Youth Economic Empowerment Lead (YEEL)

Position Title: Youth Economic Empowerment Lead (YEEL)

Location: Mogadishu with travel to Afgoye and Dayniile]

Position Type: Full-time

Duration: 1-year initial, renewable based on funding and performance; 3-month probation

Reporting to: Economic Development Program Manager, Shaqodoon Organization

1.  Background

The Adkeeysi Project, implemented under the Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) and funded by USAID/BHA, is a five-year initiative led by Save the Children in consortium with Shaqodoon Organization, AVSI, and GREDO. The project targets Dayniile (Banaadir) and Afgoye (Lower Shabelle) districts and aims to strengthen food security and resilience among displacement-affected communities, host populations, and other vulnerable groups. The project applies a locally tailored "graduation approach" to improve livelihoods, enhance access to services, promote inclusive economic development, and foster peaceful social integration.

Shaqodoon Organization leads the Economic Development component of the RFSA consortium, focusing on youth economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, market linkages, vocational skills training, financial inclusion and technological innovation component. As part of its commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth, Shaqodoon seeks a dynamic and experienced Youth Economic Empowerment Lead to oversee its interventions and contribute to consortium-level leadership in this sector.

2.  Purpose of the Position

The Youth Economic Empowerment Lead (YEEL) will lead the design, implementation, and coordination of economic empowerment strategies targeting youth within Shaqodoon’s component of the Adkeeysi Project. The role also supports the broader RFSA consortium by contributing to technical leadership, innovation, and strategic partnerships across the economic development and livelihoods sector.

3.      Key Responsibilities

·         Design and lead youth-focused economic empowerment programs including entrepreneurship, vocational training, and market access strategies.

·         Coordinate project planning and ensure alignment with Shaqodoon’s mandate and

RFSA consortium objectives.

·         Facilitate strong collaboration between Shaqodoon and consortium partners, including Save the Children, on economic development-related deliverables.

·         Identify market-driven opportunities and build partnerships with private sector actors to support youth enterprise development.

·         Lead providing regular mark based information including marker prizes to then consortium member

·         Support conflict-sensitive approaches to youth livelihoods in displacement-affected areas.

·         Lead regular project reviews, provide technical guidance to economic development assistances, coaches and trainers and ensure timely reporting (monthly, quarterly, annual).

·         Monitor project budgets, resource utilization, and compliance with internal financial and procurement policies.

·         Represent Shaqodoon in relevant coordination forums, working groups, and stakeholder engagements at district and consortium levels.

·         Support capacity building for staff and community facilitators on youth empowerment and financial literacy.

·         Oversee the documentation of best practices, success stories, and lessons learned.

·         Responsible the overall lead and management of the Shaqodoon’s project component activities

3.      Qualifications and Experience

·         Bachelor’s degree in economics, Development Studies, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).

·         At least 5 years of experience in youth economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, or vocational training in humanitarian or development settings.

·         Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working in consortia or multi-partner projects.

·         Proven experience in market systems development, private sector engagement, and youth livelihoods programming.

·         Familiarity with USAID/BHA or resilience-focused programming is an advantage.

4.      Functional Skills and Competencies

·         Project Planning & Implementation

·         Entrepreneurship & Business Development

·         Market Linkages & Private Sector Engagement

·         Financial Literacy Training

·         Youth Employment Strategies

·         Budget & Resource Management

·         Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

·         Proposal and Report Development

Behavioral Competencies:

·         Strong Communication and Leadership

·         Strategic and Innovative Thinking

·         Problem-Solving and Adaptability

·         Collaboration and Cultural Sensitivity

·         Time Management and Accountability

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to [email protected] on or before May 26th, 2025. Please indicate "Youth Economic Empowerment Lead – Shaqodoon/RFSA" in the subject line.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted