Leadership Development Advisor, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) 2030 1452 views0 applications

About IREX

IREX is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $100 million, offices in 20 countries, and a global staff of 600. We work in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Only citizens of Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa or permanent residents authorized to work in these countries will only be considered. This position is contingent on funding.

Position Summary

IREX seeks qualified Leadership Development Advisor candidates to support the premiere Young African Leaders Initiative Legacy Localization Activity, which will enable the development of a pan-Sub Saharan African youth leadership development organization that supports the continued and expanded advancement of youth leadership training across the continent and the furthering of alumni opportunities, while simultaneously advancing USAID priorities on inclusive and locally led development. This program will empower and connect young African leaders as they spur inclusive economic growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across sub-Saharan Africa. In this role, the Leadership Development Advisor will oversee all aspects of the program that focus on supporting YALI Africa and Regional Leadership Centers to harmonize, scale, and sustain leadership development throughout the program.

Summary of Responsibilities

· Provide direct support to the Chief of Party and technical leadership and oversight of implementation of activities under Objective 2 of the program, including increasing and diversifying enrollment in the Regional Leadership Centers, supporting YALI partners to harmonize curriculum across the RLCs, and enhance professional development of YALI instructors and administrators.

· Establish and maintain productive and collaborative working relationships with consortium partner organizations, RLCs, US- and African-based higher education institutions, and other program stakeholders relevant to portfolio.

· Contribute strategic direction and technical leadership to the program, ensuring portfolio deliverables are technically sound and submitted in a timely manner.

· Support the program team to build capacity of YALI Africa to assume responsibility for technical expertise around leadership development.

· Mange and mentor assigned staff and support their professional growth and development.

· Ensure program components in portfolio meet program objectives.

· Support program monitoring, learning and evaluation activities using learning to adapt programming as needed.

· Support the monitoring of program budgets and compliance.

· Ensure reporting deliverables are submitted to the donor in a timely manner and oversee the drafting of content, impact highlights, and program data for program reports.

· Contribute to internal IREX program reporting, knowledge management and information sharing.

· Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications

· Kenyan, Ghanaian, Senegalese, or South African country citizenship or residency with work authorization in these countries is required.

· Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in higher education administration, international development, or related field

· At least six (6) years of progressive experience on donor-funded programming

· Experience designing substantive experiential program experiences for early to mid-career professionals including tailored professional and leadership development opportunities for exchange participants.

· Experience on US government (USAID preferred) supported programs, with a focus on professional training/development programs in Africa.

· Experience working with U.S. university, organization, and business partners.

· Proven ability to develop and maintain fruitful relationships with donor counterparts, partners, and project stakeholders.

· Excellent interpersonal skills including problem solving, conflict resolution, and a demonstrated ability to hold self and assigned staff accountable for quality outputs and results.

· Skilled in the advanced use of modern communications tools, internet, email, social media, and teleconferences

· Well-organized, able to work independently and as part of a team, skilled at handling multiple complex tasks, and able to adhere to deadlines.

· Ability to communicate professionally and provide written reporting; outstanding verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills required.

· English fluency required, French or Portuguese an added bonus.