Program Manager – PROPEL Program Job at Mercy Corps

AI summary

Mercy Corps seeks a Program Manager for the PROPEL Program in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The role leads strategic management of a youth employment program, focusing on market systems development and private sector engagement. Responsibilities include partnership building, program implementation, and oversight of MEAL systems.

• Strategic leadership of youth employment program
• Focus on market systems and private sector partnerships
• Based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Description

Full Time Program Manager – PROPEL Program Job at Mercy Corps Posted 1 month ago by Mercy Corps Dar es Salaam Job Description This role is responsible for providing strategic leadership and overall management of the PROPEL (Promoting Employment Pathways for Economic Leadership) Program at the country level. The Program Manager ensures that all program activities are effectively designed, implemented, monitored, and adapted to create sustainable employment opportunities for young people, particularly NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) populations. The position focuses on market systems development, private sector engagement, youth employment, partnership building, and adaptive program management to achieve long-term development impact. The role works closely with government institutions, private sector companies, development partners, training institutions, financial service providers, and community stakeholders to strengthen labor market systems and create demand-driven employment pathways. The Program Manager also oversees program operations, financial management, monitoring and evaluation, risk management, and team leadership while ensuring compliance with donor and organizational requirements. Responsibilities Lead the overall implementation and management of the PROPEL Program at the country level Develop annual, quarterly, and operational work plans aligned with program objectives and country priorities Conduct and regularly update Political Economy Analysis (PEA) to understand factors affecting youth employment systems Integrate PEA findings into program design, implementation, partner engagement, and adaptive management processes Align program interventions with labor market demands and private sector workforce needs Ensure strategic alignment between market systems development and youth employment objectives Manage daily implementation of program activities to ensure quality, effectiveness, and timely delivery Identify and develop partnerships with private sector companies and lead firms Facilitate apprenticeships, internships, job placements, and business development opportunities Promote private sector investment and ownership of employment initiatives Support the transition from traditional training approaches to market-driven employment models Apply youth segmentation frameworks to identify and support different youth groups based on needs and employability levels Design targeted interventions for NEET youth, including skills development, entrepreneurship, and job readiness programs Promote inclusion of women, marginalized groups, and vulnerable populations Establish systems to monitor youth participation, progression, and employment outcomes Address barriers affecting youth access to employment opportunities Represent the program in meetings with government agencies, donors, private sector actors, and development partners Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners Strengthen labor market systems, skills development mechanisms, and access to finance initiatives Coordinate activities among implementing partners and stakeholders Ensure alignment with national employment policies and development priorities Oversee Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems Track program performance, systemic changes, and employment outcomes Promote evidence-based decision-making and continuous learning Prepare and submit high-quality reports to donors and regional management teams Manage program budgets and financial resources effectively Oversee procurement, grants management, and sub-award administration Ensure compliance with donor regulations and Mercy Corps policies Monitor operational efficiency, accountability, and value for money Identify program risks and develop mitigation strategies Ensure safeguarding principles are integrated into all program activities Promote participant welfare, safety, dignity, and inclusion Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct Supervise program staff and performance management processes Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for team members Qualifications Master’s Degree in Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field Strong understanding of market systems development and youth employment programming Knowledge of labor market systems, workforce development, and private sector engagement strategies Understanding of Political Economy Analysis (PEA) and adaptive management approaches Familiarity with donor-funded development programs and compliance requirements Knowledge of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks General Requirements Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in market systems development, livelihoods, youth employment, or economic development programs Proven experience managing large donor-funded development projects Demonstrated experience working with private sector partners and market-driven interventions Strong leadership and team management skills Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders Strong strategic thinking and systems-thinking capabilities Excellent project planning, implementation, and coordination skills Strong financial management and budget oversight experience Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building abilities Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills Ability to work effectively in complex and dynamic environments Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills Ability to adapt programs based on emerging evidence and changing contexts Strong monitoring, evaluation, and reporting skills High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and sustainable development principles Ability to deliver results under pressure and manage competing priorities Conclusion The Program Manager – PROPEL Program position is a senior leadership opportunity for professionals interested in international development, economic empowerment, market systems development, and youth employment. The role provides extensive exposure to strategic program management, donor relations, private sector engagement, policy influence, and large-scale development initiatives. With successful performance and continued professional growth, career progression may lead to positions such as Senior Program Manager, Country Program Director, Chief of Party, Regional Program Manager, Economic Development Director, Country Director, Regional Director, or senior leadership roles within international NGOs, development agencies, and donor-funded programs. Share Link: Related Jobs Full Time Program Manager – Market Systems for Employment (MS4E) Job at Mercy Corps posted 1 month ago by Mercy Corps Dar es Salaam Application deadline closed. Related Jobs Full Time Program Manager – Market Systems for Employment (MS4E) Job at Mercy Corps posted 1 month ago by Mercy Corps Dar es Salaam