Mercy Corps Somalia Youth Advisor Job in Hargeisa, Somaliland

Program / Department Summary:

The Youth Advisor will be based in Hargeisa, and manage activities throughout the country.

The Youth Advisor will lead the youth civic engagement and workforce development components of a proposed five-year $18-25 million program to support formal and non-formal secondary education, vocational training, and economic opportunity for out-of-school youth in Somalia.

Please note that this position is contingent on receipt of new program funding.

General Position Summary:

The Youth Advisor will provide technical leadership and oversight to the youth component of the Somalia Secondary Education (SSE) program, managing a team of specialists to ensure that the program meets its targets and deliverables on time and within budget.

The Youth Advisor will be the technical point person for civic engagement activities (training, community service, advocacy), and economic opportunities for out-of-school youth.

Essential Job Functions:

Civic Engagement:

Civic Engagement activities will include development and delivery of leadership training for grassroots community based organizations, youth groups, women’s groups, and other associations of young people.

The Youth Advisor will be responsible for managing staff and local partners, designing and delivering training, and providing technical oversight to all activities under this component.

Economic Empowerment:

Economic Empowerment activities include comprehensive life skills, job-skills, and entrepreneurship training for qualified groups of young people in Somalia.

Participants will be eligible for a small-grants program for micro and small enterprises, and job-placement services in urban centers.

The Youth Advisor will be responsible for designing and delivery of livelihoods training, grants management, managing technical staff and consultants, including international and national sub-grantees and contractors.

Knowledge and Experience:

MA/S or equivalent in, international development or other relevant field.
Seven to ten of overseas education experience including three years in a senior management position
In-depth expertise in youth development in conflict and/or transitional environments.
Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
Strong interpersonal skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues.
Previous experience in Somalia preferable.

Success Factors:

The successful Youth Advisor will possess in-depth expertise in the youth development sector, both for increasing young people’s engagement with their communities and improving economic opportunities.

S/he will have strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate tactfully with high-level officials regarding their capacity needs.

S/he will have demonstrated skills working in challenging environments.

The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

Interest applicants should send a CV and Cover Letter to vacancy@so.mercycorps.org by July 15th.