Program Manager – Youth Employment and Market Systems

Responsabilités

The Program Manager will oversee initiatives focused on youth employment and market systems, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and fostering sustainable outcomes. They will lead a multidisciplinary team, coordinate stakeholders, and drive program implementation while maintaining robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Key responsibilities include designing and executing employment strategies, analyzing market trends to identify opportunities, and collaborating with partners to enhance workforce development. The ideal candidate will possess proven experience in program management, a deep understanding of market systems approaches, and a track record of delivering measurable results in youth-focused initiatives. Strong leadership, analytical abilities, and effective communication skills are essential. Restless Development seeks a dynamic and passionate individual to drive impactful youth-led development initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience in program design, management, and implementation, with a proven track record of fostering community engagement and sustainable change. Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills are essential, alongside the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Fluency in English is required, while additional proficiency in French or Swahili is highly advantageous. The role demands adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to inclusive, equitable development practices. The organization, a nonprofit entity operating as an NGO, is seeking a dynamic individual to fill a critical role within its team. Candidates must possess a passion for mission-driven work and a commitment to advancing the organization’s objectives. Responsibilities include implementing strategic initiatives, managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring transparent operational practices. The ideal applicant will have a proven track record in nonprofit leadership, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment. This position offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a cause that addresses pressing social or environmental challenges. Skilled professionals in administration, strategic development, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership are sought to oversee business operations, manage teams, and drive organizational growth. Restless Development is a global youth-led development agency committed to empowering young people to drive transformative change in their communities. By placing youth at the forefront of their initiatives, the organization harnesses the energy, creativity, and leadership of young individuals to address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. Through innovative programs, advocacy efforts, and strategic partnerships, Restless Development enables young people to shape policies, access resources, and create sustainable solutions that foster inclusive growth and development worldwide. Restless Development Uganda empowers young leaders to drive transformative change by amplifying their voices and mobilizing community action to address entrenched challenges. Operating across Saratoga, West Nile, Eastern, and Central Uganda, the organization equips youth with the tools to shape decisions that impact their lives while strengthening the systems and institutions that foster their growth. Additionally, Restless Development oversees the Uganda Youth Collective, a nationwide network of over 600 youth-led organizations collaborating to elevate youth perspectives and influence policy through the National Youth Working Group. Committed to genuine power-sharing, the agency adheres to the power-shifting checklist, both internally and externally, to ensure alignment between its values and practices. Our methodology for ensuring security encompasses a comprehensive framework designed to protect and uphold the integrity of our systems, data, and stakeholders. This includes implementing robust measures to mitigate risks, conducting regular audits to verify compliance, and fostering a culture of vigilance among all team members. By prioritizing proactive monitoring, incident response planning, and continuous improvement, we maintain a secure environment that aligns with industry best practices and regulatory standards. Restless Development upholds the safety and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults as a fundamental organizational priority, essential even above program success or strategic goals. We affirm that safeguarding is a collective duty, and therefore require all staff, young leaders, and partners to actively prevent harm within the communities we serve while strictly adhering to our Safeguarding Policy. We are currently seeking passionate individuals to join our Youth Employment Program, where we provide invaluable opportunities for young people to develop essential skills and gain practical work experience. Our initiative focuses on fostering professional growth, mentorship, and career readiness among participants aged 16 to 24. We prioritize creating an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers youth to explore their potential while contributing meaningfully to our organization and community. Ideal candidates should have a strong commitment to youth development, excellent communication abilities, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented setting. We go beyond direct support for young individuals by empowering youth-led organizations and enterprises to enhance their ability to create high-quality employment pathways, foster youth leadership, and advocate for policies that expand economic opportunities for young people. This comprehensive strategy strengthens inclusive employment ecosystems, ensuring that young people—especially young women, refugees, and individuals with disabilities—gain access to meaningful and dignified work. The position involves overseeing key operational and strategic initiatives within the organization. Responsibilities include managing cross-functional teams, optimizing processes, and ensuring alignment with long-term business objectives. Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience in a similar role, along with strong leadership and analytical skills. Proficiency in data-driven decision-making and exceptional communication abilities are essential. A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is required, while an MBA or advanced certification is highly advantageous. The role demands adaptability, problem-solving acumen, and a track record of delivering measurable results in a fast-paced environment. The Program Manager for Youth Employment and Market Systems will spearhead technical guidance for Restless Development Uganda’s youth employment initiatives, overseeing the execution of cohesive strategies that empower young individuals to secure meaningful and dignified employment opportunities. This position will develop employment pathways that align with market needs by empowering young people and fostering partnerships with private sector stakeholders, financial institutions, youth-led organizations, SMEs, and other relevant market participants. The role will advocate for authentic youth engagement across the program, guaranteeing that young individuals directly contribute to shaping employment strategies, influencing local economic frameworks, and participating in key decisions that drive the expansion of their businesses. Reporting to the Senior Technical Advisor responsible for Livelihoods, the Program Manager will facilitate support to youth-led organizations in developing market-responsive employment pathways. Additionally, they will cultivate strategic partnerships with private sector entities, financial institutions, and governmental bodies to assist young individuals in transitioning into dignified employment opportunities. The Program Manager will also be accountable for ensuring high-quality program execution, implementing adaptive management practices, and achieving meaningful employment outcomes for youth. Oversee the primary duties associated with this position, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Execute critical tasks that drive operational efficiency and contribute to team goals. Manage core functions that support departmental initiatives while maintaining a focus on quality and precision. Collaborate with stakeholders to implement strategies that enhance productivity and foster professional growth. Program Leadership encompasses overseeing the strategic direction, operational execution, and performance of designated initiatives. This role demands robust leadership capabilities to steer cross-functional teams, facilitate collaboration, and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Responsibilities include setting clear objectives, monitoring progress, mitigating risks, and delivering measurable outcomes while fostering innovation and continuous improvement. Candidates must demonstrate experience in program management, a track record of successful leadership, and the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams in dynamic environments. Offer technical guidance and strategic direction in executing youth employment and market systems interventions, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and best practices. Spearhead the creation of comprehensive annual work plans, allocate and oversee budgets, devise implementation strategies, and establish performance targets, all aimed at fostering sustainable pathways to dignified and meaningful employment for young individuals. Facilitate the design and implementation of youth employment initiatives that are responsive to market demands, grounded in credible evidence, and strategically aligned with evolving labor market conditions, youth career aspirations, and emerging economic opportunities. Leverage data, quick market evaluations, and ongoing insights to enhance program strategies and results through adaptive programming. Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) team to create performance frameworks designed to assess youth employment outcomes and evaluate program effectiveness. To enhance accountability, risk management, and safeguarding frameworks within program delivery operations.

