Position Information
Job Title: Programmes Manager
Reports to: Programmes Director
Direct Reports: Project Coordinator
Job Location: Mogadishu
Contract Details: 1 year and renewable
Job Summary
Under the direct supervision, the Programme Manager provides strategic leadership and overall management of YouthLink Somalia’s programme portfolio. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating high-quality humanitarian and development projects that advance YouthLink’s mission, vision, and core values. The Programme Manager ensures strong coordination and collaboration with partners and stakeholders, drives programme quality and innovation, and fosters a culture of accountability, learning, and measurable impact across all initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Programme Design and Management
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of high-quality, integrated programmes in line with YouthLink’s strategic plan and priorities.
• Ensure all programmes are responsive to community needs, donor requirements, and international quality standards (e.g., Sphere, CHS).
• Actively participate in the Senior Management Team, contributing to strategic planning, decision-making, and organizational development.
• Lead and support the development of concept notes, proposals, and programme strategies to secure and diversify funding.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and submission of programme budgets and reports to the Programme Director.
• Ensure timely delivery of accurate, high-quality donor reports that demonstrate programme achievements and impact.
• Promote documentation and dissemination of success stories, best practices, and lessons learned to enhance organizational learning, visibility, and advocacy efforts.
2. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)
• Continuously monitor the humanitarian and development context in Somalia to inform programme design and adaptation.
• Work closely with the MEAL team to design, implement, and strengthen an effective MEAL system that tracks progress, measures impact, and enhances programme quality.
• Lead the rollout of a comprehensive MEAL framework that ensures timely, accurate, and reliable data collection and analysis across all project phases.
• Organize regular programme review meetings (monthly, quarterly, or as required) to assess performance, share findings, and inform decision-making.
• Ensure the Complaints and Response Mechanism (CRM) is functional, accessible, and responsive, and that all feedback and complaints are appropriately addressed.
• Facilitate documentation and dissemination of lessons learned, best practices, and evidence-based insights to inform future programme design and implementation.
• Promote a strong culture of accountability to affected communities through participatory approaches and transparent feedback mechanisms.
3. Financial and Resource Management
• Provide strategic oversight of programme budgets in close collaboration with the Finance team, ensuring effective resource utilization, cost-efficiency, and full compliance with donor and organizational requirements.
• Monitor and track budget performance regularly to ensure expenditures align with approved project plans, timelines, and financial targets.
• Coordinate with logistics and administration teams to facilitate the timely procurement and delivery of goods, services, and materials in line with YouthLink’s policies and donor regulations.
• Work jointly with Finance and Programme teams to prepare, review, and submit budget revisions or re-allocations in a timely and compliant manner.
• Oversee procurement processes to ensure all programme supplies and resources are delivered on schedule, meet quality standards, and support smooth implementation.
• Promote sound financial accountability and resource stewardship across all programme activities, reinforcing transparency and value for money.
4. Coordination and Representation
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with government authorities, NGOs, community-based organizations, and donor agencies to enhance programme impact and sustainability.
• Represent YouthLink in external coordination forums, clusters, advocacy networks, and other relevant platforms to promote the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Foster effective collaboration with local stakeholders and communities to strengthen ownership and ensure the long-term sustainability of programmes.
• Coordinate closely with relevant internal departments and field teams throughout programme implementation and monitoring to ensure quality, coherence, and efficiency in delivery.
• Contribute to the visibility and credibility of YouthLink through proactive engagement and consistent representation in external partnerships and coordination mechanisms.
5. Team Leadership and Capacity Building
• Provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day guidance to programme teams to ensure effective delivery of YouthLink’s humanitarian and development portfolio.
• Support and deputize for the Programme Director when required, ensuring continuity of leadership, timely decision-making, and smooth operation of all programme functions in their absence.
• Foster a high-performing, accountable, and motivated team culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Lead the implementation of robust performance management systems, ensuring clear objectives, regular feedback, and
professional development opportunities for all staff.
• Identify capacity gaps and design targeted coaching, mentoring, and training initiatives to strengthen team and individual capabilities.
• Champion a positive, inclusive, and safe workplace environment that upholds YouthLink’s safeguarding, protection, and gender equality principles, ensuring all staff feel valued and respected.
6. Risk Management and Compliance
• Ensure application of YouthLink’s policies and procedures and codes of codes of conduct
• Ensure programmes comply with internal policies, donor requirements, and relevant laws.
• Identify and mitigate risks to programme implementation, including security, financial, and reputational risks.
7. General and other duties:
• Contribute to emergencies response action when requested to do by the Programme Director
• Work in an interactive and coordinated manner with the other YouthLink staff, identify, and encourage synergies within
and across programmes to achieve an integrated approach.
• Any other ad hoc duties as may be assigned by the Programme Director that is consistent with the nature of YouthLink’s
work.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Experience
• Master’s degree in international development, Humanitarian Studies, or a related field.
• 5+ years’ experience managing complex humanitarian or development programmes.
• Proven expertise in programme design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Strong MEAL skills, including data analysis, reporting, and using insights for learning and improvement.
• Effective leader and team manager, experienced in coordinating diverse, multicultural teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to drive programme quality, innovation, and measurable impact aligned with organizational mission and values.
Skills and Competencies
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Strong understanding of gender, inclusion, and safeguarding principles.
• Proficiency in project management tools and financial software.
• Fluency in English (additional language skills are an asset).
Core Values: Integrity, Excellence, Participation, and Innovation.
YouthLink Somalia invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Programs Manager. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact details of three professional references via email to admin@youthlink.so with the subject line: “Programs Manager.”
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Deadline: 8th November 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position may be filled before the deadline. Late applications will not be considered. YouthLink Somalia is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Kaduna North,Kaduna State,Nigeria
