Program Manager - Youth & Jobs at Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)

Key responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and management for all youth employment programs under KEPSA, ensuring they meet their targets and align with KEPSA’s youth strategy and Kenya’s national youth employment goals. Oversee flagship initiatives spanning digital jobs, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), entrepreneurship development, and others, ensuring cohesive execution and maximum impact.
• Work closely with the Global Director, Youth and Jobs, to monitor and guide ongoing projects, and spearhead the design of new initiatives that respond to emerging opportunities. Develop project proposals and concepts that align with KEPSA’s youth agenda, focusing on innovative solutions to youth unemployment (e.g. digital gig work platforms, green jobs, creative industry opportunities, etc.).
• Manage and nurture partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders – including private sector companies, government agencies, educational institutions, and development partners. Act as the primary liaison for KEPSA’s youth programs, coordinating with ministries, county governments, and donor organizations to mobilize resources and foster collaboration in support of youth employment.
• Drive initiatives to expand digital and digitally-enabled employment opportunities for young Kenyans, in line with KEPSA’s vision of positioning Kenya as a leading hub for online work, outsourcing, and digital jobs . This includes supporting programs like the Ajira Digital Program and others that equip youth with digital skills and link them to jobs in the digital economy.
• Champion the integration of industry-led training approaches (such as dual TVET apprenticeships) that bridge the gap between education and industry needs, ensuring youth gain practical skills aligned to market demand . Oversee partnerships with institutions and employers to improve curricula, mentorship, and on-the-job training opportunities for youth, thereby boosting their employability.
• Oversee youth entrepreneurship and enterprise development programs, helping young people start and grow businesses. Provide strategic direction to initiatives that support youth-led startups, access to finance, mentorship, and market linkages, in order to stimulate job creation and innovation among Kenya’s youth.
• Lead project planning and execution for the youth employment portfolio – including setting work plans, managing budgets, supervising project teams or implementing partners, and ensuring timely delivery of outputs. Implement robust project management practices to keep multi-faceted programs on track across various regions of the country.
• Establish and maintain strong M&E frameworks to track program outcomes and impact on youth employment. Regularly evaluate progress against targets, identify lessons learned, and adapt strategies as needed. Ensure high-quality reporting to donors, KEPSA leadership, and other stakeholders on project performance, achievements, and challenges.
• Represent KEPSA’s youth and jobs initiatives in relevant forums, workshops, and policy dialogues at national and county levels. Advocate for effective policies and private-sector-driven approaches to youth employment, sharing success stories and best practices from KEPSA’s programs. Work with KEPSA’s communications team to promote the youth employment agenda and highlight program success stories.
• Provide mentorship and direction to project staff and consultants working on youth programs. Foster a high-performance culture within the team, setting clear goals and accountability. Facilitate knowledge-sharing and professional development among team members, and ensure adherence to KEPSA’s values and standards in all program activities.

Qualifications and experience

• Master’s degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Economics, or another relevant field. Advanced training or certification in project management is an added advantage.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience managing and leading large-scale programs in youth employment, skills development, or related fields. A proven track record of implementing multi-year projects that delivered tangible results in job placement, entrepreneurship support, or workforce development for youth is required.
• In-depth understanding of Kenya’s youth employment landscape, including the challenges and  opportunities faced by young job seekers and entrepreneurs. Familiarity with national policies and initiatives on youth (e.g. government youth empowerment programs, TVET reforms, digital economy strategy) is essential.
• Significant experience working at the intersection of private sector, government, and development agencies, with a solid understanding of how to forge effective public-private partnerships . Demonstrated ability to collaborate with corporate partners, government ministries, donors, and NGOs for collective impact.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with experience overseeing complex operations and multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to manage project teams and partner organizations across different locations, ensuring alignment with overall goals and efficient use of resources. 
• Competence in project budgeting, financial management, and donor compliance. Experience in preparing proposals, managing grants, and meeting reporting requirements of funding partners.
• Adept at using data and insights to drive decision-making. Experience in monitoring and evaluation of programs, and a commitment to achieving measurable outcomes (e.g. number of youth trained, placed into jobs, businesses launched, etc.).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to present complex ideas in a clear, compelling manner and to build consensus among diverse stakeholders. Strong report writing,  presentation, and negotiation skills are required.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing circumstances or priorities. Creative problem-solving skills and a willingness to innovate in program design to respond to the evolving job market for youth.
• A genuine passion for youth empowerment and economic development. The candidate should be inspired by KEPSA’s mission and the current youth agenda, demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference for young people in Kenya.

Key competencies

• Able to translate broad objectives into actionable plans. Capable of developing a long-term strategy for KEPSA’s youth employment initiatives while also handling day-to-day program management effectively.
• Proven ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and coordinate cross-functional efforts. Encourages a collaborative environment and motivates others to achieve high performance.
• Skilled in managing relationships and expectations of various stakeholders. Comfortable engaging with senior executives in the private sector, government officials, and community leaders alike to advance program goals.
• Excellent planning and organizational abilities, with keen attention to detail. Proficient in using project management tools and methodologies to ensure timely and quality execution of activities.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities. Able to assess labor market trends, interpret M&E data, and draw insights to refine program approaches for better results.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills. Can effectively represent KEPSA in public forums and media, and convey success stories to inspire further support for youth initiatives.
• Understanding of the Kenyan socio-economic context and cultural dynamics when working with youth across different communities. Sensitive to gender, inclusion, and diversity considerations in program design and implementation.