Autres informations

• Play an integral role in executing the organization’s strategic goals by engaging with the leadership team, offering expert technical perspectives, uncovering opportunities and potential risks, and fostering informed, evidence-based decision-making to enhance overall performance and impact. Youth Employment Pathways and Market System Development: Enhancing initiatives to foster youth employment opportunities and bolstering the effectiveness of market systems for sustainable economic growth. Provide strategic direction in crafting cohesive pathways that empower young individuals to progress from skill acquisition to successful self-employment and entrepreneurship. Responsibilities include developing and implementing strategies to facilitate connections between youth and employers, market platforms, business development services, financial resources, and opportunities for enterprise growth.
• Spearhead a market systems approach to pinpoint barriers and opportunities impacting youth employment, collaborating with key ecosystem stakeholders to design and implement tailored solutions. Conduct thorough labor market assessments and incorporate private sector insights to shape program design, develop effective training pathways, and refine enterprise support models. Enhance frameworks that empower youth-led organizations to create impactful employment pathways. Develop and implement strategies to foster inclusive employment practices, actively addressing and overcoming barriers encountered by young women, individuals with disabilities, and other underrepresented youth. Drive the development and nurturing of strategic partnerships and ecosystem collaborations to foster innovation and growth. Develop and oversee strategic collaborations with private sector entities and financial institutions to establish opportunities for employment, apprenticeships, internships, market access, enterprise expansion, and financial inclusion.
• Forge strategic partnerships with government representatives at both national and local levels to ensure alignment with national youth employment initiatives and policy frameworks. Collaborate closely with financial service providers to enhance young people’s access to tailored financial products and opportunities for business expansion. Represent Restless Development on key youth employment and market systems platforms to amplify our organizational presence and strategic influence. To empower youth-led organizations, we will enhance their capacity and support their sustainable growth through targeted initiatives, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive.
• Lead the strategic development of initiatives aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of youth-led organizations to implement impactful youth employment programs effectively. Provide support to youth-led organizations in enhancing their governance frameworks, leadership capabilities, program execution effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. Design methodologies that empower youth-led organizations to evolve from mobilization and skill-building entities into influential contributors within robust employment ecosystems. Offer expert technical counsel to collaborators regarding market evaluations, youth involvement initiatives, enterprise assistance programs, pathways to employment, and inclusive project frameworks. Foster enhanced learning initiatives and collaborative efforts among youth organizations. Oversee and lead a high-performing team to achieve organizational objectives with efficiency and excellence. Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages professional growth and accountability. Delegate tasks effectively, ensuring clear communication and alignment with team and company goals. Monitor performance metrics, provide constructive feedback, and implement strategies to enhance productivity and morale. Develop team members through mentorship, training, and development programs tailored to individual and collective needs. Offer expert line management, mentorship, and performance evaluation to Program Coordinators overseeing Youth Engagement and Organizational Development & Advocacy initiatives. Foster a cohesive, high-performing team culture that aligns with shared values across all program teams and consortium partners. Facilitate enhanced collaboration among technical, operational, finance, communications, and MERL teams to guarantee cohesive program execution. Efficiently and effectively allocate and utilize program resources in partnership with the Finance and Operations teams to optimize performance and achieve strategic objectives. Others are tasked with performing additional duties as assigned, ensuring all responsibilities are fulfilled in alignment with organizational objectives. Other responsibilities may be assigned on an as-needed basis, which could occasionally involve weekend work, compensated through time off in lieu (TOIL). About you We seek individuals whose competencies and skills align with the requirements of the role and who embody the personal qualities that reflect our core values. At Restless Development, our Values are celebrated for their strength and integrity by staff, young people, donors, and all our partners. Furthermore, our culture fosters recognition and celebration of both our Values and global accomplishments through an annual Values Day. Restless Development operates as an Equal Opportunities Employer, actively encouraging applications from all qualified candidates. The organization is committed to providing equitable treatment to every applicant and current staff member, ensuring no individual receives less favorable consideration based on gender, marital status, social standing, race, ethnic background, religious affiliation, age, HIV status, disability, or any other unrelated characteristic. A background encompassing a range of pertinent skills and substantial experience is required for this role. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in [relevant skills, e.g., project management, data analysis, or software proficiency], along with a proven track record in [specific areas, e.g., team leadership, strategic planning, or technical troubleshooting]. Prior experience in [industry or function, e.g., healthcare, finance, or marketing] is highly desirable, as is familiarity with [specific tools, methodologies, or regulations]. The ideal candidate will bring [X years] of hands-on experience in [key responsibilities, e.g., budget oversight, client relations, or system implementation], ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Essential A master’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Organizational Development, Community Development, International Development, or a cognate discipline is required. Experienced in overseeing large-scale youth employment or livelihoods initiatives spanning national or multi-regional contexts. Proven expertise in fostering collaborative employment-focused partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including employers, financial institutions, government agencies, and market actors.
• Expertise in Uganda’s landscape of youth employment, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

