YouthLink Somalia is a registered local non-profit humanitarian organization operating across South and Central Somalia. Since its establishment, YouthLink has been dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations, particularly displaced communities and urban poor households, by building resilience, improving livelihoods, and delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance. Initially focused on rehabilitating street children and conflict-affected youth in Mogadishu, the organization has expanded its work to include emergency response, development programs, and resilience-building initiatives.
YouthLink is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Programmes Manager to lead its programme portfolio in Mogadishu. This senior leadership role is responsible for providing strategic direction, ensuring high-quality programme implementation, and strengthening organizational impact. The Programmes Manager will oversee the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of humanitarian and development projects, ensuring alignment with YouthLink’s mission, donor requirements, and international standards.
The role also involves strong coordination with internal teams, donors, government authorities, and partner organizations, while promoting innovation, accountability, and measurable impact across all programme activities.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead the design and implementation of integrated humanitarian and development programmes aligned with organizational strategy
• Ensure all programmes meet community needs, donor expectations, and international standards such as Sphere and CHS
• Develop high-quality proposals, concept notes, and programme strategies to secure funding
• Oversee programme budgets, reporting, and timely submission of donor reports
• Promote documentation of success stories, lessons learned, and best practices
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL):
• Establish and strengthen MEAL systems to track programme performance and impact
• Conduct regular programme reviews and ensure data-driven decision-making
• Ensure effective Complaint and Response Mechanisms (CRM) are in place
• Promote accountability to affected communities and participatory approaches
Financial and Resource Management:
• Oversee programme budgets and ensure efficient resource utilization
• Monitor expenditures and ensure compliance with donor and organizational policies
• Coordinate procurement processes with logistics and administration teams
• Ensure financial accountability and transparency across all programme activities
Coordination and Representation:
• Build strong partnerships with government institutions, NGOs, donors, and community stakeholders
• Represent YouthLink in coordination forums, clusters, and external platforms
• Strengthen collaboration with communities to enhance programme sustainability
Team Leadership and Capacity Building:
• Provide leadership and direction to programme teams, including Project Coordinators and Officers
• Promote a high-performance, inclusive, and accountable team culture
• Support staff development through mentoring, coaching, and training initiatives
• Deputize for the Programme Director when required
Risk Management and Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, donor regulations, and legal requirements
• Identify and mitigate operational, financial, and security risks
• Uphold safeguarding, protection, and gender equality principles
Qualifications and Requirements:
• Master’s degree in Public Health, International Development, Humanitarian Studies, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing complex humanitarian or development programmes
• Proven expertise in programme design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
• Strong MEAL knowledge including data analysis and reporting
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing diverse teams and stakeholders
• Strong understanding of gender, inclusion, and safeguarding principles
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in project management tools and financial systems
• Fluency in English (additional languages are an advantage)
Core Values:
Integrity, Excellence, Participation, and Innovation
Additional Information:
• This is a 1-year contract, renewable based on performance and funding
• The role may require engagement in emergency response activities
• YouthLink promotes a safe and inclusive work environment and adheres strictly to its Code of Conduct
