Applications are open for the position of YouLead Project Manager under the YouLead Africa Program. YouLead is a collaborative effort between MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation (MS TCDC) and the East African Community Secretariat, designed to nurture youth leadership and unlock young people’s potential across Africa. Established in 2017, the initiative has steadily grown into a fully developed program anchored at MS TCDC within the Leadership and Governance Academy. To ensure its long-term growth and influence, they are now seeking a dedicated professional to oversee its activities and drive impact.

The role calls for a dynamic leader who can guide strategic direction, manage day-to-day operations, and foster meaningful partnerships. The Project Manager will serve as the central contact for YouLead at MS TCDC, working closely with the Head of the Leadership and Governance Academy to align program activities with its broader mission. This individual will be tasked with ensuring smooth coordination of the Secretariat, leading planning processes, and strengthening governance systems that will sustain YouLead’s work across the continent. A central part of the position will also involve building and maintaining connections with regional and international partners to increase reach and effectiveness.

In addition to program oversight, the Project Manager will play a vital role in the delivery of YouLead’s flagship initiatives, including SPA II projects, the Lead(H)er Fellowship, and the East African Community Youth Fellowship. This involves ensuring that activities are executed efficiently, measuring progress and impact, and creating opportunities for young leaders to exchange knowledge and build networks. They will also be expected to encourage learning and innovation, ensuring that the program continues to adapt to the changing realities of youth leadership and governance in Africa.

Resource mobilization is another critical part of this role. The Project Manager will support the design and execution of YouLead’s fundraising strategy, identifying new opportunities for financial support and developing strong relationships with donors and development partners. This includes writing proposals, coordinating fundraising campaigns, and ensuring that the program remains compliant with donor requirements. By adopting innovative approaches to resource mobilization, the successful candidate will contribute directly to the sustainability of the program.

One of the most important responsibilities of the position will be leading preparations for the YouLead Summit 2025. The Project Manager will coordinate planning and delivery, working closely with the Office of the Patron, the EAC Secretariat, and other stakeholders. They will be responsible for enhancing the visibility of the summit, creating spaces for meaningful youth participation, and ensuring the event achieves its intended outcomes.

Beyond these specific functions, the role also involves supporting the Head of the Leadership and Governance Academy with additional tasks, providing strategic input to improve effectiveness, and representing YouLead at both regional and international forums. The Project Manager will ensure thorough documentation of activities, transparent reporting, and consistent communication of program achievements.

Applicants are expected to hold a university degree in fields such as International Development, Political Science, Public Administration, Leadership, Project Management, or another related area. Candidates with different academic backgrounds but extensive experience in program leadership will also be considered. A minimum of three years of experience in program management, youth development, advocacy, or governance is required, alongside a proven record of working on regional or continental initiatives. Experience in fundraising, strategic planning, and multi-stakeholder engagement will be highly valued, as will prior exposure to managing diverse teams in multicultural contexts.

Successful candidates should demonstrate strong leadership skills, program design and evaluation expertise, and excellent communication abilities. They should also be capable of engaging governments, donors, and civil society while being familiar with African Union and East African Community frameworks on youth development. The role requires strong financial oversight, problem-solving skills, and the ability to deliver large-scale youth-focused events.

The deadline for applications is 5 October 2025 at 23:59 East African Time (EAT).

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