Deadline: Ongoing
Ford Foundation is currently seeking applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Program Officer, Youth Opportunity and Learning in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Program Officer will support the strategy of the West Africa Office and the broader social justice goals of the Ford Foundation.
The Ford Foundation’s mission is to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement.
Key Jobs Responsibilities
The Program Officer, Youth Opportunity and Learning will perform the following functions-
- Develop an integrated program strategy identifying key leverage points and opportunities for impact; as well reflect the complementary roles of government, market, civil society, learning institutions, communities and youth with a view to fostering dialogue, collaboration and commitment.
- Formulate grant making plans to implement the program strategy.
- Solicit, review, and respond to grant proposals.
- Prepare recommendations for Foundation funding.
- Work with other Foundation staff to monitor grants and promote effective communication of results.
- Develop learning strategies related to the achievement of the portfolio’s goals.
- Provide intellectual leadership in the field of Youth Opportunity and Learning in West Africa.
- Work closely with the Representative and other Program Officers in the West Africa Office to develop and implement an integrated Office strategy.
- Work closely with Program Officers and Communications staff throughout the Foundation whose work relates to the central mission of the portfolio, including colleagues in other offices to advance the Foundation’s worldwide agenda and goals in advancing Youth Opportunity and Learning.
- Collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders active in the youth space to build creative and lasting multi-sector networks and collaborative environment.
- A strong commitment to youth opportunity and learning in West Africa and globally.
- Exemplary critical thinking skills for analyzing the field and identifying strategic opportunities.
- Expertise in policy analysis and design as well as institutional change.
- Excellent analytical, conceptual and judgment skills.
- Working knowledge of French.
- Exceptional collaboration skills and a demonstrated record of successful teamwork.
- Skills in convening and facilitating collaborative work towards achieving social change.
- Grant-making experience and/or knowledge of the youth sector within civil society, government, academia or philanthropy in West Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have-
- Advanced Graduate degree in social sciences, law, humanities or related fields.
- Minimum of 7 years of practical field experience and/or scholarship on youth learning, skill development, leadership and agency.
- Strong understanding of concepts and issues in youth learning, skill development, leadership and agency as well as demonstrable familiarity with challenges confronting young people in West Africa.
- Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to effectively engage with youth, government, nongovernmental organizations, private sector, academic and research institutions, donor agencies and local/rural communities.
- Ability to work travel extensively regionally and internationally on behalf of the Foundation.
- Written and oral fluency in English.
- Strong project management, prioritization and analytical skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others as well as in teams.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through online process.
For more information, please visit Ford Foundation.
