Youth Empowerment Officer

Position Title:                                Youth Empowerment Officer

Organization:                                 African Social Empowerment Network (ASEN)

Duty Station:                                  Somalia (with regular field travel)

Contract Type/Level:                Full-time; national position

(12 months, renewable subject to performance and funding)

Reports to:                                       Programme Manager (Youth & Social Inclusion)

Supervises:                                      Youth Mobilizers/Facilitators and project volunteers

Application Email:                      [email protected]

Application Deadline:               27 October 2025, 23:59 EAT (UTC+3)

Job Summary

ASEN seeks a dynamic Youth Empowerment Officer to lead the design and delivery of youth-focused initiatives that strengthen life skills, civic engagement, leadership, and livelihoods for Somali youth across host and displaced communities. The role will coordinate trainings, mentorship, and youth-led actions; foster inclusive participation in governance and peacebuilding; and link young people to entrepreneurship and employability opportunities. The Officer will ensure youth voices shape ASEN programming and advocacy while driving quality implementation, partnerships, and learning.

1. Background

African Social Empowerment Network (ASEN) is a local organization committed to promoting social justice, youth empowerment, and equitable opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable groups. ASEN implements programs that enhance youth participation in leadership, peacebuilding, education, and socio-economic development across Somalia.

2. Purpose of the Position

To lead initiatives that empower Somali youth through skills development, leadership training, civic engagement, and livelihood opportunities, ensuring youth perspectives are integrated across ASEN’s programming, partnerships, and advocacy.

3. Key Responsibilities

●        Program Design & Delivery: Design and implement youth empowerment and leadership projects aligned with workplans, budgets, and donor requirements.

●        Capacity Strengthening: Facilitate training sessions (life skills, leadership, civic engagement, SRH/GBV referral awareness, employability), mentorship schemes, and community campaigns.

●        Youth Participation: Strengthen safe, inclusive youth participation in peacebuilding, governance, and decision-making processes.

●        Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship: Support market-relevant livelihood pathways—entrepreneurship coaching, TVET linkages, internships, savings groups, and small grants.

●        Outreach & Mobilization: Map and mobilize youth groups and community organizations, ensuring gender and disability inclusion.

●        Partnerships & Coordination: Collaborate with authorities, NGOs, private sector, and UN agencies to advance youth priorities.

●        Monitoring & Reporting: Apply results-based management, track indicators, document success stories, and prepare timely donor reports.

●        Safeguarding & AAP: Uphold safeguarding and PSEA standards, ensure safe referrals, and promote adolescent-safe engagement.

●        Risk & Compliance: Ensure Do-No-Harm and adherence to ASEN and donor policies (anti-fraud, data protection, code of conduct).

Minimum Requirements:

●        Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Education, Youth Work, or related field.

●        Minimum of 3 years of experience in youth empowerment or development programming in Somalia.

●        Strong facilitation, mentorship, and community mobilization experience with diverse youth (including women and persons with disabilities).

●        Experience in civic engagement, peacebuilding, or youth livelihoods.

●        Excellent communication in Somali and English.

●        Competence in basic MEAL tools, data collection, and digital systems (Kobo/ODK).

Desirable:

●        Postgraduate training in youth development or project management.

●        Experience working with UN or INGO-funded youth programs.

●        Knowledge of gender equality, disability inclusion, and youth entrepreneurship ecosystems.

5. Competencies

●        Youth-Centered Practice: Promotes safe, inclusive spaces for youth engagement.

●        Results-Oriented: Delivers on plans and meets targets with quality.

●        Networking & Partnership: Builds and maintains productive collaborations.

●        Innovation: Develops creative solutions to youth challenges.

●        Integrity & Accountability: Upholds ASEN’s values, PSEA, and data protection standards.

●        Teamwork & Communication: Works collaboratively and communicates effectively across teams.

6. Safeguarding, PSEA, and Child Protection

ASEN upholds a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. All staff must adhere to ASEN’s Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding and PSEA training. Any breach will result in disciplinary action, including possible termination.

7. Working Conditions & Travel

The position is based in ASEN’s Somalia office with frequent travel to field sites. The role may require flexible working hours, including weekends and evenings, depending on program needs.

Interested candidates should submit the following to [email protected]  by 27 October 2025, 23:59 EAT (UTC+3):

1.       Updated CV

2.       Cover Letter (maximum 1 page).

Email subject: Application – Youth Empowerment Officer

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. ASEN is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and youth from marginalized communities.