.
• Engage with community stakeholders, schools and partner organizations in Durban.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage program staff and volunteers.
• Monitor progress, collect data, and evaluate impact.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management, donors and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and funding requirements.
• Organize and facilitate workshops, training sessions and events.
• Represent the organization at community meetings and external events.
• Advocate for the needs and voices of youth served by the programs.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Communication

Report writing

Education

Master's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic non-profit organization focused on fostering youth development in Durban , is seeking an experienced and passionate Program Manager to lead their Youth Empowerment initiative. This role requires a strategic leader with a strong understanding of program development, implementation, and evaluation within the social impact sector. The Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the youth empowerment programs, ensuring they are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with the organization's mission. This position involves a blend of remote work and on-site engagement in Durban , offering flexibility while maintaining vital community connections. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional leadership qualities, strong project management skills, and a proven ability to inspire and guide both staff and program participants. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of young people in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive youth empowerment programs, including curriculum design, activity planning, and resource allocation.
• Oversee program budgets, ensuring financial responsibility and effective utilization of resources.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, schools, and partner organizations in Durban .
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage program staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and productive team environment.
• Monitor program progress, collect data, and conduct evaluations to assess impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management, donors, and relevant stakeholders, detailing program achievements and challenges.
• Ensure compliance with all organizational policies, procedures, and funding requirements.
• Organize and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and community events for youth participants and staff.
• Represent the organization at community meetings, conferences, and other external events.
• Champion the needs and voices of the youth served by the programs.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work, Development Studies, Education, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in program management, particularly within youth development or community-focused non-profits.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating social programs.
• Strong understanding of youth development principles and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Experience with budgeting, financial management, and grant reporting.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a hybrid team, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities in Durban .
• Deep knowledge of the socio-economic context of Durban and its youth challenges.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance between remote flexibility and in-person collaboration.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave and study leave allowances.
• Opportunities for professional development and capacity building.
• A supportive work environment with a dedicated and passionate team.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of young people in Durban .
• Travel allowance for work-related travel within the region.