Expérience

• Applicants should demonstrate hands-on experience with market systems development methodologies, adaptive management frameworks, or systems-strengthening strategies. Values and Culture We prioritize maintaining a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. This includes offering flexible working hours, remote work options, and generous paid time off to support your overall productivity and satisfaction. Employees are encouraged to manage their schedules effectively while meeting team and organizational goals. The position includes 24 days of annual leave, in addition to all public holidays, with an additional day granted for each full year of service—capped at 28 days total. Birthday Leave is a paid day off granted annually to employees to celebrate their birthday, allowing them to enjoy personal time while maintaining work-life balance. This benefit typically applies to full-time staff and is subject to company policies regarding eligibility and scheduling to ensure operational continuity. Employees may be required to provide advance notice or coordinate with management to arrange the leave, depending on the organization’s guidelines.

Enjoy the benefit of flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance. The organization provides extensive leave benefits, including substantial study leave, maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, as well as other supportive leave provisions. We are seeking a dedicated Professional Development Specialist to design, implement, and oversee programs that enhance employee skills, knowledge, and career growth. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Education, Business Administration, or a related field, along with at least three years of experience in training, coaching, or professional development. Proficiency in learning management systems, instructional design, and workshop facilitation is essential, along with strong interpersonal and communication abilities. Responsibilities include assessing organizational training needs, creating customized development plans, delivering engaging sessions, and evaluating program effectiveness to drive continuous improvement and employee engagement. Restless Development takes pride in being an employer that values untapped potential and fosters staff growth. Our dedication to advancing professional excellence is evident through our commitment to the continuous development of our team members. You will have the chance to engage in impactful projects that challenge and motivate our team, fostering professional growth through hands-on experience.

Conduct routine evaluations to assess employee performance and provide constructive feedback. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to empower our staff, facilitating their ability to connect with mentors both internally within the organization and externally across various industries. Quarterly workshops are conducted for all personnel to facilitate the exchange of agency updates, deliver essential training, and foster team cohesion. This role is subject to confirmation pending the availability of allocated project funding. Secure comprehensive coverage for both travel-related expenses and medical emergencies, ensuring protection against unforeseen circumstances while traveling domestically or internationally. Provide policy options tailored to individual needs, including trip cancellation, emergency medical evacuation, and baggage loss coverage. Conduct thorough risk assessments to determine appropriate coverage levels based on destination, duration, and traveler profile. Deliver clear, concise explanations of policy terms, conditions, and exclusions to clients, ensuring full transparency. Assist customers in filing claims efficiently, guiding them through required documentation and procedures to expedite resolution. Stay updated on regulatory changes and industry standards to maintain compliance and offer the most relevant solutions. Collaborate with underwriters, healthcare providers, and travel agencies to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.

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