Senior Program Officer - Youth Development

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health insurance

Professional development

Generous leave

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Program Officer to lead youth development initiatives. You will design, implement, and evaluate programs, oversee budgets, and build partnerships with schools, community groups, government agencies, and NGOs.

The role requires a Master’s degree and at least 7 years of program management experience in the non-profit sector, with strong grant writing, leadership, and data-driven evaluation skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Education, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in program management within non-profit or development sector, focusing on youth development.
• Proven expertise in program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation (M&E).
• Experience in grant writing, fundraising, and financial management.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic planning, development, and implementation of youth development programs.
• Manage program budgets, ensuring efficient allocation and responsible use of resources.
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with local schools, community centers, government agencies, and NGOs.
• Develop and manage grant proposals and reporting requirements for program funding.
• Monitor program progress, collect data, and conduct evaluations to assess impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to program staff and volunteers.
• Ensure program activities align with the organization's mission, values, and objectives.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and community outreach events for youth and stakeholders.

Skills

Program management

Grant writing

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

M&E

Budget management

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in Social Sciences/Development Studies/Education/Public Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading charitable foundation focused on empowering youth, is seeking a dedicated Senior Program Officer to lead and manage their impactful youth development programs in **Centurion, Gauteng**. This senior role requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in program management, grant administration, and community partnership building. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives aimed at fostering skills, opportunities, and well-witness among young people. Working closely with community stakeholders, beneficiaries, and internal teams, you will ensure programs are responsive to local needs and achieve measurable outcomes. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to drive significant positive change in the lives of youth in **Gauteng** region. The role demands a deep understanding of youth development principles, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable opportunities. You will be based in our client's **Centurion** office, engaging directly with the community and beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic planning, development, and implementation of youth development programs.
• Manage program budgets, ensuring efficient allocation and responsible use of resources.
• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with local schools, community centers, government agencies, and other NGOs.
• Develop and manage grant proposals and reporting requirements for program funding.
• Monitor program progress, collect data, and conduct evaluations to assess impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to program staff and volunteers.
• Ensure program activities align with the organization's mission, values, and strategic objectives.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and community outreach events for youth and stakeholders.
• Identify emerging trends and best practices in youth development and integrate them into program design.
• Represent the organization at relevant conferences, meetings, and public forums in **Gauteng**.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Education, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in program management within the non-profit or development sector, with a focus on youth development.
• Demonstrated expertise in program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation (M&E).
• Proven experience in grant writing, fundraising, and financial management.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing youth in **Centurion** and **Gauteng**.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant database management systems.
• A genuine passion for empowering young people and driving social change.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting senior-level experience.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
• Work within a dynamic and impactful organization making a real difference in **Centurion**.
• Opportunity to shape and lead innovative youth programs.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Contribution to community well‑being and youth empowerment in **Centurion**.
• Regular performance reviews and career advancement pathways.