Senior Manager/ Manager Youth Empowerment Programme at BRAC

About the Role:

The primary objective of this role is to provide technical and operational support to various countries across Asia and Africa on adolescent and youth-related programming. This position will offer hands-on technical support, develop operational guidelines, and strengthen the capacity of country teams while providing technical oversight and supervision to ensure the effective implementation of youth empowerment activities in projects such as the Mastercard Foundation Accelerating Impact for Young Women in Partnership with BRAC (AIM) and others. The incumbent will also play a key role in programme development for youth and integrated programs, support monitoring, learning, and advocacy efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

Support and quality assurance of youth empowerment activities

• Provide hands-on technical support to BI country teams, particularly AIM implementing teams, in planning and executing club-related activities and rolling out the life skills curriculum through standard operating procedures (SOPs) and curriculum development and rollout.
• Conduct periodic field visits and meetings with country teams to support implementation, and ensure the timely achievement of key project milestones.
• Establish a supportive supervision and monitoring system to regularly assess the progress, quality, impact, and effectiveness of youth empowerment interventions within BI programs.

Programme Development

• Work closely with country teams to continuously assess the context, needs, and opportunities, designing innovative youth programs to expand BRAC International’s portfolio across different countries.
• Participate in the project design process—both proactively and in response to calls for proposals—and contribute to the concept note and proposal development, including budget preparation for youth and integrated programs.
• Represent BRAC International in meetings with potential donors and partners to present the program strategy, approach, achievements, and learnings as required.

Support for Grants Management

• Participate in and support country teams during the grant kick-off process and regularly engage in grant review meetings involving youth empowerment interventions to ensure effective project implementation.
• Assist country teams with budget reviews, monitoring and donor reports, and the development of action plans. Ensure the successful execution and oversight of these action plans.

Capacity Building

• Collaborate with country program teams to assess capacity-building needs and plan, organize, and facilitate effective capacity-strengthening activities for staff involved in AIM and other youth empowerment projects.
• Create learning platforms to facilitate cross-country and cross-sector sharing of best practices to enhance the capacity of program staff.

Other Responsibilities

• Support the recruitment and onboarding of youth empowerment staff across different countries.
• Assist country teams in developing and maintaining strong relationships with key government stakeholders, donors, partners, and other relevant actors.
• Document and disseminate implementation experiences, knowledge, and learnings, representing the organization in relevant forums, conferences, and meetings to cultivate partnerships and engage in advocacy.
• Support country teams in actively participating in national and international advocacy efforts.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Implement programme decisions keeping the safety and dignity of programme participants/clients at the center, mitigate safeguarding risks and contribute to a safe working environment where staff are respected and feel confident to voice concerns without fear of retaliation.
• Participate in discussions on the safeguarding agenda in monthly meetings and actively voice concerns without fear.
• Report safeguarding incidents witnessed or experiences to the Safeguarding department. For known cases, maintain neutrality, be sensitive and non-judgemental to victims/survivors, and cooperate with organisational investigations providing accurate information as needed. 

Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelors/Masters in Youth Development, Education, Social Science, Development studies, International Development, Gender studies, and Community Development preferred.

Required Skills, Competencies & Knowledge:

• Demonstrated technical expertise in the subject area (youth empowerment, life skills curriculum development)
• Experience and knowledge of Global South (particularly in the countries of Asia and Africa) development challenges, particularly in the sector of youth development.
• Ability to connect youth programming with social and economic opportunities, particularly in decent work-related activities.
• Expertise in participatory approaches that actively involve young people in decision-making and program design, mentorship programs, and leadership development for young people.
• Experience in organising and delivering capacity-building initiatives
• Ability to produce highly professional reports and donor updates with excellent English & professional writing skills.
• Proven experience in building and managing partnerships with donors, partners, government and private sector actors
• Proven ability to effectively collaborate with multicultural teams, fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment.
• Open to learning and exploring new ideas, with a deep commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Ability to think strategically and drive innovation in program design and implementation.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic and fast-paced environments, demonstrating a high level of adaptability to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Proficient in using Microsoft and Google online tools, including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive, for seamless productivity and collaboration.
• Possesses strong critical and strategic thinking, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a client-oriented service mentality.
• Experience of providing technical guidance and supportive supervision to a large geographically dispersed team.
• Capable of working both individually and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal, negotiation, and presentation skills), facilitation and presentation skills.

Experience Requirements:  

• At least 3-5 years’ practical experience working with NGOs (preferably with adolescent and Youth development or related programs).